### 2. calls for the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement in order to formalise parliamentary scrutiny of every stage of the european semester; ### 2. regrets that the european semester is not subject to any political scrutiny , neither by the european parliament nor by national parliaments; calls for the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement in order to formalise parliamentary scrutiny of every stage of the european semester; considers that this increased legitimacy can be ensured by foreseeing the adoption of national reform programmes and possible convergence partnerships by national parliaments; calls urgently for close parliamentary scrutiny of the different stages of the european semester; calls on the commission to engage the european parliament , as the only democratically elected european institution , notably through article 121(5) tfeu and preceding , so that it has an overview of and influence over convergence and stability programmes , budgetary plans and country-specific recommendations; calls on the commission to strengthen the role of national parliaments so that they have greater ownership of the instruments and greater democratic scrutiny;


### 3. calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union; ### 3. calls for the social dimension of emu to be taken into account and recalls in this connection that article 9 of the tfeu states that ‘in defining and implementing its policies and activities , the union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment , the guarantee of adequate social protection , the fight against social exclusion’; calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union and ensure that the measures for its implementation in the member states cannot be thwarted by the european union's economic governance instruments;


### 4. recalls that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal formations of the union; notes that this represents a significant impediment to the democratic legitimacy of the union as a whole; ### 4. recalls that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal formations of the economic and financial affairs (ecofin) council and of the european council; notes that this represents a significant impediment to the democratic legitimacy of the union as a whole;


### 5. stresses that the suspension of the famous convergence criteria which prohibited having government debt above 60% of gdp and a general government deficit above 3% of gdp made possible the essential public investment for responding to the health , social and economic crisis; welcomes the speed with which it was possible to apply the general escape clause; ### 5. stresses that the commission recognises 'the essential role of public investment' and that 'article 126(3) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union requires the commission to take into account government investment spending when considering whether a member state has an excessive deficit';1c stresses that the suspension of the famous convergence criteria which prohibited having government debt above 60% of gdp and a general government deficit above 3% of gdp made possible the essential public investment for responding to the health , social and economic crisis; welcomes the speed with which it was possible to apply the general escape clause; stresses that in the context of its country-specific recommendations , the stability and growth pact and the macroeconomic imbalances procedure 2011-2018 , the commission has advised member states to privatise certain parts of the health sector or to reduce public spending on health on 63 occasions; is of the opinion that a ‘genuine emu’ cannot be limited to a system of rules but requires a budgetary capacity as part of the eu budget , based on specific own resources , which should support social cohesion , promote an environmental shift and upwardly support social and economic harmonisation;


### 6. recalls the importance of parity; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; ### 6. recalls the importance of parity and that gender equality has been an eu objective since the treaty of rome; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; deplores the prevailing lack of gender balance among european governors; calls on the ecb to recommend to the commission that it review the statute of the european system of central banks and of the european central bank to make it mandatory to have a gender-balanced executive board; calls on the member states to pay attention to this issue when appointing their governors;


### 7. considers that the establishment of an economic and monetary union (emu) is inseparable from consolidation of the rule of law; welcomes the agreement on a regulation for a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget; ### 7. considers that the establishment of an economic and monetary union (emu) is inseparable from consolidation of the rule of law; welcomes the agreement on a regulation for a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget; stresses the important role played by the european parliament in these negotiations; recalls , in this context , that the regulation is fully applicable and that no unilateral decision should go back on the experience of this decision , which has been discussed at length; believes that the involvement of the court of justice of the european union may notably be a guarantee that the rules will be applied in a uniform manner irrespective of the size of the member state and will protect citizens’ rights in the countries concerned;


### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , even if they mean amending the treaties. ### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; welcomes the fact that this would allow european citizens to gain an understanding of how the european union's economic governance instruments , which suffer from a considerable lack of democratic legitimacy , work; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , even if they mean amending the treaties.


### 20. believes that it is the responsibility and role of the union and its member states to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the eu; calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve; ### 20. calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve;


### 16. deplores that the council , for more than a decade , has shown that it does not have any willingness to collaborate in the context of the discharge procedure which is not compliant with the principle of loyal cooperation and makes it impossible for parliament to make an informed discharge decision; demands full respect for parliament's prerogative and role as guarantor of the democratic accountability principle , in line with the case-law of the court of justice emphasising the right of taxpayers and of the public to be kept informed about the use of public revenues; ### 16. deplores that the council , for more than a decade , has shown that it does not have any willingness to collaborate in the context of the discharge procedure which is not compliant with the principle of loyal cooperation and makes it impossible for parliament to make an informed discharge decision; considers that lack of cooperation a complete disregard for parliament's role with the very negative effects of discrediting the democratic scrutiny of the union budget and eroding the citizens trust in the union; demands full respect for parliament's prerogative and role as guarantor of transparency and the democratic accountability principle , in line with the case-law of the court of justice emphasising the right of taxpayers and of the public to be kept informed about the use of public revenues , which is linked to parliament's role in the discharge procedure as the only institution directly elected by the union citizens;


### — having regard to the declaration of 9 may 1950 that proposed the creation of the european coal and steel community (ecsc) as a first step in the federation of europe , ### — having regard to the declaration of 9 may 1950 that proposed the creation of the european coal and steel community (ecsc) ,


### — having regard to its resolution of 6 november 2020 on stocktaking of european elections7 , ### — having regard to its report of 6 november 2020 on stocktaking of european elections7 ,


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


### b. whereas the lisbon treaty has offered a positive step forward by confirming the right of the ep to initiate a proposal on the electoral act as well as on its composition; ### b. whereas the lisbon treaty has offered a step forward by confirming the right of the ep to initiate a proposal on the electoral act as well as on its composition;


### c. whereas other important changes in the lisbon treaty concerned in particular the wording of article 14 teu , stating that the parliament is to be composed of representatives of the citizens of the union and not peoples of the member states , as well as the reference to the parliament’s role in the election of the president of the european commission , who should be elected taking into account the results of the ep elections; ### c. whereas other important changes in the lisbon treaty concerned in particular the reference to the parliament’s role in the election of the president of the european commission , who should be elected taking into account the results of the ep elections;


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


### g. whereas the turnout registered in the 2019 european elections was the highest of any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years; whereas increased turnout is a positive signal shows that citizens of the union are taking an increasing interest in the development of the european integration , as indicated also by the results of the special eurobarometer of 9 march 2021; ### g. whereas the turnout registered in the 2019 european elections was the highest of any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years; whereas the participation rate hides wide disparities between member states; whereas increased turnout is a positive signal shows that citizens of the union are taking an increasing interest in the development of the european integration , as indicated also by the results of the special eurobarometer of 9 march 2021; whereas , moreover , this rate still means that only half of the citizens took part; whereas only 18% of those polled indicated that they thought that their vote could "change things"; whereas , therefore , the increase in participation cannot be the only criterion to be observed; whereas the ballot also reflects dissatisfaction on the part of a section of the population with regard to the construction of the european union , european democracy or eu current policies ;


### h. whereas the trend of a growing voter turnout can be maintained if the connection and accountability between voters and candidates are strengthened and the eu-wide dimension is fostered; ### h. whereas the trend of a growing voter turnout can be maintained if the connection and accountability between voters and candidates are strengthened and the eu-wide dimension is fostered; whereas the long-awaited creation of an independent ethics body , common to all the european institutions , will also help strengthen european democracy , its transparency and the fight against conflicts of interest;


### i. whereas a functioning electoral system builds trust and support among the population and increases the confidence of citizens of the union in their capacity to change society democratically by voting; ### i. whereas a functioning electoral system builds trust and support among the population and increases the confidence of citizens of the union in their capacity to change society democratically by voting; whereas confidence can also be strengthened by additional democratic tools such as the eci or the use of referendums on european issues and the respect of popular decisions;


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


### k. whereas growing political momentum and changing conditions among the member states could offer the possibility of finally introducing into election procedures stronger elements and provisions that highlight the european dimension of the elections; ### k. whereas growing political momentum and changing conditions among the member states could offer the possibility of introducing into election procedures stronger elements and provisions that highlight the european dimension of the elections;


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


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


### p. whereas european political parties are best placed to "contribute to forming european political awareness" and should therefore play a stronger role in the campaigns for parliament elections in order to improve their visibility and to make clear the link between a vote for a particular national party and the impact it has on the size of a european political group in the european parliament; ### p. whereas european political parties "contribute to forming european political awareness" and should therefore play a stronger role in the campaigns for parliament elections in order to improve their visibility and to make clear the link between a vote for a particular national party and the impact it has on the size of a european political group in the european parliament; whereas some political parties or movements do not belong to a european political party;


### q. whereas the procedure for nominating candidates for elections to the european parliament varies considerably from member state to member state and from party to party , in particular as regards transparency and democratic standards: whereas , however , open , transparent and democratic procedures for the selection of candidates are essential for building trust in the political system; ### q. whereas the procedure for nominating candidates for elections to the european parliament varies considerably from member state to member state and from party to party; whereas internal democracy is defined by parties , party members and citizens , according to national laws and ideological histories;


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


### v. whereas any barriers to the right to vote for persons with disabilities , especially legal barriers for adults with intellectual disabilities declared legally incapacitated should be removed , guaranteeing physical and sensory accessibility in polling stations as well as alternative participation systems to exercise the right to vote , in particular through postal voting; ### v. whereas many people with disabilities want to vote at a polling station ; whereas in 12 member states national rules do not make it possible to switch from the polling station assigned on the basis of place of residence to another which is more suitable in the light of a voter's disability; whereas , lastly , article 29 of the uncrpd explicitly stipulates that the states parties undertake to ensure that persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others; whereas any barriers to the right to vote and stand as candidate for persons with disabilities , especially legal barriers for adults with disabilities declared legally incapacitated should be removed , guaranteeing accessibility throughout the election process should be ensured , including by providing additional participation systems to exercise the right to vote , in particular through postal voting;


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


### x. whereas postal , electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection; ### x. whereas postal and electronic voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection and maintaining vote at polling stations as the norm; whereas many national bodies for the protection of digital freedoms have expressed reservations about online voting; whereas online voting presents increased difficulties with regard to the fundamental principles governing electoral operations (the secrecy of the ballot , the personal and free nature of the vote , the sincerity of electoral operations , effective monitoring of the vote and a posteriori control by the election judge) ; whereas these difficulties exist mainly because of the opacity and the high technicality of the solutions implemented , as well as the great difficulty of ensuring the identity and freedom of choice of the person carrying out the remote voting operations;


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


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


### 4. observes that diverging electoral cultures have resulted in a range of different electoral systems; considers therefore that common minimum standards are needed , in order to ensure approximation towards a unified european electoral law and equality of the vote for citizens of the union , including as regards: the right to register a party and to stand for elections; access to ballots; the fielding of candidates; accessibility of voting; or what happens on the day of the elections; ### 4. reminds that diverging electoral cultures have resulted in a range of different electoral systems; considers that common minimum standards in the european electoral law can promote a genuine public european debate and ensure equality of the vote for citizens of the union , including as regards to stand for elections; access to ballots; the fielding of candidates; accessibility of voting; or what happens on the day of the elections;


### 5. calls for the establishment of a common framework , with benchmarks and minimum standards for election rules across the eu , and suggests focusing on a strong coordination with national measures for implementing the core of its proposals; ### 5. calls for the establishment of a common framework , with benchmarks and minimum standards for election rules across the eu , and suggests focusing on a strong coordination with national measures for implementing the core of its proposals; calls also for a european electoral reserve period regarding polls to avoid influencing citizens and becoming an obstacle to the personal and free nature of voting; considers this reserve period should start at least two weeks before the elections as it is already the case in some member states;


### 8. considers gender equality to be a key horizontal element for improving the quality of eu democracy and enhancing a european public space; calls on member states to apply this principle and the provisions contained in the parliament’s proposal in the attached legislative act in a comprehensive way , in accordance with their own competences; calls for the introduction of lists of candidates with an equal number of male and female candidates for the electable places , for example through the use of zipped lists or other equivalent methods , since , in many member states , there is no legislation that ensures political gender parity in elections; ### 8. considers gender equality to be a key horizontal element for improving the quality of eu democracy and enhancing a european public space; calls on member states to apply this principle and the provisions contained in the parliament’s proposal in the attached legislative act in a comprehensive way , in accordance with their own competences; calls for the introduction of lists of candidates with an equal number of male and female candidates for the electable places , for example through the use of zipped lists or other equivalent methods , since , in many member states , there is no legislation that ensures political gender parity in elections; considers that the preferential vote should provide an even number of female and male candidates , alternating according to gender;


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


### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency; ### 11. proposes , in order to strengthen the voice of european citizens , that the spitzenkandidaten process should not be restricted to european political parties only but to coalitions of national parties or movements too; calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency;


### 13. expects the leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups to agree on a common indication to the european council on the basis of the outcome of the european elections as well as on the availability of a potential majority in the newly elected parliament as regards the nomination of a candidate for president of the european commission; expects the president of the european council to consult the said leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups in order to inform the nomination process , considers that this process could be formalised by a political agreement between the european political parties and by an inter-institutional agreement between parliament and european council; ### 13. expects the president of the european council to consult the said leaders of the european political parties , european political coalition and parliamentary groups in order to inform the nomination process , considers that this process could be formalised by an inter-institutional agreement between parliament and european council;


### 14. proposes establishing the practice for interested parliamentary groups to conclude a “legislature agreement” in order to ensure a political follow-up to the european elections and as a way to secure a majority within the parliament ahead of the appointment of the commission; ### deleted


### every european union citizen from 18 years of age shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate for election to the european parliament , in both the national and in the union-wide constituency , without prejudice to those member states that , at the date of the entry into force of this regulation , have set the minimum age that is lower than 18 for eligibility to vote and for eligibility to stand as a candidate. ### every european union citizen of16 years of age and shall have the right to vote and every european union citizen of 18 years of age shall have the right to stand as a candidate for election to the european parliament , in both the national and in the union-wide constituency. those member states that , at the date of the entry into force of this regulation , have set the minimum age that is higher than 16 for eligibility to vote and for eligibility to stand as a candidate shall commit to reform their electoral law in the shortest delay.


### — having regard to article 224 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , ### — having regard to article 224 and article 325 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union ,


### e. whereas european political parties and foundations can play a role in promoting european policies on neighbouring countries under the common foreign and security policy and as part of the external relations of the union; whereas they should therefore be open to membership by parties or individuals from these countries and be allowed to receive contributions from them , provided that full transparency is ensured; ### e. whereas european political parties and foundations can play a role in promoting european policies on neighbouring countries under the common foreign and security policy and as part of the external relations of the union; whereas they should therefore be open to membership by parties or individuals from these countries and be allowed to receive contributions from them , provided that full transparency and compliance with article325 tfeu and the union’s rules regarding the fight against fraud and corruption is ensured;


### 3. notes , however , that a number of practical difficulties and political obstacles are still preventing european parties and foundations from achieving their full potential as active players in european democracy; ### 3. notes , however , that a number of administrative and political obstacles are still preventing european parties and foundations from achieving their full potential as active and visible players in european democracy both at european level as well as in the member states;


### 4. underlines the importance of the registration of european political parties and foundations , since it requires compliance with all its conditions , including respect for union fundamental values , and makes eligibility for funding from the union budget conditional upon such compliance , as well as the need to ensure full transparency; ### 4. underlines the importance of the registration of european political parties and foundations , since it requires compliance with all its conditions , including respect for jointly agreed and shared union fundamental values , and makes eligibility for funding from the union budget conditional upon such compliance , as well as the need to ensure full transparency;


### b. whereas the sanitary emergency due to the covid pandemic has led to the emergence of new forms of interaction between interest-representatives and decision-makers; ### b. whereas the sanitary emergency due to the covid pandemic has led to an increase in interactions and the emergence of new forms of interaction between interest-representatives and decision-makers; whereas lobbyists are taking advantage of the crisis to push their agenda; whereas , for example , the plastics industry is using the pandemic to attack directive (eu) 2019/904 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 june 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment 1a; whereas the register needs specific human and financial resources to verify the declarations;


### d. whereas high ethical standards for interest representation underpin the trust that citizens have in the eu institutions; ### d. whereas high ethical standards for interest representation underpin the trust that citizens have in the eu institutions; whereas an independent body with investigative , seizure and sanctioning powers is necessary in order for the eu’s ambition of being ethical and transparent to be truly effective; whereas the independence , transparency and accountability of public institutions and their elected representatives , commissioners and also public officials , political advisers and parliamentary assistants are of the utmost importance for promoting the trust of citizens that is necessary for the legitimate functioning of democratic institutions;


### e. whereas the individual institutional measures that aim to implement the agreement are taken in the european parliament at various levels and range from implementing rules adopted by the bureau to the modification of the rules of procedure; ### e. whereas the individual institutional measures that aim to implement the agreement are taken in the european parliament at various levels and range from implementing rules adopted by the bureau to the modification of the rules of procedure; whereas the european parliament should seize this opportunity to improve and strengthen these measures in order to lead by example with regard to transparency rules and their application;


### 1. welcomes the agreement as a further step enhancing standards of ethical interest representation; recalls nevertheless that under article 295 tfeu , the institutions can only make arrangements for their cooperation , and therefore have to rely on their powers of self-organisation in order to create de-facto obligations requiring third parties to subscribe to the register; reiterates its long-standing preference for establishing the transparency register via a legislative act , as the only way of legally binding third parties; ### 1. notes that the agreement must now be substantially improved in order to be a further step enhancing standards of ethical interest representation; recalls nevertheless that under article 295 tfeu , the institutions can only make arrangements for their cooperation , and therefore have to rely on their powers of self-organisation in order to create de-facto obligations requiring third parties to subscribe to the register; reiterates its long-standing preference for establishing the transparency register via a legislative act , as the only way of legally binding third parties; deeply regrets that parliament’s proposal for the adoption of a legislative act was not genuinely discussed during the negotiations;


### 2. insists that , in line with the political statement , the institutions commit to a coordinated approach on reinforcing the common transparency culture with the view to improving and further strengthening ethical interest representation; highlights their obligation under the agreement , and in accordance with article 13(2) teu , to practise mutual sincere cooperation when developing the scheme and that the institutions should therefore aim for the highest level of commitment; insists that the measures referred to in the agreement represent a minimum which should be expanded further; ### 2. insists that , in line with the political statement , the institutions commit to a coordinated approach on reinforcing the common transparency culture with the view to improving and further strengthening ethical interest representation; considers , in this regard , that it makes sense to create an independent ethics body to harmonise the rules between the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the eu; highlights their obligation under the agreement , and in accordance with article 13(2) teu , to practise mutual sincere cooperation when developing the scheme and that the institutions should therefore aim for the highest level of commitment; insists that the measures referred to in the agreement represent a minimum which should be expanded further;


### 3. welcomes the fact that the status of the council of the european union has changed from that of an observer to that of a formal party to the agreement; considers nevertheless that its participation is limited to meetings with the most senior officials , and , under voluntary schemes only , meetings of the permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives during their presidency and six months before; insists that for the credibility of the scheme all permanent representations should take an active part in that voluntary scheme , continue to apply it after their presidency has ended and extend , it insofar as this is possible , to other officials; ### 3. welcomes the fact that the status of the council of the european union has changed from that of an observer to that of a formal party to the agreement; considers nevertheless that its participation is limited to meetings with the most senior officials , and , under voluntary schemes only , meetings of the permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives during their presidency and six months before; insists that for the credibility of the scheme all permanent representations should take an active part in that scheme , continue to apply it after their presidency has ended and extend it to other officials as soon as possible; stresses , furthermore , the importance of making public the minutes of council meetings and of trilogues; takes the view that there is still a long way to go before european citizens are permitted to know the positions advocated by their member state;


### 5. welcomes the commitments made by parliament in the negotiation process on conditionality and complementary transparency measures; considers that the modification of rules 11 and 35 of its rules of procedure have provided a strong impetus in that regard; welcomes the fact that the agreement preserves the constitutional right of the members to exercise their mandate freely; ### 5. regrets that the commitments made by parliament in the negotiation process on conditionality and complementary transparency measures do not go beyond what already exists; considers that the modification of rules 11 and 35 of its rules of procedure have provided a strong impetus in that regard; believes that there is an urgent need to establish a binding system to effectively prevent lobbies not registered in the transparency register from participating in meetings with members of the european parliament; stresses that it must be mandatory for all members to make public their meetings with lobbyists; stresses that making it an obligation only for rapporteurs , shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs is not sufficient as the mandate and powers of members are not limited to these functions; recalls that members’ votes , both in committee and in plenary , can be influenced by their meetings with lobbyists , and that such meetings should therefore be declared;


### 6. welcomes the possibility of involvement by institutions , bodies , offices and agencies on a voluntary basis; believes that such involvement should be encouraged by the signatory institutions , in line with their obligation to promote the use of the register and to make use of the register to the fullest extent; insists that such participation will require the signatory institutions to provide the register with further resources; ### 6. considers that the best way to strengthen , or restore , citizens’ trust in the european institutions is to apply high standards of transparency and accountability; notes the possibility of involvement by institutions , bodies , offices and agencies on a voluntary basis; is concerned that the other institutions , bodies , offices and agencies may not , on a voluntary basis , participate in the interinstitutional agreement; reiterates , therefore , the need to continue the dialogue in order to eventually reach agreement on a legislative act; believes that such involvement should be encouraged by the signatory institutions , in line with their obligation to promote the use of the register and to make use of the register to the fullest extent; insists that such participation will require the signatory institutions to provide the register with further resources;


### 9. is of the opinion that the implementation of the conditionality measures and other complementary transparency measures through individual decisions is not only a way to respect the respective internal organisational powers of the three signatory institutions but that it offers also an opportunity to increase the level of commitment of the respective institutions with regard to the scheme throughout the implementation period; welcomes in that regard the fact that the annual report has been expanded to cover the implementation of such measures adopted by the signatory institutions; ### 9. is of the opinion that the implementation of the conditionality measures and other complementary transparency measures through individual decisions is not a sufficient guarantee to ensure the transparency of meetings; considers that conditionality measures should be binding on all staff of the institutions , particularly elected officials and commissioners , but also public officials , political advisers and parliamentary assistants; welcomes in that regard the fact that the annual report has been expanded to cover the implementation of such measures adopted by the signatory institutions;


### 3. is concerned about the ongoing observation from the court in the use of external staff and interim workers; calls on the centre to rely as much as possible on permanent staff and calls once again on the commission to ensure appropriate human resources allocations for this purpose; welcomes the proposal made by the commission to transform the centre in an eu drugs agency and calls for an appropriate allocation of resources to achieve this aim; ### 3. is concerned about the ongoing observation from the court in the use of external staff and interim workers; the centre hired these interim workers through a framework contract without respecting the requirements of directive 2008/104/ec and of the portuguese labour law; calls on the centre to analyse the working conditions of its interim workers and ensure they are in line with european and national labour law; calls on the centre to rely as much as possible on permanent staff and calls once again on the commission to ensure appropriate human resources allocations for this purpose; welcomes the proposal made by the commission to transform the centre in an eu drugs agency and calls for an appropriate allocation of resources to achieve this aim;


### (4a) ‘moreover , for the purposes of effectively applying regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [regulation on asylum and migration management] and in accordance with the rules thereof , it is necessary to clearly mark in eurodac the fact that there has been a shift of responsibility between member states , including in cases of relocation. furthermore , in order to reflect accurately the obligations member states have to conduct search and rescue operations and to help these member states with the specific challenges they face as they cannot apply to persons disembarked following such operations the same tools as for irregular crossings by land or air , it is also necessary to register third-country nationals or stateless persons disembarked following search and rescue operations as a separate category in eurodac. ### (4a) moreover , for the purposes of effectively applying regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [regulation on asylum and migration management] and in accordance with the rules thereof , it is necessary to clearly mark in eurodac the fact that there has been a shift of responsibility between member states , including in cases of relocation.


### (5a) ‘it is also necessary to introduce provisions that would ensure the functioning of that system within the interoperability framework established by regulations (eu) 2019/81725 and 2019/81826 of the european parliament and of the council. ### (5a) it is also necessary to ensure that the functioning of that system within the interoperability framework established by regulations (eu) 2019/81725 and 2019/818 26 of the european parliament and of the council is conducted under the provisions of the current regulation in compliance with regulation 2016/679 on general data protection and notably the principles of necessity , proportionality and purpose limitation. in addition , it is necessary to introduce clear provisions by which the designated national authorities of the member states as well as the union bodies which have access to eurodac , would only be able to see the data which are strictly relevant for the performance of their specific task.


### (5c) likewise , for the purpose of managing irregular migration , it is necessary to allow eu-lisa to produce cross-system statistics using data from eurodac , the visa information system , etias and the entry/exit system. in order to specify the content of these cross-system statistics , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission. those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation (eu) 182/2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission's exercise of implementing powers.’; ### (5c) likewise , it is necessary to allow eu-lisa to produce statistics using data from eurodac. in order to specify the content of these statistics , delegated powers should be conferred on the commission.


### assist with the application of regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [resettlement regulation] under the conditions set out in this regulation; ### assist with the purpose of identifying secondary movements of resettled third-country nationals in the application of regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [resettlement regulation] under the conditions set out in this regulation;


### lay down the conditions under which member states' designated authorities and the european police office (europol) may request the comparison of biometric or alphanumeric data with those stored in the central system for law enforcement purposes for the prevention , detection or investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences; ### deleted


### support the objectives of the european travel information and authorisation system (‘etias’) established by regulation (eu) 2018/1240; ### deleted


### support the objectives of the visa information system (vis) referred to in regulation (ec) no 767/2008. ### deleted


### 2. the cir shall contain the data referred to in article 12 , points (a) to (f) , (h) and (i) , article 13(2) (a) to (f) , (h) , and (i) , article 14(2) (a) to (f) , (h) and (i) and article 14a(a) to (f) , (h) and (i). the remaining eurodac data shall be stored in the central system. ### 2. the cir shall contain the data referred to in article 12 , points (a) to (f) , (h) and (i) and article 13(2) (a) to (f) , (h) , and (i). the remaining eurodac data shall be stored in the central system.


### 5. data on persons covered by articles 10(1) , 13(1) , 14(1) and 14a(1) which are processed in the central system shall be processed on behalf of the member state of origin under the conditions set out in this regulation and separated by appropriate technical means. ### 5. data on persons covered by articles 10(1) and 13(1) , which are processed in the central system shall be processed on behalf of the member state of origin under the conditions set out in this regulation and separated by appropriate technical means.


### 6. all datasets registered in eurodac corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person shall be linked in a sequence. where a search is launched with the fingerprints in the dataset of a third-country national or stateless person and a hit is obtained against at least one other set of fingerprints in another dataset corresponding to that same third country national or stateless person , eurodac shall automatically link those datasets on the basis of the fingerprints comparison. if necessary , the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with article 26. when the receiving member state confirms the hit , it shall send a notification to eu-lisa that will confirm the linking. ### 6. all datasets registered in eurodac corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person shall be linked in a sequence. where a search is launched with the fingerprints in the dataset of a third-country national or stateless person and a hit is obtained against at least one other set of fingerprints in another dataset corresponding to that same third country national or stateless person , eurodac shall automatically link those datasets on the basis of the fingerprints comparison. the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with article 26. when the receiving member state confirms the hit , it shall send a notification to eu-lisa that will confirm the linking. the linking of datasets shall in no circumstances prolong the data storage referred to in articles 17 and 18 of this regulation beyond the prescribed period for each specific set of data , that cannot exceed five years from the date on which the biometric data were first taken. the existence of the link should be automatically deleted once the record is deleted and it should not be visible to competent national authorities or eu bodies. when member states designated authorities and eu bodies query the cir or the eurodac central system they shall only have the right to access the data strictly necessary for conducting their specific tasks even if those are linked with other records in the sequence.


### the number of data sets transmitted on persons referred to in articles 10(1) , 13(1) , 14(1) and 14a(1); ### the number of data sets transmitted on persons referred to in articles 10(1) and 13(1) ;


### (iv) who were disembarked following a search and rescue operation; ### deleted


### (4b) furthermore , for the purposes of applying regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [regulation on asylum and migration management] it is necessary to flag whether , following security checks during screening , it appears that a person could pose a threat to internal security.’; ### deleted


### (5b) furthermore , it is necessary to introduce the provisions that would frame the access of european travel information and authorization system (etias) national units and of competent visa authorities to eurodac in accordance with regulation (eu) 2018/124027 and (ec) 767/200828 of the european parliament and of the council. ### deleted


### (14) ‘moreover , in order for eurodac to effectively assist with the control of irregular migration and with the detection of secondary movements within the eu , it is necessary to allow the system to count applicants in addition to applications by linking all sets of data corresponding to one person , regardless of their category , in one sequence.’; ### deleted


### (24a) ‘for the purposes of this regulation , it is recalled that a person should be considered to be illegally staying on the territory of the member state of relocation if that person does not apply for international protection following relocation or does otherwise not fulfil or no longer fulfils the conditions of entry as set out in article 6 of regulation (eu) 2016/399 or other conditions for entry , stay or residence in the member state of relocation.’; ### deleted


### assist with the control of irregular immigration to the union and with the detection of secondary movements within the union and with the identification of illegally staying third-country nationals and stateless persons for determining the appropriate measures to be taken by member states ; ### deleted


### assist in the correct identification of persons registered in eurodac under the conditions and for the objectives referred to in article 20 of regulation (eu) 2019/818 by storing identity data , travel document data and biometric data in the common identity repository (cir) established by that regulation; ### deleted


### in point (b) of paragraph 1 , the following point (iv) is added: ### deleted


### in paragraph 1 , the following points (p) , (q) and (r) are added: ### in paragraph 1 , the following points (p) , (q) , (r) and (ra) are added:


### “identity data” means the data referred to in article 12(c) to (f) and (h) , article 13(2) (c) to (f) and (h) , article 14(2) (c) to (f) and (h) and article 14a(c) to (f) and (h); ### “identity data” means the data referred to in article 12(c) to (f) and (h) and article 13(2) (c) to (f) and (h);


### “dataset” means the set of information recorded in eurodac on the basis of articles 12 , 13 , 14 or 14a , corresponding to one set of fingerprints of a data subject and composed of biometric data , alphanumeric data and , where available , a scanned colour copy of an identity or travel document.; ### “dataset” means the set of information recorded in eurodac on the basis of articles 12 or 13 , corresponding to one set of fingerprints of a data subject and composed of biometric data and alphanumeric data.;


### 4. each member state shall have a single national access point. europol shall have a single europol access point. ### 4. each member state shall have a single national access point.


### ‘article 8a ### deleted


### article 8b ### deleted


### article 8c ### deleted


### article 8d ### deleted


### (iii) who were illegally staying in a member state , ### deleted


### (iii) who were illegally staying in a member state; ### deleted


### the number of hits for persons referred to in article 14(1): ### deleted


### 2. regrets the fact that the court issued a qualified audit opinion with respect to the legality and regularity of the payments underlying the accounts of eu-lisa both for 2020 and for 2021; notes the court’s explanation that the qualified opinion was issued in relation to six payments that were considered not compliant to the provisions of framework contracts , and other payments identified outside the initial sample affected by the same non-compliance , amounting in total to eur 18.11 million in 2021 , representing 6 ,2 % of the total payment appropriations available in 2021; ### 2. regrets the fact that the court issued a qualified audit opinion with respect to the legality and regularity of the payments underlying the accounts of eu-lisa both for 2020 and for 2021; notes the court’s explanation that the qualified opinion was issued in relation to six payments; three of these payments related to a specific contract which implemented a framework contract without specifying the details of the services required (quantities and delivery dates) , and thus did not create a clear legal commitment; the court also identified other payments , outside of the initial sample , linked to that contract and affected by the same non-compliance; further notes that the three other non-compliant payments from the initial sample related to three different specific contracts , which fundamentally deviated from the corresponding framework contracts , amounting in total to eur 18.11 million in 2021 , representing 6 ,2 % of the total payment appropriations available in 2021;


### 3. notes that the eu-lisa signed a specific contract of €40 million to implement a framework contract related to large-scale it systems , without specifying the details of the services acquired and with an extended duration; highlights the repeated concerns by the court about the risk associated with the practice of giving resources to eu-lisa before the adoption of legislation; ### 3. notes that the eu-lisa signed a specific contract of €40 million to implement a framework contract related to large-scale it systems , without specifying the details of the services acquired and with an extended duration;


### 4. is concerned that eu-lisa amended the value of three contracts , two in 2021 and one 2019 , which increased the maximum amount of the contracts by 50 % (€70.4 million , €20 million and €40 million respectively); shares the opinion by the court that eu-lisa should improve the contracts management to ensure that specific contracts are always aligned with the framework contracts; ### 4. is concerned that eu-lisa amended the value of three contracts , two in 2021 and one 2019 , which increased the maximum amount of the contracts by 50 % (€70.4 million , €20 million and €40 million respectively); shares the opinion by the court that eu-lisa should improve its procurement procedures and contract management , in particular as regards defining the services and goods acquired in the specific contracts and limiting changes to the scope , duration and value of contracts to the flexibility allowed by the financial regulation; furthermore , eu-lisa should also reach out to the commission to propose changes to its multiannual budget planning , so that it only receives funds for developing systems once the legislation (including delegated or implementing regulations) defining the relevant requirements is adopted , and the project scope can be specified with sufficient detail;


### 5. notes the court’ ongoing observations from 2018 , 2019 and 2020 on the budgetary management; regrets that the rate of carry-overs remain substantial compared to the total budget; ### 5. notes the court’ ongoing observations from 2018 , 2019 and 2020 on the budgetary management; regrets that the rate of excessive carry-overs and high rates of late payments remain substantial compared to the total budget; notes that this could indicate a structural issue , weak budgetary planning , or possibly a contravention of the budgetary principle of annuality;


### b. whereas the conference on the future of europe clearly expressed a desire for the eu to systematically uphold the rule of law across all member states , to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and to retain the eu’s credibility when promoting its values abroad; ### b. whereas the conference on the future of europe clearly expressed a desire for the eu to systematically uphold the rule of law across all member states , to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and to retain the eu’s credibility when promoting its values within the eu and abroad;


### d. whereas the addition of concrete and legally binding country-specific recommendations would help member states to prevent , detect and address systemic challenges and backsliding on the rule of law; ### d. whereas the addition of concrete and legally binding country-specific recommendations would help member states to prevent , detect and address challenges and backsliding on the rule of law;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s third annual rule of law report as part of the commission’s rule of law toolbox; considers that while the report represents a step towards a coherent mechanism to preserve union values , the toolbox remains too flexible and too broad an approach to the rule of law; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s third annual rule of law report as part of the commission’s rule of law toolbox; considers that while the report represents a step towards a coherent mechanism to uphold union values , the toolbox remains too flexible and too broad an approach to the rule of law;


### 2. notes some improvements compared to previous annual reports , such as the addition of country-specific recommendations; notes also the special attention paid to the public service media and to measures to ensure the transparency of media ownership , including the media pluralism monitor ranking , the assessment of the implementation of the rulings of the european court of human rights by the member states , the attention paid to political party financing , the focus on equality bodies , national human rights institutions and ombudspersons , the monitoring of high-level appointments in the justice system and the increased attention paid to the legal profession; ### 2. notes some improvements compared to previous annual reports , such as the addition of country-specific recommendations; welcomes also the special attention paid to the public service media and to measures to ensure the transparency of media ownership , including the media pluralism monitor ranking , the assessment of the implementation of the rulings of the european court of human rights by the member states , the attention paid to political party financing , the focus on equality bodies , national human rights institutions and ombudspersons , the monitoring of high-level appointments in the justice system and the increased attention paid to the legal profession;


### 1. grants the acting executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2021 / postpones its decision on granting the acting executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2021; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the acting executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2021;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2021 / postpones the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2021; ### 1. postpones the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2021;


### 2. stresses that frontex is by large the agency that received more significant budget increases in the last years; recalls that the agency budget has skyrocketed from €118 million in 2011 to €741 million in 2021 , and to an annual average of €900 million for the 2021-2027 period; ### 2. deeply regrets that frontex is by large the agency that received more significant budget increases in the last years; recalls that the agency budget has skyrocketed from €118 million in 2011 to €741 million in 2021 , and to an annual average of €900 million for the 2021-2027 period despite serious concerns over the lack of implementation of its regulation and fundamental rights violations;


### 3. notes the court’s observation concerning weaknesses in recruitment procedures , which undermine the principles of transparency and equal treatment of the candidates; notes the serious internal control weaknesses in the agency’ delegation process , ex-ante controls and procurement procedures; deplores the many payment delays; ### 3. notes the court’s observation concerning weaknesses in recruitment procedures , which undermine the principles of transparency and equal treatment of the candidates; notes the serious internal control weaknesses in the agency’ delegation process , ex-ante controls and procurement procedures; point in particular the procurement procedure signed in december 2021 for the provision of travel agency services that is currently being investigated by olaf as reported by the media; deplores the many payment delays; deplores that the corrective actions regarding the eca’s previous observations are almost all still ongoing;


### 4. notes the drawing up of a fundamental rights strategy and action plan; regrets that the obligation included in article 110(6) of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 to deploy at least 40 fundamental rights monitors has been met with significant delay; notes that the number of fundamental rights monitors now stands at 46; deeply deplores that despite the significant overall staff increase for the agency , the fundamental rights officer still lacks adequate human resources; urges the agency to provide its fundamental rights officer with adequate resources and staff; ### 4. notes the drawing up of a fundamental rights strategy and action plan; regrets that the obligation included in article 110(6) of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 to deploy at least 40 fundamental rights monitors (frms) has been met with significant delay; notes that the number of fundamental rights monitors now stands at 46 , 31 at administrator and 15 at assistant level; recalls the parliament and commission’s long standing call for at least 40 frms at ad level; deeply deplores that despite the significant overall staff increase for the agency , the fundamental rights officer still lacks adequate human resources; urges the agency to provide its fundamental rights officer with adequate resources and staff; condemns that the frms are still not granted access to all operational areas , nor to monitor debriefing activities and interviews;


### 5. takes the position that the management board should play a proactive role in identifying and preventing serious risk of fundamental rights violations; reiterates the importance to implement the standard operating procedures to withdraw the financing of , or suspend or terminate , or not launch frontex activities in cases where such risks arise; ### 5. considers that the management board has failed in its mission to uphold respect for fundamental rights by not acting , and thereby bears also the responsibility for the violations highlighted by the olaf report; takes the position that the management board should play a proactive role in identifying and preventing serious risk of fundamental rights violations; reiterates the importance of abiding by the agency’s regulation , in particular article 46 when conditions stipulated by the regulation are met to withdraw the financing of , or suspend or terminate , or not launch frontex activities in cases where such risks arise;


### 6. expresses its utmost concerns with regard to allegations of push backs in the context of frontex operations in lithuania , latvia , croatia , bulgaria and greece; reiterates its call on the agency to suspend its operations supporting return-related operations from hungary as long as , and as concluded by the court of justice of the european union , the return decisions issued by the hungarian authorities are incompatible with directive 2008/115/ec and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; ### 6. expresses its utmost concerns with regard to persisting allegations reports of push backs accompanied by ill-treatment of persons in the context of frontex operations in lithuania , latvia , croatia , bulgaria and greece; reiterates its call on the agency to suspend its operations supporting return-related operations from hungary as long as , and as concluded by the court of justice of the european union , the return decisions issued by the hungarian authorities are incompatible with directive 2008/115/ec and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; reiterates its concern that the court of justice established through its judgement of 30 june 2022 that lithuanian legislation was incompatible with union and international law; deplores that the agency has failed to act in accordance with article 46 of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 , even after the judgment of the court of justice;


### 7. reiterates its profound concerns about the findings of the olaf report of 15 february 2022 on investigations into frontex , and expresses its utter dismay in the behaviour and actions described in the findings and the lack of accountability; considers that the findings of the olaf report are a matter of public interest and should be made public without further delay; ### 7. reiterates its profound concerns about the findings of the olaf report of 15 february 2022 on investigations into frontex , and expresses its utter dismay in the behaviour and actions described in the findings and the lack of accountability; deplores the long delay for meps as well as members of the senior management and the fro to be granted access to the olaf report; considers that the findings of the olaf report are a matter of public interest; points out that two additional olaf reports are expected to be presented this year in relation to frontex; calls for immediate access of members of the european parliament to these additional reports when they will be finalised to ensure members scrutiny as well as of all executive staff of the agency; calls on these reports to be made public


### 8. expresses its deep concerns in relation to media revelations that in the context of the expansion of a mass surveillance programme at europe’s external borders (pedra , or ‘processing of personal data for risk analysis’) , frontex and the european commission side-lined their own data protection oversight bodies and pursued an intrusive collection of personal data from migrants and refugees to feed into europol’s criminal databases; ### 8. expresses its deep concerns in relation to media revelations that in the context of the expansion of a mass surveillance programme at europe’s external borders (pedra , or ‘processing of personal data for risk analysis’) , frontex and the european commission side-lined their own data protection oversight bodies and pursued an intrusive collection of personal data from migrants and refugees to feed into europol’s criminal databases; highlights that actions were taken only following the media reports;


### 9. notes that in 2021 the agency implemented a new organisational structure , a major endeavour for effectively addressing its extended mandate; acknowledges the impact and changes that the agency’s restructuring has entailed; commends , in this context , the agency’s strategy for efficiency gains through digitalisation , automation or simplification of rules and procedures applied in certain areas; ### 9. notes that in 2021 the agency implemented a new organisational structure , a major endeavour for effectively addressing its extended mandate; acknowledges the impact and changes that the agency’s restructuring has entailed; notes , in this context , the agency’s strategy for efficiency gains through digitalisation , automation or simplification of rules and procedures applied in certain areas;


### 10. reiterates that the increased competences and budget of the agency need to be accompanied with a corresponding increase in accountability and transparency , as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; stresses that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency is conditional on such accountability and transparency , and fundamental rights compliance; ### 10. reiterates that the increased competences and budget of the agency need to be accompanied with a corresponding increase in accountability and transparency , as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; stresses that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency is conditional on such accountability and transparency , and fundamental rights compliance; regrets that the agency , despite commitment of the interim executive director to increased transparency , has failed to provide individual meps of the fswg with requested documents;


### 11. notes that the agency successfully deployed to the host member states and to four union airports the first officers of the european border and coast guard standing; acknowledges that the latter’s main activities focused on supporting cooperation in the area of identification and issuance of travel documents , return counselling and booking flights in the far; notes further that in 2021 the agency implemented 19 joint operations (jo) with 9 host member states (ms) , 23 participating ms , 32 authorities and 4 third countries involved therein; welcomes the agency’s rapid border intervention (rbi) to respond to migratory pressure at the external land border between lithuania and belarus and to control illegal immigration flows towards lithuania and the union; acknowledges the agency’s flexibility in its operational outreach in connection with rbi lithuania , jo opal coast at the english channel and the launch of the new jo in a third country , namely serbia; notes the launch of the pilot phase for first deployments of liaison officers from member states; calls on the agency to inform the discharge authority on the assessment of the results of this pilot phase once finalised; ### 11. notes that the agency deployed to the host member states and to four union airports the first officers of the european border and coast guard standing; acknowledges that the latter’s main activities focused on supporting cooperation in the area of identification and issuance of travel documents , return counselling and booking flights in the far; notes further that in 2021 the agency implemented 19 joint operations (jo) with 9 host member states (ms) , 23 participating ms , 32 authorities and 4 third countries involved therein; expresses its utmost concerns with regard to persisting allegations reports of push backs accompanied by ill-treatment of persons in the context of frontex operations in lithuania , latvia , croatia , bulgaria and greece; questions the agency’s rapid border intervention (rbi) at the external land border between lithuania and belarus in light of the non compatibility of lithuanian law with eu law , which was warned by the fro and confirmed by the ecj in its judgement on 30 june 2022; notes the new deployments in jo opal coast at the english channel and the launch of the new jo in a third country , namely serbia; notes the launch of the pilot phase for first deployments of liaison officers from member states; calls on the agency to inform the discharge authority on the assessment of the results of this pilot phase once finalised;


### a. whereas , according to its statement of revenue and expenditure1 , the final budget of the european border and coast guard agency (the ‘agency’) for the financial year 2021 was eur 535 245 042 , representing an increase of 46 ,87% compared to 2020; whereas the agency’s budget derives mainly from the union budget; ### a. whereas , according to its statement of revenue and expenditure1 , the final budget of the european border and coast guard agency (the ‘agency’) for the financial year 2021 was eur 535 245 042 , representing an increase of 46 ,87% compared to 2020 despite serious concerns over the lack of implementation of its regulation and fundamental rights violations; whereas the agency budget was in 2011 eur 118 million which makes it by large the agency that has received the most significant budget increases in the past years; whereas the agency’s budget derives mainly from the union budget;


### d. whereas since december 2019 the agency has been implementing a new mandate with an essential scale-up that is significant in terms of missions and staff , that requires an adequate budget; ### d. whereas since december 2019 the agency has been implementing a new mandate with an essential scale-up that is significant in terms of missions and staff;


### e. whereas in 2021 there was a significant increase in the agency’s budget and execution of the establishment plan due to the enlarged mandate under regulation (eu) 2019/1896; ### e. whereas in 2021 there was a significant increase in the agency’s budget and execution of the establishment plan due to the enlarged mandate under regulation (eu) 2019/1896; whereas this increase was made despite serious concerns over the lack of implementation of its regulation and fundamental rights violations;


### f. whereas the court in its special report no 8/2021 on the agency’s support to external border management concluded that there were several shortcomings related to the agency’s primary activities , namely situation monitoring , risk analysis , vulnerability assessment , joint operations and rapid border interventions , return operations and the agency’s training and the lack of needs and impact assessments prior to the exponential increase in the agency’s expenses; ### f. whereas the court in its special report no 8/2021 on the agency’s support to external border management concluded that the agency had not fully implemented its 2016 mandate at the time the commission had proposed a new regulation; whereas there were several shortcomings related to the agency’s primary activities , namely situation monitoring , risk analysis , vulnerability assessment , joint operations and rapid border interventions , return operations and the agency’s training and the lack of needs and impact assessments prior to the exponential increase in the agency’s expenses;


### 12. notes that operational activities conducted on land borders in 2021 resulted in 3 546 incidents reported , involving 16 304 apprehended irregular migrants , 6 461 irregular migrants and 368 arrested smugglers; notes with appreciation the agency’s efforts that led to the return by air of 18 ,301 non-eu national , of which 10 ,193 persons on 337 operations by charter flights to 33 countries of return and 8 ,108 persons by scheduled flights to 107 countries of return; acknowledges that in 2021 return in a voluntary manner constituted 57% of all returns by scheduled flights and that the agency chartered 22 aircrafts for return operations; commends the successful preparation and organisation of the first fully fledged frontex-led return operation , whereby the agency takes over the role of the organising member state; ### 12. notes that operational activities conducted on land borders in 2021 resulted in 3 546 incidents reported , involving 16 304 apprehended irregular migrants , 6 461 irregular migrants and 368 arrested smugglers; notes the agency’s return by air of 18 ,301 non-eu national , of which 10 ,193 persons on 337 operations by charter flights to 33 countries of return and 8 ,108 persons by scheduled flights to 107 countries of return; acknowledges that in 2021 return in a voluntary manner constituted 57% of all returns by scheduled flights and that the agency chartered 22 aircrafts for return operations; notes the organisation of the first fully fledged frontex-led return operation , whereby the agency takes over the role of the organising member state;


### 14. welcomes the implementation of return case it systems based on recamas (return case management system) model in italy , belgium and finland; echoes the recommendation of the agency’s management board to the agency to engage also with other member states and fulfil necessary prerequisites to follow this example; ### 14. notes the implementation of return case it systems based on recamas (return case management system) model in italy , belgium and finland;


### 15. notes a dramatic increase in the number of the sirs from only 10 sirs in 2020 to 62 sirs in 2021 , of which 53 were covered by the newly amended sop; regrets that the highest numbers reported were from lithuania and greece; welcomes that a new procedure has been put in place whereby all incidents involving use of force are shared with the fro on a monthly basis who committed to issue an annual assessment of this procedure; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the results of this assessment; commends that fundamental rights monitors (froms) started their integration into the operational framework and completed over 200 deployment days visiting 10 countries and taking part in 15 return missions; ### 15. notes a dramatic increase in the number of the sirs from only 10 sirs in 2020 to 62 sirs in 2021 , of which 53 were covered by the newly amended sop; expresses serious concerns that the highest numbers reported were from lithuania and greece where frontex keeps having joint operations and consider that the executive director has failed to act in both countries by not triggering article 46; welcomes that a new procedure has been put in place whereby all incidents involving use of force are shared with the fro on a monthly basis who committed to issue an annual assessment of this procedure; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the results of this assessment; commends that fundamental rights monitors (froms) started their integration into the operational framework and completed over 200 deployment days visiting 10 countries and taking part in 15 return missions; condemns that the froms are still not granted access to all operational areas , nor to monitor debriefing activities and interviews;


### 17. notes the agency’s cooperation with the european fisheries control agencies (efca) and european maritime safety agency (emsa) in order to coordinate and share resources in areas such as information sharing , surveillance and communication services , capacity building , risk analysis and , in particular , capacity sharing; notes further that such cooperation is governed by a tripartite working arrangement signed by the three agencies and updated in 2021 for an indefinite period; welcomes the implementation thereof through , for example , operations that respond to coast guard related matters in specific maritime area and surveillance aircraft services provided by the agency; calls on the agency to further explore possibilities to also coordinate and share resources with other agencies , in particular with the justice and home affairs agencies (jha) , in spite of their potential differences in operational activities; ### 17. notes the agency’s cooperation with the european fisheries control agencies (efca) and european maritime safety agency (emsa) in order to coordinate and share resources in areas such as information sharing , surveillance and communication services , capacity building , risk analysis and , in particular , capacity sharing; notes further that such cooperation is governed by a tripartite working arrangement signed by the three agencies and updated in 2021 for an indefinite period; notes the implementation thereof through , for example , operations that respond to coast guard related matters in specific maritime area and surveillance aircraft services provided by the agency; calls the fro to ensure a fundamental rights monitoring of such operations and cooperation to ensure both agencies do not become complicit of fundamental rights violations;


### 20. notes with appreciation the appointment of the fundamental rights officer (fro) in june 2021; notes further that the agency has come closer to the full implementation of its extended mandate by having in office , in 2022 , a total of 46 fundamental rights monitors (frms) , compared to only 20 frms in 2021; notes that most of the frms have been appointed at ad level; regrets nevertheless that a differentiation exists between frms , as 15 are still recruited on ast positions , compared to the other 31 recruited at ad level; urges the commission and the agency to modify the establishment plan of the agency in order to recruit all frms at ad level; calls on the agency to conduct further recruitments of frms exclusively at ad level; further regrets , , that the fulfilment of the requirement of article 110(6) of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 , which provided for the recruitment of at least 40 frms by december 2020 , has been delayed by almost two years; recalls the negative role played by the former executive director in the repeated delays of this process and welcomes the efforts of the new ad-interim management towards fulfilling this requirement; ### 20. notes with appreciation the appointment of the fundamental rights officer (fro) in june 2021; notes further that the agency has come closer to the full implementation of its extended mandate by having in office , in 2022 , a total of 46 fundamental rights monitors (frms) , compared to only 20 frms in 2021; notes that most of the frms have been appointed at ad level; regrets nevertheless that a differentiation exists between frms , as 15 are still recruited on ast positions , compared to the other 31 recruited at ad level; recalls the parliament and commission’s long standing call for at least 40 froms at ad level; urges the commission and the agency to modify the establishment plan of the agency in order to recruit all frms at ad level; calls on the agency to conduct further recruitments of frms exclusively at ad level; further regrets , , that the fulfilment of the requirement of article 110(6) of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 , which provided for the recruitment of at least 40 frms by december 2020 , has been delayed by almost two years; recalls the negative role played by the former executive director in the repeated delays of this process and welcomes the efforts of the new ad-interim management towards fulfilling this requirement;


### 25. commends the agency’s efforts in 2021 to secure strategically important contracts in areas such as surveillance aircraft support , provision of personal protective equipment and sanitary supplies , supply of four-wheel drive off-road vehicles , supply of service weapons , satellite imagery provisioning , delivery of map production services , provision of meteorological and oceanographic information services or purchase of drones and payloads; welcomes the agency’s diligence in designing and implementing the procurement training plan; ### 25. notes the agency’s efforts in 2021 to secure contracts in areas such as surveillance aircraft support , provision of personal protective equipment and sanitary supplies , supply of four-wheel drive off-road vehicles , supply of service weapons , satellite imagery provisioning , delivery of map production services , provision of meteorological and oceanographic information services or purchase of drones and payloads; welcomes the agency’s diligence in designing and implementing the procurement training plan;


### 26. notes with concern the court’s observations in the area of procurement; notes in particular that the agency has launched a procurement procedure for a framework contract for the provision of travel services , whereby the requirements for financial , technical and professional capacity of bidders was set very low; notes that the estimated contract value on which the agency based its assessment was eur 15 000 000 , while the underlying value of the contract was covering planned mission costs which were estimated at approximately eur 240 000 000; echoes the court’s conclusion that in this case , the agency exposed itself to various risks , such as the impossibility to deliver contracted services at the minimum quality on time and the risk that the contract would not be performed correctly; regrets that the contract led to a lack of performance that resulted in serious disruptions of business continuity; welcomes that following verifications , the contract was terminated; stresses that lax requirements used for the assessment of bidders or assessments carried out based on misleading data must be avoided; ### 26. notes with concern the court’s observations in the area of procurement; expresses its utmost concern in particular that the agency has launched a procurement procedure for a framework contract for the provision of travel services , whereby the requirements for financial , technical and professional capacity of bidders was set very low; notes that the estimated contract value on which the agency based its assessment was eur 15 000 000 , while the underlying value of the contract was covering planned mission costs which were estimated at approximately eur 240 000 000; echoes the court’s conclusion that in this case , the agency exposed itself to various risks , such as the impossibility to deliver contracted services at the minimum quality on time and the risk that the contract would not be performed correctly; regrets that the contract led to a lack of performance that resulted in serious disruptions of business continuity; welcomes that following verifications , the contract was terminated; stresses that lax requirements used for the assessment of bidders or assessments carried out based on misleading data must be avoided; condemns that the european commission and the management board decided not to tell the european parliament that one of the candidates for the executive director position was a person of concern in an ongoing olaf investigation related to this specific procurement;


### 33. reiterates that the enhanced competences and resources allocated to the agency must be accompanied by increased transparency and accountability , as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; welcomes in this regard the use by the agency of a transparency register and notes the prioritisation of efforts by both the management board and the executive management to further enhance integrity and accountability arrangements at the cross-agency level; notes with satisfaction in this regard the adoption of an internal audit capacity in september 2022; reiterates its dismay for the actions of the previous executive director with regards to accountability , transparency and respect for fundamental rights and welcomes the expressed commitment of the ad-interim executive management to fully address these issues; stresses that such accountability and transparency , and fundamental rights compliance are essential in the evaluation towards granting discharge to the agency for the respective financial year; ### 33. reiterates that the enhanced competences and resources allocated to the agency must be accompanied by increased transparency and accountability , as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; welcomes in this regard the use by the agency of a transparency register and notes the prioritisation of efforts by both the management board and the executive management to further enhance integrity and accountability arrangements at the cross-agency level; notes with satisfaction in this regard the adoption of an internal audit capacity in september 2022; reiterates its dismay for the actions of the previous executive director with regards to accountability , transparency and respect for fundamental rights that was acting as ed throughout the year 2021 and only resigned on 29 april 2022; welcomes the expressed commitment of the ad-interim executive management to fully address these issues; stresses that such accountability and transparency , and fundamental rights compliance are essential in the evaluation towards granting discharge to the agency for the financial year 2022; stresses however that all identified violations in the olaf report were still effective for the 2021 financial year;


### 44. notes that the agency’s strategy for efficiency gains is closely linked to the implementation of various it tools; welcomes the modernisation of the architecture of the eu-restricted eurosur network , the extended digital support provided to the staff of the agency and the deployment of digital-profiled standing corps to gain experience in providing off-site support in operational areas; calls on the full integration of sysper in the agency’s management of its human resources; ### 44. notes that the agency’s strategy for efficiency gains is closely linked to the implementation of various it tools; notes the modernisation of the architecture of the eu-restricted eurosur network , the extended digital support provided to the staff of the agency and the deployment of digital-profiled standing corps to gain experience in providing off-site support in operational areas; calls on the full integration of sysper in the agency’s management of its human resources;


### 45. commends the agency’s efforts and progress in the area of return-related digitalisation , in particular updates to the recamas reference model , new releases of the far and far charter flights systems and the continued statistical data collection through the irma system; ### 45. notes the agency’s efforts in the area of return-related digitalisation , in particular updates to the recamas reference model , new releases of the far and far charter flights systems and the continued statistical data collection through the irma system;


### 48. welcomes that the agency has created guidelines on health and safety in return operations during pandemics or outbreaks , whereas the guidelines are aimed at ensuring the safe continuation of return operations in such situations; ### 48. notes that the agency has created guidelines on health and safety in return operations during pandemics or outbreaks , whereas the guidelines are aimed at ensuring the safe continuation of return operations in such situations; whereas this contradicted the call from the united nations network on migration issued on 13 may 2020 to suspend forced returns during the pandemic , in order to protect the health of migrants and communities;


### 49. welcomes the agency’s commitment to define and operationalize the compliance of fundamental rights on its activities through the adoption in 2021 of the fundamental rights strategy and the fap; welcomes the agency’s commitment to monitor the implementation of the fap; calls on the agency to provide the discharge authority with update on the progress with regard to fap implementation; commends that the fundamental rights officer (fro) is involved and consulted on all pertinent files and has regular meetings with the executive management and the consultative forum; notes the creation of a network of fundamental rights focal points in all the agency’s entities to develop fundamental rights expertise in all areas of activity; acknowledges the important role that the frms have , including their access to the operational areas and close cooperation with the agency’s operational staff; notes nevertheless that the fro office disposes of less than 20 staff members , in spite of the growing numbers in the agency’s recruitment plan; calls on the agency to step up its efforts towards equipping the fro office with the appropriate resources for conducting its respective activities; acknowledges further the agency’s decision setting rules for the executive director and the management board to inform the consultative forum of the follow-up to its recommendations and to ensure that action is taken with regard to recommendations of the fro; expects the agency to implement the recommendations of the fro as set out in his 2021 annual report; calls on the agency’s to ensure that the recommendations of the fro and the consultative forum presented to the management board are shared with the discharge authority; ### 49. notes the agency’s commitment to define and operationalize the compliance of fundamental rights on its activities through the adoption in 2021 of the fundamental rights strategy and the fap; welcomes the agency’s commitment to monitor the implementation of the fap; recalls however that the olaf report covered also violations that occurred during the year 2021; calls on the agency to provide the discharge authority with update on the progress with regard to fap implementation; commends that the fundamental rights officer (fro) is involved and consulted on all pertinent files and has regular meetings with the executive management and the consultative forum; notes the creation of a network of fundamental rights focal points in all the agency’s entities to develop fundamental rights expertise in all areas of activity; acknowledges the important role that the frms have , including their access to the operational areas and close cooperation with the agency’s operational staff; notes nevertheless that the fro office disposes of less than 20 staff members , in spite of the growing numbers in the agency’s recruitment plan; calls on the agency to step up its efforts towards equipping the fro office with the appropriate resources for conducting its respective activities; acknowledges further the agency’s decision setting rules for the executive director and the management board to inform the consultative forum of the follow-up to its recommendations and to ensure that action is taken with regard to recommendations of the fro , including regarding article 46(4); expects the agency to implement the recommendations of the fro as set out in his 2021 annual report; calls on the agency’s to ensure that the recommendations of the fro and the consultative forum presented to the management board are shared with the discharge authority;