### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; ### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , that it does not instrumentalize the migratory flows against the eu , for political purposes , and that it abides fully by the eu-turkey statement especially with regard to the effective prevention of flows , dismantle of smuggling networks , control of its borders and acceptance of returns , in a non-discriminatory manner;


### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; ### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; expects turkey to implement in full and in a non-discriminatory manner the eu-turkey statement of march 2016 and the eu-turkey readmission agreement;


### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; ### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and demands it to never use the flows of refugees against the eu; in this regard , calls on the commission to take action against all attempts by turkey to use the facility as leverage against the eu;


### 26. expects the commission to fully make use of the possibilities afforded by the programme-based approach under the geographic pillar of the ndici-global europe and ipa iii , complemented by global thematic programming , rapid response funding and the large unprogrammed reserve under the ndici-global europe; ### 26. expects the commission to fully make use of the possibilities afforded by the programme-based approach under the geographic pillar of the ndici-global europe , complemented by global thematic programming , rapid response funding and the large unprogrammed reserve under the ndici-global europe;


### 27. is confident that the ndici-global europe will allow for increased flexibility and responsiveness , allowing it to continue the activities of the existing trust funds and thereby safeguard the unity of the union budget; ### 27. is confident that the ndici-global europe will allow for increased flexibility and responsiveness , allowing it to continue the activities of the existing trust funds and thereby safeguard the unity of the union budget; believes that the allocation of funding to the tasks taken over by ndici-global europe from the trust funds needs to be done efficiently;


### 28. in the event of greater needs in the mff 2021-2027 , advocates increasing the ndici-global europe envelope through a revision of the mff and the ndici-global europe regulations , or a strengthening of the relevant ndici-global europe budget lines with contributions in the form of external assigned revenue; stresses that , should a need for a duly justified new trust fund nevertheless arise , it insists that parliament must be fully involved from the very outset; ### 28. in the event of greater needs in the mff 2021-2027 , advocates increasing the ndici-global europe envelope through a revision of the mff and the ndici-global europe regulations , or a strengthening of the relevant ndici-global europe budget lines with contributions in the form of external assigned revenue; stresses that , should nevertheless a need for a duly justified new trust fund arise , following an outbreak of a major crisis , a sudden change in international relations requiring a major eu financial response , or the need to pool resources with third countries which would not be feasible under the co-legislated instruments , insists that parliament must be fully involved from the very outset;


### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the charter) , in particular articles 7 , 8 , 47 and 52 thereof , ### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the charter) , in particular articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 16 , 47 and 52 thereof ,


### — having regard to directive (eu) 2016/680 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention , investigation , detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties , and on the free movement of such data (the law enforcement directive for data protection)10 , ### — having regard to directive (eu) 2016/680 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention , investigation , detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties , and in particular article 45(3) thereof , and on the free movement of such data (the law enforcement directive for data protection , 'led')10 , in particular article 36(3) thereof ,


### — having regard to the commission proposal of 10 january 2017 for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council concerning the respect for private life and the protection of personal data in electronic communications and repealing directive 2002/58/ec (regulation on privacy and electronic communications – com(2017)0010) and the european parliament’s position thereon adopted on 20 october 201712 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the edpb opinion of xxxx on the draft adequacy decisions for the uk , ### — having regard to edpb opinions 14/2021 and 15/2021 of 13 april 2021 on the draft adequacy decisions for the uk ,


### a. whereas the ability to transfer personal data across borders has the potential to be a key driver of innovation , productivity and economic competitiveness; ### a. whereas the ability to transfer personal data across borders has the potential to be a key driver of innovation , productivity and economic competitiveness , and is of crucial importance for effective cooperation in the fight against cross-border organised and serious crime as well as terrorism , which increasingly depends on the exchange of personal data;


### 1. notes that the uk is a signatory to the european convention on human rights (echr) and the council of europe convention for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data; expects the uk to ensure the same minimum framework of data protection , despite having left the european union; ### 1. welcomes that the uk has incorporated all provisions of the gdpr into its national law and that the national legislation transposing the eu law enforcement directive continues to apply; highlights , moreover , that the uk is a signatory to the european convention on human rights (echr) and the council of europe convention 108 for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data , as well to its amending protocol , the so-called ‘convention 108+’; expects the uk to fully comply with its obligations under these international treaties;


### 2. welcomes the uk’s commitment to respect democracy and the rule of law , and protect and give domestic effect to fundamental rights such as those set out in the echr , including high levels of data protection; recalls that this is a necessary precondition for the eu’s cooperation with the uk; recalls that despite article 8 of the echr on the right to privacy being part of uk domestic law via the human rights act 1998 and common law via the new tort of misuse of privacy information , efforts to include a fundamental right to data protection were voted down by the government; ### 2. welcomes the uk’s commitment to respect democracy and the rule of law , and to protect and give domestic effect to fundamental rights such as those set out in the echr , including high levels of data protection; recalls that this is a necessary precondition for the eu’s cooperation with the uk; recalls that despite article 8 of the echr on the right to privacy being part of uk domestic law via the human rights act 1998 and common law via the new tort of misuse of privacy information , efforts to include a fundamental right to data protection were voted down by the government;


### 3. is concerned about public statements by the uk prime minister declaring that uk will seek to diverge from eu data protection rules and establish its own ‘sovereign’ controls in this field; considers that the 2020 uk national data strategy represents a shift from the protection of personal data towards a wider use and sharing of data that is incompatible with the principles of fairness , data minimisation and purpose limitation under the gdpr; ### 3. is aware of public statements by the uk prime minister declaring that uk will seek to diverge from eu data protection rules and establish its own ‘sovereign’ controls in this field; stresses , however , that so far no legislative action has been taken on these political declarations; considers that the 2020 uk national data strategy represents a shift from the protection of personal data towards a wider use and sharing of data that could have an impact on the principles of fairness , data minimisation and purpose limitation set out in the gdpr and mirrored in the uk gdpr , although it aims to maintain high data protection standards; notes that the strategy emphasises the commitment of the uk to obtain an adequacy decision from the eu and to ensure that the free flow of data to and from the uk to global partners is properly protected;


### 4. expresses its concern about the lack and sometimes non-existent enforcement of the gdpr by the uk when it was still a member of the eu; points to the lack of proper enforcement by the uk information commissioner’s office in the past; ### 4. recalls the edpb assessment regarding the existence and effective functioning of an independent supervisory authority in the uk; underlines that the information commissioner’s office (ico) is a well-equipped and active data protection authority which already had enforcement powers before the gdpr was in place and imposed significant fines under the gdpr when it was still a member of the eu; points to the importance of proper enforcement by the uk information commissioner’s office and stresses that the uk should ensure that the ico maintains a high level of expertise and resources so it can properly enforce the uk data protection framework;


### 5. is concerned that uk data protection law contains a broad derogation from aspects of the fundamental data protection principles , such as the right of access and the right of a data subject to know with whom their data has been shared , if such protection would ‘prejudice effective immigration control’15 ; points out that this exemption is available to all data controllers in the uk; is concerned about the recently revealed information that the immigration exemption was used in over 70 % of data subject requests to the home office in 202016 ; ### 5. is concerned that uk data protection law contains a derogation from certain data protection rights , such as the right of access and the right of a data subject to know with whom their data has been shared , if such protection would ‘prejudice effective immigration control’15; recognises that this exemption , which is available to all data controllers in the uk , has been endorsed by the ico and a court and can only be invoked on a case-by-case basis and applied in a necessary and proportionate way; recalls recently revealed information whereby 17 ,780 access requests were made in relation to data processed concerning 146.75 million data subjects and that the immigration exemption was used in over 70 % of data subject requests to the home office in 202016 ; stresses that even in those cases where the home office made use of the derogation , access to information was not completely denied but restricted to redacted documents;


### 6. notes that this exception now applies to eu citizens who reside or plan to reside in the uk; is strongly concerned that the exemption removes key opportunities for accountability and remedies; ### 6. notes that this exception , which can be challenged before the ico and uk courts , may be invoked towards eu citizens who reside or plan to reside in the uk; calls on the commission to closely monitor the application of this exception to ensure that it does not remove key opportunities for accountability and remedies; calls on the commission to ask safeguards in order to protect eu citizens against the possible use of this exemption in the future and to uphold the rights and remedies of eu citizens under the gdpr;


### 8. recalls the revelations of mass surveillance by the us and the uk , as revealed by whistle-blower edward snowden; recalls that the uk ‘tempora’ programme run by the government communications headquarters (gchq) intercepts communications in real time through fibre-optical internet backbone cables , and records the data so it can be processed and searched at a later time; ### 8. recalls the revelations of mass surveillance by the us and the uk , as revealed by whistle-blower edward snowden; recalls that the european court for human rights (echr) in 2018 ruled the uk’s mass data interception and retention programmes , including the ‘tempora’ programme run by the government communications headquarters (gchq) and used to intercept communications in real time through fibre-optical internet backbone cables , and record the data so they can be processed and searched at a later time , unlawful;


### 9. recalls its resolution of 12 march 2014 , which found that the indiscriminate and non-suspicion-based mass surveillance programmes conducted by the uk intelligence agency gchq are incompatible with the principles of necessity and proportionality in a democratic society and are not adequate under eu data protection law; ### 9. recalls furthermore its resolution of 12 march 2014 , which found that the indiscriminate and non-suspicion-based mass surveillance programmes conducted by the uk intelligence agency gchq are incompatible with the principles of necessity and proportionality in a democratic society and are not adequate under eu data protection law; recognises , that the uk has since significantly reformed its surveillance laws and introduced safeguards which go beyond the conditions defined by the cjeu in its schrems ii ruling and which go beyond the safeguards provided in the surveillance laws of most member states; welcomes in particular the provision of full access to effective judicial redress; reminds that the un rapporteur on the right to privacy has welcomed the strong safeguards introduced with the investigatory powers act 2016 in terms of necessity , proportionality and independent authorisation by a judicial body;


### 10. recalls that in september 2018 , the european court of human rights confirmed that the uk’s mass data interception and retention programmes , including tempora , were ‘unlawful and incompatible with the conditions necessary for a democratic society’19 ; ### deleted


### 11. is concerned that the draft adequacy decisions fail to take into account either the actual use of uk bulk data powers or uk-us surveillance operations; points out that furthermore , in relation to the us , uk citizens are subject to some informal safeguards between gchq and the national security agency (nsa); expresses deep concern that these safeguards would not protect eu citizens or residents whose data may be subject to onward transfers and sharing with the nsa; ### 11. is concerned about the actual use of uk bulk data powers and uk-us surveillance operations; points out that further sharing of personal data with intelligence agencies in third countries are subject to specific safeguards provided in the data protection act 2019 and the investigatory powers act 2016; is concerned that these safeguards do not sufficiently protect eu citizens or residents whose data may be subject to onward transfers and sharing with the nsa;


### 13. points out that the uk rules on the sharing of personal data under the digital economy act 2017 and on onward transfers of research data are clearly not ‘essentially equivalent’ to the rules set out in the gdpr , as interpreted by the cjeu; ### deleted


### 14. is strongly concerned that a uk adequacy status would therefore lead to the bypassing of the eu rules on transfers to countries or territories not deemed adequate under eu law; ### 14. underlines that the uk rules governing personal data transfers to third countries are identical to the rules provided in the gdpr; considers , however , that the commission should monitor the application of these rules in practice as the uk’s granting of adequacy status to countries or territories not deemed adequate under eu law could lead to the bypassing of the eu rules on transfers;


### 15. takes note that on 1 february 2021 , the uk sent a request to join the comprehensive and progressive trans-pacific partnership (cpttp) , in particular to ‘benefit from modern digital trade rules that allow data to flow freely between members , remove unnecessary barriers for businesses [etc.]’; notes with concern that there are eleven members of the cpttp , eight of which do not have an adequacy decision from the eu; is strongly concerned about potential onward transfers of personal data from eu citizens and residents to these countries if the uk is granted an adequacy decision20 ; ### 15. takes note that on 1 february 2021 , the uk sent a request to join the comprehensive and progressive trans-pacific partnership (cptpp) , in particular to ‘benefit from modern digital trade rules that allow data to flow freely between members , remove unnecessary barriers for businesses [...]’; notes eight of the eleven members of the cpttp are not subject to an adequacy decision from the eu; reminds that if the uk is granted an adequacy decision[1] , onward transfers of personal data from eu citizens and residents to these countries would only be possible in compliance with the uk’s national rules on transfers to third countries , which are exactly the same as those provided in chapter v of the gdpr;


### 16. is concerned that if the uk includes provisions on data transfers in any future trade agreements , inter alia us-uk trade agreements , the level of protection offered by the gdpr would be undermined; ### 16. notes that if the uk includes provisions on data transfers in any future trade agreements , inter alia us-uk trade agreements , this could entail the risk of the level of protection for personal data provided by the uk being lowered; calls therefore on the commission to monitor this aspect;


### 18. notes the uk’s cross-border data access agreement with the us21 , under the us cloud act , which facilitates transfers for law enforcement purposes; is concerned that this will allow undue access to the personal data of eu citizens and residents by us authorities; ### 18. notes the uk’s cross-border data access agreement negotiated with the us21 , under the us cloud act , which should facilitate transfers for law enforcement purposes; takes note that the agreement has not yet entered into force as the uk is seeking additional safeguards from the us and has committed to informing the commission of those additional safeguards before the agreement enters into force; expects those safeguards to prevent undue access to the personal data of eu citizens and residents by us authorities and calls on the commission to monitor the implementation of the agreement in this regard;


### 19. recalls that cjeu judgment c-623/17 must be interpreted as precluding national legislation enabling a state authority to require providers of electronic communications services to carry out the general and indiscriminate transmission of traffic data and location data to the state’s security and intelligence agencies for the purpose of safeguarding national security; ### 19. recalls that cjeu in its judgment c-623/17 clearly stated that the eprivacy directive read in light of the relevant provisions of the charter does not preclude national legislation enabling a state authority to require providers of electronic communications services to carry out the general and indiscriminate transmission of traffic data and location data to the state’s security and intelligence agencies in case of a serious threat to national security and subject to strict conditions;


### 20. notes that in this case , the cjeu ruled that the bulk data collection carried out in the uk under the regulation of investigatory powers act 2000 was illegal; points out that the regulation has since been replaced by the investigatory powers act (the ipa 2016) in order to strengthen the principles of necessity and proportionality; underlines that the ipa 2016 makes interception subject to judicial oversight and empowers individuals to access their data and lodge complaints before the investigatory powers tribunal; deplores , however , the fact that the ipa 2016 continues to enable the practice of bulk data retention; ### 20. notes that in this case , the cjeu ruled that the bulk data collection carried out in the uk under the regulation of investigatory powers act 2000 was illegal; points out that by that time , the regulation had long been replaced by the investigatory powers act (the ipa 2016) which considerably strengthened the principles of necessity and proportionality; underlines that the ipa 2016 makes interception subject to prior judicial approval and oversight and empowers individuals to access their data and lodge complaints before the investigatory powers tribunal; stresses that these safeguards were welcomed by the un rapporteur on the right to privacy and deemed a “significant improvement” of the uk regime by the edpb; deplores , the fact that the ipa 2016 continues to enable the practice of bulk data retention while recognising that the above mentioned limitations , safeguards and avenues for redress apply also in case of data retention and data collection in bulk;


### 22. is concerned about the shortcomings and violations identified in the way the uk implemented data protection law while it was still a member of the eu; recalls that the uk was recording and maintaining an illegal copy of the schengen information system; is therefore concerned about data being exchanged with uk law enforcement agencies , and about the uk maintaining access to eu law enforcement databases; ### 22. is concerned about the shortcomings and violations identified in the way the uk implemented data protection law while it was still a member of the eu; recalls that the uk was recording and maintaining an illegal copy of the schengen information system; expects uk law enforcement agencies to fully comply with the applicable rules when exchanging personal data in the future; reminds that the uk maintains access to some eu law enforcement databases only on a hit/no hit basis and is legally excluded from accessing the schengen information system;


### 23. notes that the draft adequacy decision fails to take account of the uk’s actual surveillance practices and reflects an inaccurate and limited understanding of the types of communications data that fall under uk data retention and lawful interception powers; ### 23. notes that the draft adequacy decision thoroughly assesses the rights of each uk authority empowered by national law to intercept and retain personal data for national security reasons; welcomes furthermore that detailed oversight reports concerning intelligence community authorities provide information regarding the uk’s actual surveillance practices; calls on the commission to further assess and monitor the types of communications data that fall under uk data retention and lawful interception powers;


### 24. points out that the eu-uk trade and cooperation agreement (tca) includes titles regarding the exchange of dna , fingerprints and vehicle registration data , the transfer and processing of passenger name record data (pnr) , cooperation on operational information and cooperation with europol and eurojust , which will apply regardless of the adequacy decision; recalls , however , the concerns expressed in the opinion of the committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs of february 2021 on the tca regarding the special use and longer retention of personal data granted to the uk under the prüm and pnr titles of the tca , which are not in line with the uses and retentions by the member states; ### 24. points out that the eu-uk trade and cooperation agreement (tca) includes titles regarding the exchange of dna , fingerprints and vehicle registration data , the transfer and processing of passenger name record data (pnr) , cooperation on operational information and cooperation with europol and eurojust but does in itself not provide a legal basis for transfers; stresses that these provisions can be suspended in case the uk shows serious deficiencies regarding the protection of personal data , including where which will apply regardless of the adequacy decision; recalls , the concerns expressed in the opinion of the committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs of february 2021 on the tca regarding the special use and , during an interim period and subject to additional safeguards , longer retention of personal data granted to the uk under the pnr title of the tca; acknowledges that pnr agreements with other third countries also provide for the processing of pnr data to protect the vital interests of any individual and that the cjeu has accepted such exceptional uses in its opinion on the draft eu-canada agreement; welcomes that the processing of special categories of data remains prohibited;


### 25. calls on the commission to assure eu businesses that the adequacy decision will provide a solid , sufficient and future-oriented legal basis for data transfers; underlines the importance of making sure that this adequacy decision will be deemed acceptable if reviewed by the cjeu and stresses that all recommendations made in the edpb opinion should therefore be taken on board; ### 25. calls on the commission to assure eu businesses that the adequacy decision will provide a solid legal basis for data transfers insofar as the data protection regimes of the uk and the eu remain convergent in law and in practice; underlines the importance of making sure that this adequacy decision will be deemed acceptable if reviewed by the cjeu and stresses that all recommendations made in the edpb opinion should therefore be taken on board;


### 26. welcomes the fact that the adequacy decision will be reviewed every four years and will include a sunset clause , and calls on the commission to keep monitoring the level of data protection in the uk in law and practice in the meantime; ### 26. welcomes the fact that the adequacy decisions will only apply for four years since the uk might choose to amend the legislation subject to the commission’s adequacy assessment now that it is no longer an eu member state; calls on the commission to keep monitoring the level of data protection in the uk in law and practice in the meantime and to do a thorough assessment before renewing the adequacy decision in 2025;


### 27. calls for the commission to consult with parliament on any future changes to the uk data protection regime , and for a scrutiny role for parliament in the new institutional framework , including for relevant bodies such as the specialised committee on law enforcement and judicial cooperation; ### 27. calls for the commission to keep the parliament informed about and consider its position on any relevant future changes to the uk data protection regime as well as about related discussions in relevant bodies such as the specialised committee on law enforcement and judicial cooperation;


### 1. underlines the important role of the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (‘europol’) in supporting member states’ criminal investigations; emphasises also the extension of its tasks and its growing role in the prevention and combating of serious crime , including terrorism; ### 1. underlines the important role of the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (‘europol’) in supporting member states’ criminal investigations and providing operational analysis; emphasises also the extension of its tasks and its growing role in the prevention and combating of serious and organised crime , and terrorism;


### 1. underlines the important role of the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (‘europol’) in supporting member states’ criminal investigations; emphasises also the extension of its tasks and its growing role in the prevention and combating of serious crime , including terrorism; ### 1. underlines the important role of the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (‘europol’) in supporting member states’ criminal investigations; emphasises also the extension of its tasks and its growing role in the prevention and combating of serious crime , including terrorism and organised crime;


### 8. notes with concern the finding of the court , which also relates to the follow-up of the previous year’s findings , that the agency irregularly prolonged the duration of a framework contract for the provision of business travel services by signing amendments in 2018 and 2019 after the contract had expired , rendering the amendments and related payments irregular; notes the agency’s reply that the prolongation in 2019 was the result of a conscious business decision and did not constitute a weakness in ex-ante control and that , furthermore , an internal audit was to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a view to obtaining additional assurances on the agency’s contract management approach; calls on the agency to strengthen accordingly contract management and ex-ante controls; ### 8. notes with concern the finding of the court , which also relates to the follow-up of the previous year’s findings , that the agency irregularly prolonged the duration of a framework contract for the provision of business travel services by signing amendments in 2018 and 2019 after the contract had expired , rendering the amendments and related payments irregular; notes the agency’s reply that the prolongation in 2019 was the result of a conscious business decision to preserve business continuity and did not constitute a weakness in ex-ante control and that , furthermore , an internal audit was to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a view to obtaining additional assurances on the agency’s contract management approach; calls on the agency to improve the regularity of transactions and to strengthen accordingly contract management and ex-ante controls;


### 9. notes that , according to the court’s report , for the procurement of furniture , accessories and related services , the terms used in the documents for the call for tender were not specific enough , undermining the competitive nature of the tendering procedure; notes , moreover , that the agency did not sufficiently check the accuracy of underlying prices and the calculation of discounts applied for the non-standard items before submitting the order form to the contractor; notes that , according to the agency’s reply , the tender documentation included the subject matter of the procurement and the applicable exclusion , selection and award criteria , thus allowing for competitiveness and , with regard to the discount given by the contractor , the fact that the contractor had offered a higher discount than the standard rate included in the contract and the agency thus acted in compliance with the principles of sound financial management , in line with the provisions of the contract; ### 9. notes that , according to the court’s report , for the procurement of furniture , accessories and related services , the terms used in the documents for the call for tender were not specific enough , undermining the competitive nature of the tendering procedure; notes , moreover , that the agency did not sufficiently check the accuracy of underlying prices and the calculation of discounts applied for the non-standard items before submitting the order form to the contractor; notes that , according to the agency’s reply , the tender documentation included the subject matter of the procurement and the applicable exclusion , selection and award criteria , thus allowing for competitiveness and , with regard to the discount given by the contractor , the fact that the contractor had offered a higher discount than the standard rate included in the contract and the agency thus acted in compliance with the principles of sound financial management , in line with the provisions of the contract; calls on the agency to ensure that tendering specifications are comprehensive to allow fair and effective competition;


### 1. stresses that the european union agency for the operational management of large-scale it systems in the area of freedom , security and justice (the 'agency') offers an important contribution to a safer europe by providing high-quality services and helping to align member states’ technological capabilities with their needs; reminds that the agency’s capacity to both improve existing and develop new information systems was enhanced by its new mandate which entered into force in december 2018; ### 1. stresses that the european union agency for the operational management of large-scale it systems in the area of freedom , security and justice (the 'agency') offers an important contribution to a safer europe by applying the highest levels of information security and data protection to the information entrusted to it , providing high-quality services and helping to align member states’ technological capabilities with their needs; reminds that the agency’s new mandate that entered into force in december 2018 enhanced its capacity to both improve existing and develop new information systems and tasked the agency to ensure their interoperability;


### 3. reiterates the agency's very low budget implementation in 2019 , with close to 55.2 % (eur 159 million) of commitment appropriations carried forward and 47.8 % (eur 66 million) of payment appropriations unused; acknowledges that this was due to the late adoption or entry into force of certain legislative acts; calls on the agency and the commission to improve the budgetary planning in the future and to improve alignment of budgetary planning with the timing of the related legal acts; ### 3. reiterates the agency's very low budget implementation in 2019 , with close to 55.2 % (eur 159 million) of commitment appropriations carried forward and 32 % (eur 43 million) of payment appropriations returned to the general budget; acknowledges that this was due to the late adoption or entry into force of certain legislative acts , which created a significant difference between the actual timeline for their implementation compared with the timeline set by the commission in the respective legislative financial statements; recommends , therefore , the commission to involve and consult the agency at the earliest stage of preparation of relevant legislative proposals in order to improve the assumptions underpinning the financial planning and thereby improve alignment of budgetary planning with the timing of the related legal acts , also to avoid making it necessary for the agency to turn to private contractors and outsource tasks that may in turn lead to the agency becoming dependent on external entities for operations that are of a sensitive and critical nature;


### 5. notes that the agency is aiming to ensure cost efficiency and economy of scale through pooling resources with and via other agencies through participation in inter-institutional calls for tenders and contractual arrangements with other service providers to reduce administrative costs and to avoid the duplication of horizontal services; notes that the agency is working closely with the agencies in the justice and home affairs domain and that working arrangements and cooperation plans are in place with the european asylum support office , the european union agency for criminal justice cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement and cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european union agency for fundamental rights , the european union agency for cybersecurity and european border and coast guard agency; ### 5. notes that the agency is aiming to ensure cost efficiency and economy of scale through pooling resources with and via other agencies through participation in inter-institutional calls for tenders and contractual arrangements with other service providers to reduce administrative costs and to avoid the duplication of horizontal services; notes that the agency is working closely with the agencies in the justice and home affairs domain and that working arrangements and cooperation plans are in place with the european asylum support office , the european union agency for criminal justice cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement and cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european union agency for fundamental rights , the european union agency for cybersecurity and european border and coast guard agency; encourages the agency to continue to actively seek further and broader cooperation with all other union agencies;


### 22. notes that in anticipation of the uk’s withdrawal from the union , the agency made all the necessary preparations to execute the disconnection of the uk and the possible deletion of the uk data from the schengen information system and the european asylum dactyloscopy database as and when required by the legal framework; notes that the agency made the necessary preparations for the application of the provisions of the withdrawal agreement and the respective commission guidelines regarding the uk’s participation in the agency´s governance bodies , human resources management , statistical reports and other relevant matters; ### 22. notes that in anticipation of the uk’s withdrawal from the union , the agency made all the necessary preparations to execute the disconnection of the uk and the possible deletion of the uk data from the schengen information system and the european asylum dactyloscopy database as and when required by the legal framework; notes that the agency made the necessary preparations for the application of the provisions of the withdrawal agreement and the respective commission guidelines regarding the uk’s participation in the agency´s governance bodies , human resources management , statistical reports and other relevant matters; welcomes the agency’s active online presence in 2019; encourages the agency to continue promoting its work , research and activities to increase its public visibility;


### 7. the commission shall adopt a decision setting the date on which europol shall start entering , updating and deleting data in sis pursuant to this regulation as amended by regulation [xxx] , after verification that the following conditions have been met: ### 7. no later than [1 year after entry into force] , the commission shall adopt a decision setting the date on which europol shall start entering , updating and deleting data in sis pursuant to this regulation as amended by regulation [xxx] , after verification that the following conditions have been met:


### 1. acknowledges that the recent crises have confirmed the need to be able to mobilise investment and frontload financial support as from the very first years of recovery; is aware that in times of crisis resources have to be made available within tight deadlines and in rapidly changing circumstances; remarks that a significant amount of additional resources to be spent in a short amount of time increases the pressure on control systems; stresses , nevertheless , that rapid deployment of funds and swift adoption of legislative acts need to be complemented by adequate administrative measures; points out that the pressure to provide relief and the urge to use the resources in the shortest time possible could result in increased risk of corruption , fraud and other irregularities , and that such a situation requires efficient preventive measures and control management processes; ### 1. acknowledges that the recent crises have confirmed the need to be able to mobilise investment and frontload financial support as from the very first years of recovery; is aware that in times of crisis resources have to be made available within tight deadlines and in rapidly changing circumstances; remarks that a significant amount of additional resources to be spent in a short amount of time increases the pressure on control systems; stresses , nevertheless , that rapid deployment of funds and swift adoption of legislative acts need to be complemented by adequate measures; points out that the pressure to provide relief and the urge to use the resources in the shortest time possible could result in increased risk of corruption , fraud and other irregularities , and that such a situation requires efficient preventive measures and control management processes; highlights in this regard that the rules on the protection of the financial interests of the union apply equally also in the case of emergency support and emergency support instruments such as: crii , crii+ , react-eu and rrf;


### 5. expresses its concern , however , that transparency , control and anti-corruption reforms have met a certain resistance in some member states , which has been explained by the fact that they affect the personal interests of the law-makers and government officials in charge of enforcing them; ### 5. acknowledges all efforts undertaken by the commission to increase transparency , control and anti-corruption reforms in the member states through its enhanced rule of law toolbox; expresses its concern , however , that such reforms take longer time in some member states , which can be explained by different implications of national legal systems , legislative or institutional gaps; welcomes nevertheless , that several member states have adopted their national anti-corruption strategies or action plans and others have revised or are currently revising their existing ones and implies on the need for member states to have robust anti-corruption frameworks;8a


### 8. believes that it is important to keep citizens engaged in the fight against corruption and fully protected from negative personal consequences; calls on the commission to provide the right platforms for engagement; ### 8. believes that it is important to keep citizens engaged in the fight against corruption and fully protected from negative personal consequences; reiterates in this regard the need for the swift implementation of directive (eu) 2019/1937 on whistleblower protection by 17 december 2021; calls on the commission to provide the right platforms for engagement; acknowledges , in this relation that the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) allows any individual to report alleged cases of fraud and crimes affecting misuse of the eu budget directly on its web platform; highlights the possibility to report fraud also to the european anti-fraud office (olaf); notes , that the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (europol) gives further explanation to citizens on how to report certain types of crimes such as cybercrime;


### d. whereas the decision on its activation was taken by the council alone , without parliament’s involvement; ### d. whereas the decision on its activation was taken by the council alone , without parliament’s involvement in compliance with the provisions for activation as stipulated in article 2 (1) of the esi regulation(eu) 2016/369; 2a


### f. whereas because of the pressing nature of the crisis , procurement procedures and means of control have been relaxed in many places in order to expedite implementation; ### f. whereas because of the pressing nature of the crisis , procurement procedures have been optimised in many places in order to expedite implementation;


### n. whereas according to the latest report from transparency international and the world health organization collaborating centre (who cc)18 , the european commission is violating its own commitments on transparency and international principles of ‘good practice’ on transparency of public contracts when it uses too much redaction to cover elements of text in the advance purchase agreements (apa) contracts; ### n. whereas according to the latest report from transparency international and the world health organization collaborating centre (who cc)18 , the european commission is not entirely respecting its own commitments on transparency and international principles of ‘good practice’ on transparency of public contracts when it uses too much redaction to cover elements of text in the advance purchase agreements (apa) contracts; highlights , however that the commission is obligated by law to respect the provisions of the financial regulation and that a better and improved structure for a more rapid reaction by the commission in future crises is necessary;


### p. whereas in a situation of high expectation , severe pressure and unprecedented spending volumes , public officials could be unfit to keep up with the increased professional standards needed , or not at ease with doing so; whereas , furthermore , officials may not necessarily become promptly aware of conflict-of-interest situations; ### p. whereas in a situation of high expectation , severe pressure and unprecedented spending volumes , it is essential that public officials respect their increased professional standards including risks imposed by conflict-of-interest situations;


### 10. insists , however , that in order to curb the potential negative effects of these policies in terms of graft , top-down accountability tools such as audits should by default accompany any relaxation of contracting rules , as flexibility and reactivity should not come at the expense of public accountability and performance; ### 10. insists , however , that in order to curb the potential negative effects of these policies in terms of graft , top-down accountability tools such as audits should by default accompany any relaxation of contracting rules , as flexibility and reactivity should not come at the expense of public accountability and performance; notes that it has been demonstrated by the commission that accountability , transparency and efficiency of eu spending is guaranteed by the same monitoring and audit systems and rules used with regards to all eu funding under shared management;


### 13. believes that sound financial management should be pursued and that absorption should not be prioritised over value for money considerations; ### 13. believes that sound financial management should be pursued and that absorption should not be prioritised over eu-added value of the programs; is concerned that absorption is closely connected to outstanding commitments that have continued to grow; recalls the increasing gap between commitments and payments and the increase in the size of the union budget (the court’s rapid case review , ‘outstanding commitments - a closer look’) which poses a serious challenge for the discharge authority too; regrets that the possibility to utilise the amounts of unused commitment appropriations and decommitted appropriations under the multiannual financial framework from 2021-2027 to repay the debt incurred to fund the recovery plan , was not taken on board in the inter-institutional negotiations; calls on the commission to closely monitor the implementation and eu-added value of the programs by member states; welcomes furthermore the transition to the n+2 rule for all expenditure areas under the shared management funds;


### 13. believes that sound financial management should be pursued and that absorption should not be prioritised over value for money considerations; ### 13. believes that sound financial management should be pursued and that absorption should not be prioritised over value for money considerations; underlines that in the context of emergency spending , irregularities should not lead to suspension and interruptions of funds , so that the money flow to the beneficiaries is ensured; acknowledges that recoveries through financial corrections should be the preferred approach;


### 16. insists on the need to strengthen edes and its scope in the context of a forthcoming targeted revision of the financial regulation; ### 16. insists on the need to strengthen edes and its scope in the context of a forthcoming targeted revision of the financial regulation; calls on the commission to extend the scope of edes to funds under shared management with due respect for the principle of proportionality and appropriateness;


### 17. regrets the fact that olaf does not have full access to the arachne risk scoring tool; ### 17. regrets the fact that olaf and the eca do not have full access to the arachne risk scoring tool; believes that the current system , under which olaf and the eca have to request access to arachne’s risk calculation on a case-by-case basis , complicates the process of information exchange and thereby hampers the detection of and reaction to emerging risk patterns; calls on the member states and the commission to find a smooth solution for granting olaf and the eca access to the arachne risk scoring tool;


### 18. calls on the commission to evaluate the response to the covid-19 pandemic , to look at how corruption affected the outcome and whether integrity was upheld or undermined , and to report back to parliament on the main findings; ### 18. calls on the commission to evaluate the response to the covid-19 pandemic , to look at how corruption affected the outcome and whether integrity was upheld or undermined , and to report back to parliament on the main findings; reminds that only after analysing empirical evidence , payment claims and absorption data , effective conclusions on the union’s response to the crisis can be drawn; calls for the inclusion of dedicated chapter on emergency funds and crises-related spending in the 2020 discharge;


### 19. finds it lamentable that the commission makes extensive use of the redaction tool to cover parts of the apa contracts; insists , notwithstanding the sensitivity of the information , that such details are important in improving accountability and the global response to the virus; notes that the commission applies article 38(3)(d) of the financial regulation , referring to the case where disclosure of data risks harming the commercial interests of the recipients , and calls for proportionality of effective scrutiny and full accountability of the use of the resources with the public interest; ### 19. finds it dissatisfactory that the commission makes extensive use of the redaction tool to cover parts of the apa contracts; insists , notwithstanding the sensitivity of the information , that such details are important in improving accountability and the global response to the virus; calls on the commission to better plan transparency and accountability aspects in response to future crises; notes that the commission applies article 38(3)(d) of the financial regulation , referring to the case where disclosure of data risks harming the commercial interests of the recipients and that the commission is under a legal obligation to follow these rules; calls for proportionality of effective scrutiny and full accountability of the use of the resources with the public interest;


### 20. believes that if relevant data on public procurement were to be made publicly available for analysis , freely and easily accessible , in an open and standardised format , together with data on court convictions and on company registries , this could significantly foster the prevention and detection of potential cases of corruption; is of the opinion , therefore , that all public procurement contracts (using public money) should be publicly available , published on a dedicated website and with the minimum of redaction; ### 20. believes that if relevant data on public procurement were to be made publicly available for analysis , freely and easily accessible , in an open and standardised format , together with data on court convictions and on company registries , this could significantly foster the prevention and detection of potential cases of corruption; is of the opinion , therefore , that all public procurement contracts (using public money) should be publicly available , published on a dedicated website and with the minimum of redaction only when in compliance with legal requirements;


### 21. deplores the fact that , despite its strong links to the eu budget , the activation of the esi as part of the eu response to the covid-19 outbreak was done without full respect and observance of parliament’s prerogatives as co-legislator and final supervisor of the eu budget; ### 21. notes , that the decision for activation of the esi as laid out in regulation (eu) 2016/369 of 15 march 2016 on the provision of emergency support within the union is to be taken by the council on the basis of a commission proposal; criticises , however , the fact that , despite its strong links to the eu budget , the activation of the esi was done without full respect and observance of parliament’s prerogatives as budgetary authority and final supervisor of the eu budget;


### 22. objects vehemently , moreover , to the fact that , despite several attempts to get a clear overview , the committees on budgets and on budgetary control are not given access to relevant data on the eu funds spent under the esi to finance the advance purchase agreements (apa) contracts , amounting to around eur 2.5 billion for six apa contracts; ### 22. criticises the fact that , despite several attempts to get a clear overview , the committees on budgets and on budgetary control are not given appropriate access to relevant data on the eu funds spent under the esi to finance the advance purchase agreements (apa) contracts , amounting to around eur 2.5 billion for six apa contracts;


### 23. urges the commission to put in place a solid and transparent eu public procurement framework , when funds from the eu budget are fully or partially involved , that would allow for full and unlimited scrutiny by parliament , especially concerning major economic , security or health crisis-related spending areas; ### 23. acknowledges that the joint procurement agreement allows member states , eea and other countries to jointly negotiate better terms for supplying medical equipment; urges with views to this , the commission to put in place a solid and transparent eu public procurement framework , when funds from the eu budget are fully or partially involved , that would allow for full and unlimited scrutiny by parliament , especially concerning major economic , security or health crisis-related spending areas;


### 24. calls on the commission and the member states to work together towards the adoption of robust national anti-fraud strategies (nas) , that offer the benefit of coordinating the actions of several entities and guaranteeing optimisation of resources and coverage of all the areas of interest (expenditures under indirect and shared management , national funds , etc.); ### 24. calls on the commission and the member states to work together towards the adoption of robust national anti-fraud strategies (nafs) , that offer the benefit of coordinating the actions of several entities and guaranteeing optimisation of resources and coverage of all the areas of interest (expenditures under indirect and shared management , national funds , etc.); notes that by the end of 2020 , 14 member states had adopted nafs and 5 had launched procedures for doing so; notes that this represents progress compared to 2019 but regrets that still not all member states have adopted nafs or intend to do so; is concerned that the existing strategies vary in scope and depth and need to be updated in this regard; urges the member states to harmonise and align their standards and calls on the commission to initiate infringement procedures against member states refusing to do so; calls on the commission to identify weaknesses in the existing nafs and to support member states to ameliorate their strategies to ensure the existence of robust nafs throughout the union;


### 24. calls on the commission and the member states to work together towards the adoption of robust national anti-fraud strategies (nas) , that offer the benefit of coordinating the actions of several entities and guaranteeing optimisation of resources and coverage of all the areas of interest (expenditures under indirect and shared management , national funds , etc.); ### 24. calls on the commission and the member states to work together towards the adoption of robust national anti-fraud strategies (nafs) , that offer the benefit of coordinating the actions of several entities and guaranteeing optimisation of resources and coverage of all the areas of interest (expenditures under indirect and shared management , national funds , etc.); notes that olaf promotes the adoption of nafs and provides guidance to the member states; welcomes that 14 member states have already adopted their nafs and 5 are considering adopting one as compared to 2019;19a


### 25. insists on the need for collaborative work among the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and other eu bodies such as eurojust , europol and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) to carry out criminal investigations and prosecutions within the respective mandate/remit; ### 25. insists on the need for collaborative work among the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and other eu bodies such as eurojust , europol and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) to carry out criminal investigations and prosecutions within the respective mandate/remit; stresses that efficient collaboration is only possible when eu bodies are equipped with sufficient human and financial resources; is very concerned that the commission is not willing to guarantee an adequate staffing of the eppo that enables it to fulfil its mandate; criticises that the commission ignored the parliament's call to increase the eppo's staffing plan and did not implement the agreement of the 2020 conciliation; is very surprised that the agreed increase of temporary and contract agents was not realised because of the refusal of the commission; is very concerned that this refusal hampers the work of the eppo and its ability to process the existing backlog of 3000 cases; strongly insists that the commission changes its attitude and allows the eppo to hire the qualified experts needed to accelerate the fight against corruption , fraud , irregular spending and the misuse of funds;


### 25. insists on the need for collaborative work among the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and other eu bodies such as eurojust , europol and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) to carry out criminal investigations and prosecutions within the respective mandate/remit; ### 25. insists on the need for collaborative work among the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and other eu bodies such as eurojust , europol and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) to carry out criminal investigations and prosecutions within the respective mandate/remit; acknowledges in this regard the working arrangements signed between the eppo , olaf , european court of auditors , europol and eurojust; encourages better coordination and cooperation between these institutions , the commission and member states’ authorities;


### 28. is of the opinion that advances in the field of ai present a major opportunity for the public sector to detect and prevent fraud , for instance by strengthening the commission’s central analytical capacity , as it tools can easily scrape , link and analyse the necessary data and detect potential irregularities , fraud and corruption; suggests , therefore , that the commission , together with the member states , develop a framework that aspires to the highest standards in terms of legality , ethics , transparency , security , privacy and accountability so that public trust and confidence in the use of this tool is preserved; ### 28. is of the opinion that advances in the field of ai present a major opportunity for the public sector to detect and prevent fraud , for instance by strengthening the commission’s central analytical capacity , as it tools can easily scrape , link and analyse the necessary data and detect potential irregularities , fraud and corruption; calls on the commission and the member states to put in use a single integrated , interoperable information and monitoring system including a single data-mining and risk-scoring tool to access and analyse the relevant data and increase control reliability , with a view to a generalised application , including with the help of the technical support instrument;


### 29. takes the view that a centralised procurement administration to which contractors and contracting authorities are obliged to systematically report highly detailed project data and progress (in a standardised format) should be created , in order to facilitate data collection and treatment on an eu level; ### 29. takes the view that a single integrated , interoperable information and monitoring system would include procurement administration where contractors and contracting authorities report systematically project data and progress in a standardised format to facilitate improved data collection and treatment on an eu level;


### 1. refuses to give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement; ### 1. gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;


### 1. recalls the importance of the european asylum support office (‘easo’) for the development of the common european asylum system and emphasises the positive contribution of the easo to enhancing the practical cooperation of member states on asylum in europe , assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations as regards giving protection to people in need , and in acting as a centre of expertise on asylum; ### 1. recalls the importance of the european asylum support office (‘easo’) for the development of the common european asylum system and emphasises the positive contribution of the easo to enhancing the practical cooperation of member states on asylum in europe , assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations as regards giving protection to people in need , and in acting as a centre of expertise on asylum; recalls that in 2019 , about 17 700 applications for international protection were lodged by unaccompanied minors in eu+ countries; stresses the importance of providing a specific reception system for minors that protects their condition;


### 1. recalls the importance of the european asylum support office (‘easo’) for the development of the common european asylum system and emphasises the positive contribution of the easo to enhancing the practical cooperation of member states on asylum in europe , assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations as regards giving protection to people in need , and in acting as a centre of expertise on asylum; ### 1. recalls the importance of the european asylum support office (‘easo’) for the development of the common european asylum system and emphasises the positive contribution of the easo to enhancing the coherence of asylum case processing , strengthening the practical cooperation of member states on asylum in europe , assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations as regards giving protection to people in need , and in acting as a centre of expertise on asylum;


### 2. points out that the court has issued a qualified audit opinion on the legality and regularity of the payments underlying the accounts of easo for the financial year 2019; notes the court’s explanation that the qualified opinion was issued in relation to payments worth eur 13 ,8 million made in the framework of irregular procedures started up in the years 2016-2018 and payments worth eur 111 304 associated with a selection procedure for expert consultants lacking information to allow for a proper audit trail , and that these amounts represent 14 ,6 % of all payments made by easo in 2019; notes that corrective actions were implemented by easo in 2019 to address the irregularities; ### 2. points out that the court has issued a qualified audit opinion on the legality and regularity of the payments underlying the accounts of easo for the financial year 2019; notes the court’s explanation that the qualified opinion was issued in relation to payments worth eur 13 ,8 million made in the framework of irregular procedures carried out in the years 2016-2018 and payments worth eur 111 304 associated with a selection procedure for expert consultants lacking information to allow for a proper audit trail , and that these amounts represent 14 ,6 % of all payments made by easo in 2019; welcomes that corrective actions were implemented by easo in 2019 to address the irregularities; acknowledges that the agency had to reasonably ensure business continuity; notes with satisfaction that in relation to the procedures for interim workers in greece , there are no more payments to be made;


### 3. welcomes the fact that , since 2018 , easo has made considerable efforts to improve its internal control systems and has made significant progress in improving its governance processes , among others by re-establishing , in 2019 , an internal legal service , by establishing a new internal and ex-post control service , by taking corrective measures to prevent late payments and by introducing a ‘sensitive posts policy’; ### 3. welcomes the fact that , since 2018 , easo has followed up on all of the court's observations and has successfully completed several thereof; emphasises the considerable efforts made to improve its internal control systems and the significant progress achieved in improving its governance processes , among others by re-establishing , in 2019 , an internal legal sector , by establishing a new internal and ex-post control sector , by taking corrective measures to prevent late payments , by rigorously applying eu public procurement rules , notably for the provision of interim workers in italy , and by introducing a ‘sensitive posts policy’;


### 4. recalls that , according to the reports of the court for the financial years 2016 and 2017 , the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in greece and for the office’s rented premises in lesbos were irregular; recalls that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2018 , the court concluded that the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in italy were irregular , though no payments were made on those contracts yet; notes that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2019 , the office’s procedures for selecting and contracting external experts systematically lacked a solid audit trail , which in turn resulted in a lack of evidence that the office had treated experts equally in its selection procedures; notes the court’s opinion that , except for the effects of the qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments for the financial years 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , amounting to eur 13 979 880 , and the error found in 2019 , amounting to eur 111 304 , payments underlying the accounts for the year ended 31 december 2019 are legal and regular in all material aspects; ### 4. recalls that , according to the reports of the court for the financial years 2016 and 2017 , the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in greece and for the office’s rented premises in lesbos were irregular; recalls that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2018 , the court concluded that the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in italy were irregular , though no payments were made on those contracts yet; notes that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2019 , the office’s procedures for selecting and contracting external experts systematically lacked a solid audit trail , which in turn resulted in a lack of evidence that the office had treated experts equally in its selection procedures; notes the court’s opinion that , except for the effects of the qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments for the financial years 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , amounting to eur 13 979 880 , and the error found in 2019 , amounting to eur 111 304 , payments underlying the accounts for the year ended 31 december 2019 are legal and regular in all material aspects; welcomes that corrective actions were implemented by easo in 2019 to address those irregularities;


### 6. notes that , on 31 december 2019 , the establishment plan was 75 ,35 % executed , with 214 temporary agents appointed out of 284 temporary agents authorised under the union budget (compared to 214 authorised posts in 2018); notes that , in addition , 72 contract agents and 9 seconded national experts worked for the office in 2019; notes with satisfaction that the office’s recruitment plan provides for a staff of 500 by 2020; ### 6. notes that , on 31 december 2019 , the establishment plan was 75 ,35 % executed , with 214 temporary agents appointed out of 284 temporary agents authorised under the union budget (compared to 214 authorised posts in 2018); notes that , in addition , 72 contract agents and 9 seconded national experts worked for the office in 2019; notes with satisfaction that the office’s recruitment plan provides for a staff of 500 by 2020; welcomes that recruitment situation has significantly improved; stresses that the easo must continue registering progress in recruitment;


### 1. believes that the commission’s right of legislative initiative , as set out in the treaties , has been neither constructive nor productive in recent years , with a decrease in the commission’s output over the past decade and commission presidents not assuming their political responsibilities; strongly recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs further exploit parliament’s powers assigned by the treaties and consider a treaty revision to give parliament a direct right of legislative initiative; ### 1. stresses that parliament is a democratically elected body which unlike national parliaments , does not have a formal right of legislative initiative and therefore the fact that the commission has the exclusive direct right of legislative initiative creates a problem of democratic legitimacy that has to be addressed; strongly recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs further exploit parliament’s powers assigned by the treaties and analyse the different ways to give parliament a direct right of legislative initiative;


### 2. stresses that the european council has a de-facto right of initiative within the area of freedom , security and justice in accordance with article 68 tfeu , which does not reflect a level playing field between parliament and council; underlines moreover the early influence by the member states via their participation in numerous commission advisory bodies; ### 2. stresses that the european council has a de-facto right of initiative within the area of freedom , security and justice in accordance with article 68 tfeu , which does not reflect the legislative equality between parliament and council as foreseen in the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making; underlines moreover the early influence by the member states via their participation in numerous commission advisory bodies and asks the commission to ensure to the parliament the same level of participation;


### 3. believes that parliament should have an enhanced direct right of legislative initiative , as it directly represents the european people and not just national interests , which need to be counter-balanced; deplores therefore that this possibility has been regularly deferred to a future treaty revision; ### 3. believes that parliament should have an enhanced direct right of legislative initiative , as it directly represents the european citizens and not just national interests , which need to be counter-balanced; deplores therefore that this possibility has been regularly deferred to a future treaty revision;


### 4. deeply regrets that only one-third of parliament’s legislative and non-legislative initiative procedures can be considered successful and that most legislative initiative (inl) reports adopted since 2011 did not result in a positive reply from the commission1 ; regrets also that , to date , the three-month deadline for the commission to react to a parliamentary resolution , as laid down in paragraph 16 of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission (‘2010 fa’)2 , and the one-year deadline for the commission to come forward with a legislative proposal in response to a legislative initiative report have consistently not been respected; ### 4. deeply regrets that on most legislative initiative (inl) reports adopted since 2011 the commission did not follow-up by submitting any appropriate proposal1 ; regrets also that , to date , the three-month deadline for the commission to react to a parliamentary resolution , as laid down in paragraph 16 of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission (‘2010 fa’)2 , and the one-year deadline for the commission to come forward with a legislative proposal in response to a legislative initiative report have consistently not been respected;


### 5. is of the opinion that inl reports in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , with only one addressee and workable proposals within realistic timeframes , will be more successful; recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs invites the commission to the negotiating table in order to slightly extend the relevant deadlines and to accommodate alleged organisational difficulties with regard to the 2010 fa and thereby enhance the commission’s responsiveness to parliament’s resolutions; expects in return , however , that the commission’s response to and implementation of an inl report should be automatic; ### 5. is of the opinion that inl reports in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , with only one addressee and clearly defined proposals that focus on the scope of the report and are within realistic timeframes , have a greater chance of being translated into legislative proposals by the commission; recommends that the committee on constitutional affairs invites the commission to the negotiating table in order to slightly extend the relevant deadlines and to accommodate alleged organisational difficulties with regard to the 2010 fa and thereby enhance the commission’s responsiveness to parliament’s resolutions; expects in return , however , that the commission translates an inl report automatically into a concrete legislative proposal;


### 6. urges the commission , as the guardian of the treaties , to adhere to its responsibilities and to honour its own commitments; ### 6. urges the commission , as the guardian of the treaties , to adhere to its responsibilities and to systematically involve parliament in its decisions on the commission work programme , so that parliament has to approve the programme before its publication in order to enhance parliaments´ agenda-setting power in the meantime before its direct right to initiative is established;


### 7. is of the opinion that , if the commission fails to implement parliament’s call for a legislative act in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , its resolution adopted by a majority of members shall form the basis for a legislative procedure to be initiated by parliament itself; ### 7. is of the opinion that , if the commission fails to implement parliament’s request for a legislative act in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , parliament should systematically consider to bring an action regarding the commission´s failure to act before the court of justice of the european union to have an infringement by the commission established on the basis of article 265 tfeu;


### 8. considers that , were the commission not to submit a legislative proposal and fail to provide proper reasons as required by article 225 tfeu , following parliament’s request , this would constitute a failure to act and parliament would reserve its right to take action under article 265 tfeu. ### 8. considers that , were the commission does not submit a legislative proposal and fails to provide proper reasons as required by article 225 tfeu , following parliament’s request , this would cause for a motion of censure on the commission´s activities according to article 234 tfeu;


### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency and takes the view that even if its budget represents a very small percentage of the union budget , the legality and regularity of edps transactions should nevertheless be properly examined by the european court of auditors (‘the court’) as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; notes that the edps is neither covered by the report of the court on the implementation of the union budget for 2019 , nor by the 2019 report on union agencies and other bodies; ### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency and takes the view that even if its budget represents a very small percentage of the union budget , the legality and regularity of edps transactions should nevertheless be properly examined by the european court of auditors (‘the court’) as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; notes that the edps is neither covered by the report of the court on the implementation of the union budget for 2019 , nor by the 2019 report on union agencies and other bodies; calls therefore on the court to reconsider its position and start publishing audit reports covering the edps from the coming year; requests therefore that the court issues separate annual activity reports on the annual accounts of this important union body which aims to ensure that union institutions and bodies fully respect the right to privacy and data protection;


### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency and takes the view that even if its budget represents a very small percentage of the union budget , the legality and regularity of edps transactions should nevertheless be properly examined by the european court of auditors (‘the court’) as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; notes that the edps is neither covered by the report of the court on the implementation of the union budget for 2019 , nor by the 2019 report on union agencies and other bodies; ### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency; takes not of the court's position that the small budget of the edps , its low volume of financial transactions and the low level of assessed risks do not justify the publication of such report; takes the view , however , that even if its budget represents a very small percentage of the union budget , the legality and regularity of edps transactions should nevertheless be properly examined by the european court of auditors (‘the court’) as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; notes that the edps is neither covered by the report of the court on the implementation of the union budget for 2019 , nor by the 2019 report on union agencies and other bodies;


### 4. acknowledges that the overall budget increase was mainly due to the impact of the new tasks resulting from the regulation (eu) 2018/1725 (the general data protection regulation , gdpr) , which lays down the data protection obligations for the union institutions and bodies when they process personal data and develop new policies) and the necessary growth of the european data protection board (hereafter edpb) that was created on 25th may 2018 and for which the supervisor was entrusted to provide an independent secretariat; recognises that 2019 was the first full year of operations of the edpb secretariat and of the implementation of the gdpr which justifies the increase; ### 4. acknowledges that the overall budget increase was mainly due to the impact of the new tasks resulting from the regulation (eu) 2018/1725 (the general data protection regulation , gdpr) , which lays down the data protection obligations for the union institutions and bodies when they process personal data and develop new policies) and the necessary growth of the european data protection board (hereafter edpb) that was created on 25th may 2018 and for which the supervisor was entrusted to provide an independent secretariat; recognises that 2019 was the first full year of operations of the edpb secretariat and of the implementation of the gdpr which justifies the increase; the related allocated budget increase amounted to 51% (from 3 594 746 eur in 2018 to 5 413 838 eur in 2019);


### 6. notes that at the end of 2014 , the supervisor counted 55 members of staff compared to 96 at the end of 2019 , which signifies almost a doubling in the number of staff; is aware that the supervisor's budget is mostly administrative , with a large amount being used for expenditure relating to persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; ### 6. notes that at the end of 2014 , the supervisor counted 55 members of staff compared to 96 at the end of 2019 , which signifies almost a doubling in the number of staff; is aware that the supervisor's budget is mostly administrative , with a large amount being used for expenditure relating to persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; acknowledges that a substantial part of the staff are contract staff which are employed for a temporary period , such as replacement of staff on maternity leaves or implementation of specific actions;


### 14. recognises that due to the very small size of the office of supervisor , the concluding of service level agreements (sla) such as with the commission for trainings , medical service , use of sysper , appraisal system , for the payment of salaries , the staff insurances and the organisation of missions , for accounting services and transportation services is important for efficiency gains; notes that the supervisor has slas with the parliament for it and building-related expenditure and that in addition the supervisor also participates in many inter-institutional calls for tenders , resulting in a current participation of 60 framework contracts; ### 14. recognises that due to the very small size of the office of supervisor , the concluding of service level agreements (sla) such as with the commission for trainings , medical service , use of sysper , appraisal system , for the payment of salaries , the staff insurances and the organisation of missions , for accounting services and transportation services is important for efficiency gains; encourages the inter-institutional activities of the edps , including 60 framework contracts initiated by different union institutions; notes that the supervisor has slas with the parliament for it and building-related expenditure;


### 34. is however of the opinion that the implementation of gdpr , despite harmonised rules , may be particularly challenging for small and medium sized companies (smes); asks the supervisor to further alleviate the administrative burden for smes; is interested in the possibility of conducting a cost evaluation of the implementation of gdpr in the near future; ### 34. is however of the opinion that the implementation of gdpr , despite harmonised rules , may be particularly challenging for small and medium sized companies (smes); asks the supervisor to further alleviate the administrative burden for smes; calls on the edps to consider the possibility of conducting a cost evaluation of the implementation of gdpr in the near future;


### 1. regrets that the court of auditors’ (the court’s) report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 does not contain any remarks about the european data protection supervisor (edps); ### 1. regrets that the court of auditors’ (the court’s) report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 does not contain any remarks about the european data protection supervisor (edps); notes especially in this regard the positive continued growth of the edps in the financial year in question , in terms of both financial and human resources , allowing edps to fulfil its mandate;


### 1. regrets that the court of auditors’ (the court’s) report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 does not contain any remarks about the european data protection supervisor (edps); ### 1. notes that the court of auditors’ (the court’s) report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 does not contain any remarks about the european data protection supervisor (edps);


### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency; regrets the court’s position that the small budget of the edps , its low volume of financial transactions and the low level of assessed risks do not justify the publication of a separate report on edps; underlines that the legality and regularity of edps transactions should nevertheless be properly examined by the court as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; asks the court to issue separate annual activity reports on the annual accounts of this important union body; ### 2. recalls that the edps is not a decentralised union agency; notes the court’s position that the small budget of the edps , its low volume of financial transactions and the low level of assessed risks do not justify the publication of a separate report on edps; underlines that the legality and regularity of edps transactions should continue to be properly examined by the court as transparency is vital for the appropriate functioning of all union bodies; asks the court to issue separate annual reports on the annual accounts of this important union body;


### 1. considers that , in order to face demographic challenges , the union needs third-country workers of all skill levels to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence as the champion of democracy , inclusion , human rights , free trade in goods and services and the rule of law , and as the leader in the fight against climate change; ### 1. acknowledges the need to address skills shortages within the union to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence as the champion of democracy , inclusion , human rights , free trade in goods and services and the rule of law , and as the leader in the fight against climate change; highlights the favourable effects of legal migration in the fight against illegal migration;


### 1. considers that , in order to face demographic challenges , the union needs third-country workers of all skill levels to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence as the champion of democracy , inclusion , human rights , free trade in goods and services and the rule of law , and as the leader in the fight against climate change; ### 1. considers that , in order to face demographic challenges , the union needs third-country workers to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence as the champion of democracy , inclusion , human rights , free trade in goods and services and the rule of law , and as the leader in the fight against climate change;


### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed; ### 1. notes that migration is a challenge that should also be seen as an opportunity for both the union and developing countries; points out that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges and stresses the need to address the root causes and drivers of migration;


### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed; ### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that many of these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed in the country of origin or transit;


### 2. requests that the commission submit , by 31 january 2022 , on the basis of article 79(2) , in particular points (a) and (b) , of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , a proposal for an act that would serve as a package of proposals to facilitate and promote entry into and mobility within the union for legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work and to reduce bureaucracy and promote equal treatment , following the recommendations set out in the annex hereto; ### 2. requests that the commission submit , by 31 january 2022 , on the basis of article 79(2) , in particular points (a) and (b) , of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , a proposal for an act that would serve as a package of proposals to facilitate and promote entry into and mobility within the union for legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work and to reduce bureaucracy and promote equal treatment , following the recommendations set out in the annex hereto; calls on the commission to propose , as a first step towards simplification and coherence , alignments to the existing legal framework and calls on the member states to properly implement it;


### 2. recalls member states’ right to determine their own migration policies; underlines that facilitating labour migration at union level undermines member states’ unique and diverse labour market policies; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not reduce illegal migration or human trafficking; ### 2. recalls that the union has a shared competence in terms of migration policy and member states have the right to determine their own migration policies to a certain extent; underlines that facilitating labour migration at union level boosts member states’ unique and diverse labour market; considers that increasing regular migration channels will reduce illegal migration or human trafficking;


### 2. recalls member states’ right to determine their own migration policies; underlines that facilitating labour migration at union level undermines member states’ unique and diverse labour market policies; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not reduce illegal migration or human trafficking; ### 2. recalls member states’ right to determine their own migration policies; underlines that article 79(5) tfeu reserves the right for member states to determine volumes of admission of third country nationals coming to their territory to seek work; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not automatically reduce illegal migration or human trafficking;


### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an accelerated border procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejected; ### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an accelerated border procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejected; underscores that reintegration shall be linked to longer-term development rationales therefore needing an approach based on cooperation with migration and return actors as well as on designing programmes from a needs-based , bottom-up perspective in line with national and local development plans;


### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an accelerated border procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejected; ### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned while respecting fundamental rights and international law , namely the non-refoulement principle; supports proposals for an accelerated asylum procedure to apply to persons who are in need of international protection;


### 4. supports the commission’s statement in its communication of 23 september 2020 on a new pact on migration and asylum regarding the enhancement of short-term mobility as a complement to legal pathways , especially for the purposes of research or study in order to improve upstream cooperation with third countries , for example to stem irregular migratory flows , and asks the commission to explore this direction further; ### 4. supports the commission’s statement in its communication of 23 september 2020 on a new pact on migration and asylum regarding the enhancement of bona fide short-term mobility as a complement to legal pathways , especially for the purposes of research or study in order to improve upstream cooperation with third countries , for example to stem irregular migratory flows , and asks the commission to explore this direction further;


### 4. underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of their human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; ### 4. underlines that emigration of highly , middle , low qualified citizens contributes to economies of countries of origin through remittances , transferring newly acquired knowledge , skills and entrepreneurship; is of the opinion that proper management of labour migration helps to reduce the incentives to use irregular routes and trafficking activities; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to be the first step in the direction of a common policy on legal labour migration;


### 4. underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of their human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; ### 4. underlines that genuine circular migration policy instruments may support countries of origins as regards their economic and social development , especially through remittances; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration;


### 5. welcomes directive (eu) 2021/...15 , but considers it insufficient due to the fact that the labour markets of the union are also in need of low- and medium-skilled workers; calls , therefore , on the commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers , including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications , based on objective and uniform criteria; ### 5. welcomes directive (eu) 2021/...15 , but considers that some member states´ labour markets could also benefit from low- and medium-skilled workers; calls , therefore , on the commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers , including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications , based on objective and uniform criteria; reminds that article 79(5) of the tfeu reserves the right for member states to determine volumes of admission of tcns coming to their territory to seek work as well as types and categories of employment according to the labour market needs;


### 5. welcomes directive (eu) 2021/...15 , but considers it insufficient due to the fact that the labour markets of the union are also in need of low- and medium-skilled workers; calls , therefore , on the commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers , including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications , based on objective and uniform criteria; ### 5. welcomes directive (eu) 2021/...15 , but considers it insufficient due to the fact that the labour markets of the union are also in need of medium-skilled workers; calls , therefore , on the commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for medium-skilled third-country workers , including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications , based on objective and uniform criteria;


### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; ### deleted


### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; ### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; stresses the importance of ensuring the protection of fundamental rights to migrants living in third countries , including in transit countries;


### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to reducing migration flows by stimulating economic growth and development in third countries; ### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to reducing migration flows by stimulating economic growth and sustainable development in third countries; recalls that the pandemic has profoundly affected the capacity of host developing countries to manage the presence of migrants and refugees; urges the union to foresee alternative solution to support them such as by extending preferential trade arrangements for countries hosting large numbers of refugees;