### 17. reaffirms the need to make professions connected with agriculture , livestock farming , fisheries and the environment in the ors more attractive on account of their structural importance in economic , social and environmental terms; ### 17. reaffirms the need to make professions connected with sustainable agriculture , livestock farming , small-scale fisheries and the environment in the ors more attractive on account of their structural importance in economic , social and environmental terms;


### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors; ### 18. welcomes the fact that the green deal takes into account the exceptional potential of the ors and strongly supports the promotion of un sustainable development goals(sdgs) and the ‘do no significant harm’ principle within the meaning of article17 of taxonomy regulation (eu) no 2020/852;


### 19. encourages the emergence of new environment-related professions and support for grassroots actors involved in biodiversity protection , including associations; ### 19. encourages the emergence of new environment-related professions and support for grassroots actors involved in biodiversity and environmental protection , including associations and ngos and in that regard strengthening the partnership principle;


### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy in the ors in line with the european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; ### 21. reaffirms the objective of achieving energy autonomy for the ors and strongly supports the objective of achieving 100% renewable energy by phasing out fossil fuels in the ors in line with the paris agreement and european commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest;


### 22. calls for strong support to be provided to the ors in order to promote a new sustainable economic model with structural initiatives for developing the circular economy; ### 22. calls for strong support to be provided to the ors in order to promote a new sustainable economic model with structural initiatives for developing the circular economy and promoting green jobs;


### 23. calls for macro-regional strategies for the ors to be developed; ### 23. calls for macro-regional strategies for the ors to be developed and promoted; furthermore , europe must rely on the ors and their cooperation with the countries in their neighbourhood to promote its democratic and environmental objectives and standards;


### 27. stresses the need to ensure digital connectivity in the ors as a tool for economic development and equal opportunity in the era of globalisation and in a highly digitalised world; ### 27. stresses the need to ensure digital connectivity in the ors within the digital agenda as a tool for economic development and equal opportunity in the era of globalisation and in a highly digitalised world;


### 30. recalls that culture is a pillar of personal development and mutual enrichment; considers it necessary to improve support for exchanges in the areas of culture and education , by prioritising young people; ### 30. recalls that culture is a pillar of personal development and mutual enrichment; considers it necessary to improve support for exchanges in the areas of culture and education , by prioritising young people and vulnerable groups;


### 32. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the council , the commission , the member states and the conference of presidents of the outermost regions. ### 32. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the council , the commission , the european committee of the regions , the member states and the conference of presidents of the outermost regions;


### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps , such as small size , low population density , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products; ### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps , such as small size , a low-density permanent population which has to cope with seasonal demographic pressure , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products;


### g. whereas the long-term social , economic , environmental and cultural consequences of the covid-19 crisis on the island territories of the union are of particular concern , and whereas europe’s recovery must not create further regional disparities; ### g. whereas the long-term social , economic , environmental and cultural consequences of the covid-19 crisis on the island territories of the union are of particular concern , and whereas europe’s recovery must not create further regional disparities; whereas the covid-19 crisis has demonstrated that island economies are highly vulnerable to such events;


### j. whereas islands have exceptionally rich biodiversity and ecosystems; ### j. whereas islands have exceptionally rich biodiversity and ecosystems; whereas island ecosystems are particularly threatened by the impact of climate change and should be protected;


### k. whereas islands’ marine and terrestrial biodiversity is largely endemic , and therefore more fragile; whereas marine and coastal pollution , as well as overfishing , can be a source of concern for islands; ### k. whereas islands’ marine and terrestrial biodiversity is largely endemic , and therefore more fragile; whereas marine and coastal pollution , as well as overfishing , have an increased impact on the islands’ environment , with very serious consequences for employment , the small-scale fisheries sector and local communities;


### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires and storms; ### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires , storms , drought and the problems of desertification;


### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity; ### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , which is a public service on which the daily lives of european citizens living on an island depend , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity;


### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; ### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; stresses that support should be given to strengthening other sectors in order to achieve a good balance and a diversified labour market;


### 13. calls for specific rules and financial support to help islands achieve climate neutrality goals , taking into account the additional costs involved and the impact of mobile technologies on their energy systems; calls for these costs to be taken into account in the ‘fit for 55’ legislative package; ### 13. calls for specific rules and financial support to help islands achieve climate neutrality goals , taking into account the additional costs involved and the impact of mobile technologies on their energy systems , which require proportionally very high investments to manage intermittent renewable energies; calls for these costs to be taken into account in the ‘fit for 55’ legislative package;


### 14. considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy to be supported; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched; ### 14. considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands , while taking into account the needs of local communities; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy to be supported; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched;


### 15. calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands; ### 15. calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands and supported by the requisite financial resources;


### 18. stresses the need for increased support for island agriculture and aquaculture , sustainable fisheries , crafts and the blue economy , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all nuts 2 and nuts 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products; ### 18. stresses the need for increased support on the islands , within ecological limits and with due regard for a healthy marine environment , for agriculture , aquaculture and sustainable fisheries , as well as crafts and the blue economy , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all nuts 2 and nuts 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products;


### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands; ### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands; improving island accessibility is crucial to their development and should go beyond connections with the national mainland;


### 27. calls for an additional budget allocation to be established to cover the extra costs connected with european islands under the future cohesion policy; ### 27. calls for an additional budget allocation to be established to cover the extra costs connected with european islands under the future cohesion policy; suggests expanding the island contact point by setting up an island task force within dg regio;


### a. whereas the agri-food sector is of strategic importance for islands in terms of using natural resources more sustainably; whereas the new representative concentration pathway (rcp) climate scenario rcp4.5 forecasts acute future problems for agriculture , water availability and food security; ### a. whereas the agri-food sector is of strategic importance for islands in terms of using natural resources more sustainably; whereas the new representative concentration pathway (rcp) climate scenario rcp4.5 forecasts acute future problems for agriculture , the ecological balance , water availability and food security;


### b. whereas agriculture on islands is hampered by their remote location , small holdings , limited diversity in production , dependence on local markets , the climate crisis , environmental degradation , biodiversity loss and a lack of energy , fresh water and digital infrastructure; ### b. whereas agriculture holdings on islands , most of them small farms , are challenged by their remote location , a limited diversity of production due to local and climatic conditions , a high dependence on local markets , the climate crisis , environmental degradation , biodiversity loss and a lack of energy , often a lack of fresh water and digital infrastructure


### bh. whereas controlling the national diaspora living on eu soil represents an important element of foreign interference strategies; ### bh. whereas targeting vulnerable groups , including national minorities and diasporas , in eu member states through disinformation and other influence operations represents an important element of foreign interference strategies;


### 36. recommends that member states establish communication channels that companies , ngos and individuals can turn to if they fall victim to information manipulation or interference; calls on the member states to support those who are victims of attacks or are being put under pressure; ### 36. recommends that member states establish communication channels that companies , ngos and individuals , including diaspora members , can approach if they fall victim to information manipulation or interference; calls on the member states to support those who are victims of attacks or are being put under pressure;


### 83. calls on the commission to encourage and coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level; ### 83. calls on the commission to encourage and coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing , extending and implementing unexceptional enforcement of the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners and other high-ranking eu officials with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level;


### 86. is concerned by the attempts to control the diasporas living on eu soil by foreign authoritarian states; points out the crucial role played by china’s united front , which is a department reporting directly to the central committee of the chinese communist party and tasked with coordinating the external interference strategy of china through the strict control of chinese individuals and chinese companies abroad; points out the experiences of australia and new zealand in dealing with the united front; ### 86. is concerned by the attempts to co-opt diaspora communities and cultivate support for china's policies among outstanding individuals both in business and politics by illicit material transfers , promises or threats; points out the prominent role played by several institutions in china , such as china’s united front work department , ministry of foreign affairs , international department of the ccp central committee , propaganda department of the ccp central committee and the ministry of state security , which together engage in united front work and external interference by employing overt or covert measures to make individuals or groups serve the interest of the party-state;


### 87. underlines that the efforts of the kremlin to implement so-called compatriot policies , particularly in the baltic states and the eastern neighbourhood countries , are part of the geopolitical strategy of putin’s regime whose aim is to divide societies in the eu , alongside the implementation of the concept of the ‘russian world’ , aimed at justifying expansionist actions by the regime; ### 87. underlines that the efforts of the kremlin to implement so-called compatriot policies , particularly in the baltic states and the eastern neighbourhood countries , are part of the geopolitical strategy of putin’s regime whose aim is to divide societies in the eu , alongside the implementation of the concept of the ‘russian world’ , aimed at justifying expansionist actions by the regime; notes that many russian “private foundations” , “private enterprises” , “media organisations” and “ngos” are either state-owned or have hidden ties through complex schemes with the russian state or depend on state funding; stresses that it is of detrimental importance when engaging in dialogue with russian civil society to make a difference between those organisations which stay clear of russian governmental influence and those that have links to the kremlin; points out that , in the meantime , russian-speaking minorities in the union should enjoy full protection , including non-discrimination , the right to education , linguistic rights and the right to maintain peaceful contacts across frontiers;


### — having regard to articles 2 and 3(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) , and articles 6 and 8 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , ### — having regard to articles 2 and 3(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) , and articles 6 , 8 , and 67 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) ,


### — having regard to articles 21 , 23 and 24 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (cfr) , ### — having regard to articles 21 , 23 , 24 , and 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (cfr) ,


### — having regard to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development which entered into force on 1 january 2016 , and , in particular , to sustainable development goal (sdg) 5 on gender equality , ### — having regard to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development which entered into force on 1 january 2016 , and , in particular , to sustainable development goal (sdg) 5 on gender equality , as well as sdg 16.2 on ending all forms of violence against children so every child can live free from fear , neglect , abuse and exploitation ,


### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; ### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women , a violation of human rights , and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality;


### b. whereas , in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on gender equality , women and men do not enjoy the same rights in practice and social , economic and cultural inequalities persist; ### b. whereas , in spite of numerous instances of formal recognition and progress having been made on gender equality , women are still discriminated and put in a situation of disadvantage , and social , economic and cultural inequalities persist;


### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence , with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence , and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6 ; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims , as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust; ### c. whereas intimate partner violence refers to any act of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occurs between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared a residence with the victim; whereas intimate partner violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence , with an estimated 22 % of women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence , and 43 % having experienced psychological violence by their partner6 ; whereas women and children are disproportionately affected by this type of violence; whereas domestic violence refers to “all acts of physical , sexual , psychological or economic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same residence with the victim” , as defined by the istanbul convention; whereas domestic violence is a serious and often hidden social problem that can cause systematic physical and psychological trauma with serious consequences for the victims , as the perpetrator is a person the victim should be able to trust;


### e. whereas children may suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases; ### e. whereas children may also suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , ensuring that the best interests of the child are the primary consideration , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases;


### b. whereas the purpose of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents1 is to confer on the public the widest possible right of access to the documents of the institutions; whereas , in light of this right and recent case law , any exceptions have to be interpreted and applied strictly and the institutions have the obligation to demonstrate how disclosure would specifically and actually undermine the interests protected by the exceptions; ### b. whereas the purpose of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents1 is to confer on the public the widest possible right of access to the documents of the institutions; whereas , in light of this right and recent case law , any exceptions have to be individually assessed , interpreted and applied strictly and the institutions have the obligation to demonstrate how disclosure would specifically and actually undermine the interests protected by the exceptions;


### b. whereas openness builds trust; whereas the eu institutions must strive for the highest possible standards of transparency , accountability and integrity; whereas openness and the participation of civil society are indispensable for promoting good governance in the eu institutions; ### b. whereas openness and accountability builds trust; whereas citizens’ trust in the eu institutions is fundamental for democracy , good governance and effective policy-making; whereas the eu institutions must strive for the highest possible standards of transparency , accountability and integrity; whereas there is a need to ensure modes of scrutiny which combine democratic oversight , control and auditing activities; whereas openness and the participation of civil society are indispensable for promoting good governance in the eu institutions; whereas good governance , accountability building , openness in the functioning of the eu and its decision-making process should be the leading principles of the culture within the eu institutions;


### a. whereas the teu provides that decisions must be taken as openly and as close to citizens as possible13 ; whereas the tfeu provides that the union’s institutions , bodies , offices and agencies are to conduct their work as openly as possible and that citizens and residents must have a right of access to documents14 ; whereas this is a very important fundamental right as it enables citizens to effectively exercise their right to scrutinise the eu’s work and follow the decision-making process within the eu; ### a. whereas the teu provides that ‘every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the union’ and that decisions must be taken as openly and as close to citizens as possible13 ; whereas the tfeu provides that the union’s institutions , bodies , offices and agencies are to conduct their work as openly as possible and that citizens and residents must have a right of access to documents14 ; whereas the right of access to documents is a fundamental right , protected by the charter of fundamental rights and the treaties , which should be exercised in a proactive way enabling citizens to effectively exercise their right to scrutinise the work and activities of eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , in particular the legislative process; whereas the cjeu has repeatedly stressed the link between access to documents and democracy;


### d. whereas citizens’ expectations as regards transparency , accountability and technical solutions have evolved in recent years; whereas this may require the adoption of new technical solutions and guidelines; ### d. whereas citizens’ expectations as regards transparency , accountability and technical solutions have evolved in recent years in view of the lack of transparency in eu institutions and the difficulties in requesting access to documents; whereas this may require enforcing implementation of the current legislation , cjeu and ecthr case law , the adoption of new technical solutions and guidelines , as well as measures to monitor progress;


### e. whereas the leading concerns raised in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2021 were transparency , accountability and public access to information and documents (29 %) , followed by a culture of service (26 %) and the proper use of discretion (18 %)15 ; ### e. whereas the leading concerns raised in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2021 were transparency in decision making , accountability and the refusal of public access to information and documents (29 %) , followed by a culture of service (26 %) , the proper use of discretion , including in infringement procedures (18 %) , the respect for procedural rights (12%) and the violation of fundamental rights (11%) 15 ; whereas according to the ombudsman report , “revolving doors” continues to be a matter of concern;


### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union; ### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union; whereas the way in which the commission handled the case of the text messages exchanged between the commission president and the ceo of a pharmaceutical company on the purchase of a covid-19 vaccine is a matter of deep concern; whereas the ombudsman has presented recommendations on how to record text messages as a follow-up of the case;


### h. whereas parliament adopted its first-reading position on the commission proposal for reform of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 in december 2011; whereas negotiations on that regulation have been at a standstill since 2012; whereas the eu has taken on many new responsibilities since the regulation came into force; whereas increased responsibility requires increased transparency in order to uphold the eu’s credibility and legitimacy in citizens’ eyes; ### h. whereas parliament adopted its first-reading position on the commission proposal for reform of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 in december 2011; whereas negotiations on that regulation have been at a standstill since 2012; whereas the eu has taken on many new responsibilities since the regulation came into force; whereas increased responsibility requires increased transparency and accountability in order to uphold the eu’s credibility and legitimacy in citizens’ eyes;


### 1. is deeply concerned that members , former members , and staff of the european parliament are alleged to have engaged in corruption , laundered money and participated in a criminal organisation in exchange for influence over parliament’s decisions; recalls the importance of transparency in fighting corruption and in ensuring the accountability of persons performing public duties; notes that a high level of transparency makes it easier to track activities related to the decision-making process and may help in exposing criminal activities; ### 1. is deeply concerned that members , former members , and staff of the european parliament are alleged to have engaged in corruption , laundered money and participated in a criminal organisation in exchange for influence over parliament’s decisions; recalls the importance of transparency in preventing and fighting corruption and in ensuring the accountability of persons performing public duties; notes that a high level of transparency makes it easier to track activities related to the decision-making process and may help in exposing criminal activities;


### 2. notes with concern that in 2021 , following a request for public access to text messages between the commission president and the ceo of a pharmaceutical company regarding the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , the commission refused to even search properly for such text messages , let alone grant public access to them; recalls that registering a document is a consequence of the existence of a document and not a prerequisite for its existence; supports the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration by the commission in this case17 ; ### 2. notes with concern that in 2021 , following a request for public access to text messages between the commission president and the ceo of a pharmaceutical company regarding the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , the commission refused to even search properly for such text messages , let alone grant public access to them; recalls that registering a document is a consequence of the existence of a document and not a prerequisite for its existence; supports the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration by the commission in this case17 ; is concerned about the fact that the commission has failed to follow up on the ombudsman’s recommendation following her inquiry to search again for relevant text messages and calls on the commission to conduct a full search without delay; highlights that following this case the ombudsman has presented recommendations on how to record text messages; calls on eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to follow up on these recommendations and to make this follow-up public; expresses deep concern about the growing distance between citizens and eu institutions that this situation has caused;


### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19 ; ### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions , bodies or agencies on the basis of insubstantial arguments; takes note of the frequent use of the exceptions in article 4 of regulation 1049/2001 to refuse full access to documents; reiterates that an institution , body or agency invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is well-founded , foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and duly justify how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; calls on institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to integrate these assessments in their access to documents practice; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected , taking into account the overriding public interest in disclosure , including the need to ensure closer involvement of citizens in the decision-making process , good governance , efficiency and accountability to citizens; notes with interest that in its judgement on the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate , the court stressed that access to legislative documents must be as wide as possible and that the council must grant access to documents drawn up within its working groups relating to the legislative procedure19 ;


### 4. takes note of the fact that the commission receives the highest number of initial applications for public access to documents (8 420 in 2021) , followed by the council (2 083 in 2021) and parliament (499 in 2021); acknowledges that the institutions’ response rate is quite positive overall (in 2021 , it was 75 % for the commission , 89.5 % for the council and 95 % for parliament); ### 4. takes note of the fact that the commission receives the highest number of initial applications for public access to documents (8 420 in 2021) , followed by the council (2 083 in 2021) and parliament (499 in 2021); acknowledges that the institutions’ response rate is quite positive overall (in 2021 , it was 75 % for the commission , 89.5 % for the council and 95 % for parliament); highlights however that the enhanced delays and unfounded refusal to disclose , including partially , of documents undermines citizens’ right of scrutiny on eu institutions;


### 6. welcomes frontex’s establishment of a document register on a dedicated website; notes , however , that the register contains very few documents related to the implementation of joint operations , which is the agency’s core activity; stresses that this information is necessary for understanding the agency’s work; endorses the ombudsman’s recommendation , following her own-initiative inquiry 4/2021/mhz , that the agency should take a more proactive approach to transparency with a view to ensuring greater accountability for its operations; ### 6. welcomes frontex’s establishment of a document register on a dedicated website; notes , however , that the register contains very few documents related to the implementation of joint operations , which is the agency’s core activity; also regrets that in 2020 , less than 5% of public access to documents requests received full access , this preventing effective public scrutiny; stresses that this information is necessary for understanding the agency’s work; endorses the ombudsman’s recommendation , following her own-initiative inquiry 4/2021/mhz ‘on how frontex complies with its fundamental rights obligations and ensures accountability in relation to its enhanced responsibilities’ , that the agency should take a more proactive approach to transparency , including publishing documents which are necessary to understand the respective roles and responsibilities of the actors involved in its operations and reporting any incident observed , with a view to ensuring greater accountability for its operations;


### 9. welcomes the commission’s intention to increase transparency within the eu based on ‘transparency by default’; implores the commission not to consider any proposal to revise regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 that would lower the standards of transparency and access to documents; deplores the fact that negotiations have long been at a standstill and strongly urges the council and the commission to resume negotiations with the other institutions on the basis of commission’s proposals from 2008 and 2011; notes that any reform will need to address key issues such as the scope of the grounds for refusal , the public-interest test , transparency in the legislative process , and opposition to block exemptions; calls for the council , the commission and parliament to work constructively with the ultimate aim of giving eu citizens wider and improved access to documents; ### 9. welcomes the commission’s intention to increase transparency within the eu based on ‘transparency by default’; implores the commission not to consider any proposal to revise regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 that would lower the standards of transparency and access to documents; deplores the fact that negotiations have long been at a standstill and strongly urges the council and the commission to resume negotiations with the other institutions on the basis of commission’s proposals from 2008 and 2011; notes that any reform will need to address key issues such as extension of the scope to all eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , the scope of the grounds for refusal , the definition of 'document' , the public-interest test , transparency in the legislative process , opposition to block exemptions , as well as to integrate cjeu and ecthr case law and to take into account the new technological developments; calls for the council , the commission and parliament to work constructively and publish documents in a proactive manner with the ultimate aim of ensuring that eu citizens can fully exercise their right to access to documents in order to perform their scrutiny role to eu institutions , bodies offices and agencies;


### 12. welcomes the ombudsman’s practical recommendations on how to record text and instant messages sent or received by staff members in their professional capacity23 ; recognises that work-related text and instant messages are ‘documents’ within the meaning of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 on public access to documents and invites the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to also recognise this; calls on the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to use a broad interpretation of the concept of ‘document’ , which is particularly important in an information society and in the context of new forms of communication; ### 12. welcomes the ombudsman’s practical recommendations on how to record text and instant messages sent or received by staff members in their professional capacity23 ; recognises that work-related text and instant messages are ‘documents’ within the meaning of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 on public access to documents and invites the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to also recognise this and follow the ombudsman’s recommendations accordingly; calls on the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to use a broad interpretation of the concept of ‘document’ , which is particularly important in an information society and in the context of new forms of communication;


### 13. calls for the eu institutions to have a policy of ‘transparency by design’ and publish documents linked to legislative files proactively , within a reasonable time frame and in a user-friendly way; calls for the eu institutions to comply fully with the judgment of the cjeu in case t-540/1524 on access to trilogue documents; insists that the council should improve its rules and procedures on legislative transparency , including the accessibility and classification of legislative documents; ### 13. calls for the eu institutions , bodies and agencies to have a policy of ‘transparency by design’ and publish documents linked to legislative files proactively , including documents forming part of or related to legislative procedures , within a reasonable time frame and in a user-friendly and accessible way , as well as complaints against refusals to grant access; calls for the eu institutions to comply fully with the judgment of the cjeu in case t-540/1524 on access to trilogue documents; urges the council to improve its rules and procedures on legislative transparency , including the accessibility and classification of legislative documents;


### 15. calls for the commission and the other eu institutions , agencies and bodies to be more proactive in publishing statistics regarding how they handle document access requests , as such information would help with assessing the institutions’ approach to document access; ### 15. calls for the commission and the other eu institutions , agencies and bodies to be proactive in publishing documents and statistics regarding how they handle document access requests , as such information would help with assessing the institutions’ proactive approach to document access; requests to use the eu ombudsman’s short guide on policies and practices to give effect to the right of public access to documents as a basis1c; calls on the eu institutions to implement without delay a user-dedicated joint database on the state of play of legislative files as agreed in the inter-institutional agreement on better law-making;


### d. whereas , pursuant to article 15(2) of the revised eci regulation , the commission is legally obliged to set out in a communication its legal and political conclusions on a valid eci , the action it intends to take , if any , and its reasons for taking or not taking action; ### d. whereas , pursuant to article 15(2) of the revised eci regulation and after a public hearing held by the european parliament , the commission is legally obliged to set out in a communication its legal and political conclusions on a valid eci , the action it intends to take , if any , and its reasons for taking or not taking action;


### 1. points out that the eci is the only tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; considers it essential to involve citizens , in particular young people , in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that the use of the eci instrument must be enhanced by all available means; ### 1. points out that the eci is the only tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; considers it essential to involve citizens , in particular young people , in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that the eci instrument must be enhanced by improving its accessibility , legal effectiveness and visibility;


### 2. stresses that the online collection of statements of support is fundamental for the success of ecis; welcomes the improvements made by the commission to its central online collection system , including the possibility of customising its features and providing statistics to citizens; is concerned , however , that phasing out individual online collection systems might have a negative effect on the possibility for organisers to use online collection systems tailored to their needs; ### 2. stresses that the online collection of statements of support is fundamental for the success of ecis; welcomes the improvements made by the commission to its central online collection system , including the possibility of customising its features and providing statistics to citizens; is concerned , however , that phasing out individual online collection systems might have a negative effect on the possibility for organisers to use online collection systems tailored to their needs; underlines that the figures show that individual online collection systems have a considerably higher success rate for ecis of approximatively 31% while the central online collection system provided by the commission has a success rate of 8 ,4%;


### 5. points to the imbalance between the huge amount of effort and extensive resources necessary to organise ecis and their weak legal effects , even if the required threshold of one million signatures is reached , which may deter citizens from launching ecis; ### 5. points to the imbalance between the huge amount of effort and extensive resources necessary to organise ecis and their weak legal effects , even if the required threshold of one million signatures is reached , which may deter citizens from launching ecis and undermine citizens’ trust in eu institutions;


### 7. regrets the weak legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to appropriately consider and respond to valid ecis; ### 7. regrets the weak legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to consider and respond to valid ecis by proposing appropriate legal acts , especially when parliament adopted its position in line with the demands of a valid eci;


### 10. invites the commission to start a reflection process on the usefulness of reintroducing the option for organisers to use individual online collection systems; ### 10. calls on the commission to consider the reintroduction of the option for organisers to use individual online collection systems , which , contrary to the central online collection system , enable organisers to plan and perform campaigns in a decentralised way taking into account the multilingual and multicultural context in the different member states and regions;


### 14. calls on the commission to engage better with valid ecis even after it has issued its communication , thereby increasing the possibility of legislative follow-up in the long term; ### 14. calls on the commission to engage with organisers of valid ecis after it has issued its communication , thereby increasing the possibility of legislative follow-up in the long term;


### 15. recommends that every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci be followed by a vote on a parliamentary resolution , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure; ### 15. commits to vote on a parliamentary resolution after every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure;


### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , ### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , in particular articles 4 , 47 , 48 and 52 ,


### — having regard to the european added value assessment completed in january 2014 at the request of eprs on the european arrest warrant , ### — having regard to the european added value assessment completed in january 2014 at the request of eprs on the european arrest warrant , and to the cost of non-europe study on procedural rights and detention conditions of december 2017 ,


### 1. considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of member states; recalls in particular the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law; ### 1. considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of member states; calls for the adoption of a eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights which does not create a hierarchy of values and ensures that not only the rule of law , but also other union values , including a wider spectrum of fundamental rights , are properly assessed; recalls the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of member states to ensure effective judicial protection , which is a core value of the union as a community based on law;


### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining preventive and corrective actions; ### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the provisions set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out annual reports of the situations in all member states based on the assessment of a panel of independent experts and determining preventive and corrective actions;


### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility; ### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the protection of fundamental rights of all its citizens , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility;


### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility; ### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies , the protection of its citizen’s fundamental rights and its international credibility;


### 3. believes that for effective implementation , in accordance with article 295 tfeu and their power of self-organisation , the three institutions should establish a joint body responsible for coordinating their cooperation in this field; ### 3. believes that for effective implementation , in accordance with article 295 tfeu , the future interinstitutional agreement on an eu mechanism on democracy , rule of law and fundamental rights should also establish clear procedures for coordinating cooperation between institutions in this field; calls for the inclusion of a debate on the conclusions of the annual report in the council and in an inter-parliamentary conference organised by the parliament in an annual monitoring cycle;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic , fundamental rights and rule of law backsliding and breaches in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes that the failure by the council to apply article 7 teu effectively is in fact enabling continued divergence from the values provided for in article 2 teu; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic , rule of law and fundamental rights violations and backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field;


### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure; ### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law , judicial independence and fundamental rights and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure; calls also on the commission to further strengthen its awareness-raising activities concerning the charter of fundamental rights of the european union by promoting and funding charter-focused training modules for national judges and legal practitioners;


### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence and lead to effective and realistic measures; ### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence from the assessment of the panel of independent experts and lead to effective and realistic measures such us infringement procedures or sanctions where relevant;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. regrets that its resolution of 25 october 2016 was not welcomed by the commission and the council despite the urgent need to protect union values; welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights and that the consultation process failed to ensure the protection of human rights defenders or actors contributing thereto , despite repeated calls from civil society organisations; underlines with concern that the rights of women , minority and vulnerable groups , including racial , ethnic and religious minorities , romani people , lgbti persons , disabled and elderly people , are continually disrespected and that equality and full protection from violence , hate and discrimination , is not guaranteed by member states in disregard of union values; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism assessing the respect of all aspects of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process assessing all member states , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of all union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda;


### — having regard , in particular , to article 2 , article 3(1) , the second subparagraph of article 3(3) and articles 6 ,7 and 11 of the treaty on european union , ### — having regard , in particular , to article 2 , article 3(1) , the second subparagraph of article 3(3) , article 4(3) and articles 5 , 6 , 7 and 11 of the treaty on european union ,


### — having regard to article 4(3) and article 5 of the treaty on european union , article 295 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and protocols no 1 on the role of national parliaments in the european union and no 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality , annexed to the treaty on european union and to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , ### — having regard to protocols no 1 on the role of national parliaments in the european union and no 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality , annexed to the treaty on european union and to the treaty on the functioning of the european union ,


### — having regard to the united nations instruments on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the case-law of the united nations treaty bodies , ### — having regard to the united nations instruments on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the recommendations and reports of the united nations universal periodic review , as well as the case-law of the united nations treaty bodies and special procedures of the human rights council ,


### — having regard to the european social charter , in particular article e thereof , ### — having regard to the recommendations and reports of the office for democratic institutions and human rights , high commissioner on national minorities , representative on freedom of the media and other bodies of the osce ,


### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the case law of the european court of human rights , the conventions , recommendations , resolutions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner and the venice commission of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the european social charter , the case law of the european court of human rights and the european committee of social rights , the conventions , recommendations , resolutions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion , the venice commission and other bodies of the council of europe ,


### a. whereas the union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas those values are values which are common to the member states and to which all member states have freely subscribed; ### a. whereas the union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas those values are values which are common to the member states and to which all member states have freely subscribed; whereas democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are mutually reinforcing principles;


### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu weaken the cohesion of the european project , the rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states; ### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu do not concern solely the individual member state where the breaches materialise , but also have an impact on other member states , weaken the cohesion of the european project , the fundamental rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states;


### e. whereas a regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , once adopted , would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the union; ### e. whereas a regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , once adopted , would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the union , if the voting procedure is designed in such a way that this instrument can be used effectively and cannot be blocked by a minority in the council;


### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; ### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities as well as national associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciaries in the independent delivery of justice;


### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; ### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe , osce and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities;


### 5. highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law; ### 5. highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law; encourages the commission and the member states to further promote and facilitate the dialogue between courts and legal practitioners , by fostering the regular exchange of information and best practices in order to strengthen and advance an eu area of justice based on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that the european public prosecutor's office is granted sufficient resources , to enable it to function effectively;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures , including procedures under article 7 teu , infringement procedures and budgetary tools;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures , including financial measures;


### 6. points to the complementarity that should exist between the eu justice scoreboard , which allows for an overview comparison between member states , and the annual monitoring report on union values as an in-depth qualitative mapping of the concrete situation in each member state; ### 6. points to the complementarity that should exist between the eu justice scoreboard , which allows for an overview comparison between member states , and the annual monitoring report on union values as an in-depth qualitative mapping of the concrete situation in each member state; suggests , once again , incorporating the eu justice scoreboard within the annual report drafted in the framework of the union mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights;


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ; ### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 258 tfeu , the procedure under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ;


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ; ### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including procedures under article 7 teu , infringement procedures , budgetary tools once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions , equality bodies and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out to the need to provide protection to reporting actors where necessary , as well as sufficient funding to provide the impartial and expert data that is needed to balance governments’ views; stresses in that regard the need for a functioning civil society throughout the union and calls for the creation of the european statute for associations and non-profit organisation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and equality bodies and the space for civil society , as well as the protection provided to human rights defenders , may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; echoes repeated calls from civil society for the creation of a union mechanism to protect human rights defenders and actors contributing to the process from potential reprisals; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; is concerned that civil society has increasingly come under pressure throughout the union; therefore urges the commission and the council to support in particular the european and cross-border activity of civil society organisations;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions , human rights defenders , associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciary in the independent delivery of justice and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating and contributing to monitor implementation; points out that the existence , and , where they do exist , the formal and functional independence of national human rights institutions , as also reflected in their accreditation status , and the enabling space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle;


### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values; reiterates the call for parliament to be present in article 7 hearings when it is parliament that initiated the procedure; believes that the mechanism , underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement , will provide the necessary framework for better coordination; ### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values; reiterates the call for parliament to be present in article 7 hearings when it is parliament that initiated the procedure and to present its reasoned proposal to the council; believes that the mechanism , underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement , will provide the necessary framework for better coordination;


### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values; reiterates the call for parliament to be present in article 7 hearings when it is parliament that initiated the procedure; believes that the mechanism , underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement , will provide the necessary framework for better coordination; ### 9. reaffirms the role of parliament , in accordance with article 7 teu , in monitoring compliance with union values; reiterates the call for parliament to be present in article 7 hearings in accordance with the principle of mutual sincere cooperation as enshrined in article 13(2) teu; believes that the mechanism , underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement , will provide the necessary framework for better coordination;


### 10. is of the view that , in the long-term , strengthening the union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core will require treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the conference on the future of europe in that regard; ### 10. is of the view that , in the long-term , strengthening the union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core will require treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the conference on the future of europe in that regard; stresses that in the event of the change of the treaties , the effectiveness of the article 7 teu procedure should be enhanced by revising the necessary majority for action and reinforcing the sanctioning mechanism;


### 10. stresses that whistleblowers play a critical role in the protection of the rule of law in member states; calls on the commission to closely monitor the transposition and application of directive (eu) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of union law; ### 10. stresses that whistleblowers play a critical role in the protection of the rule of law in the eu and the member states; calls on the commission to closely monitor the transposition and application of directive (eu) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of union law;


### 11. strongly believes that addressing the crisis of union values , including through the proposed mechanism , is a precondition for re-establishing mutual trust among member states , thus enabling the union as a whole to sustain and further all common policies; ### 11. strongly believes that addressing the breaches of union values , including through the proposed mechanism , is a precondition for re-establishing mutual trust among member states , thus enabling the union as a whole to sustain and further all common policies;


### (5) the three institutions agree that an annual monitoring cycle on union values is necessary to reinforce the promotion and respect for union values. the annual monitoring cycle should be comprehensive , objective , impartial , evidence-based and applied equally and fairly to all member states. the primary objective of the annual monitoring cycle should be to prevent violations of and non-compliance with union values , while providing a shared basis for other actions by the three institutions. the three institutions also agree to use this interinstitutional agreement to integrate existing instruments and initiatives relating to the promotion of and respect for union values , in particular the annual rule of law report , the council’s annual rule of law dialogue and the commission’s rule of law framework , in order to avoid duplication and strengthen overall effectiveness. ### (5) the three institutions agree that an annual monitoring cycle on union values is necessary to reinforce the promotion and respect for union values. the annual monitoring cycle should be comprehensive , objective , impartial , evidence-based and applied equally and fairly to all member states. the primary objective of the annual monitoring cycle should be to prevent violations of and non-compliance with union values and to identify positive actions by member states and national actors including civil society and national human rights institutions to be promoted and supported by the union , while providing a shared basis for other actions by the three institutions. the three institutions also agree to use this interinstitutional agreement to integrate existing instruments and initiatives relating to the promotion of and respect for union values , in particular the annual rule of law report , the council’s annual rule of law dialogue and the commission’s rule of law framework , in order to avoid duplication and strengthen overall effectiveness.


### 1. grants the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019 / postpones its decision on granting the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the secretary-general of the council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european council and of the council for the financial year 2019;


### 3. observes that the council’s budget is mostly administrative with a large amount being used for expenditure concerning persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; calls on the council , as it has done in previous discharge resolutions , to separate the budget of the european council and the council into one budget for each institution for reasons of transparency and to improve accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions; ### 3. observes that the council’s budget is mostly administrative with a large part of it being used for expenditure concerning persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; calls on the council , as it has repeatedly done in previous discharge resolutions , to separate the budget of the european council and the council into one budget for each institution for reasons of transparency and to improve accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions;


### 7. congratulates the council on the successful commitment and payment rate of 100 % for the budget line ‘delegations’ travel expenses’; notes also the 100 % commitment rate for ‘computer systems’ and ‘information’; notes , however that these have a carry-over rate to 2020 of 35 ,4 % and 32 ,9 % , respectively; ### 7. congratulates the council on the successful commitment and payment rate of 100 % for the budget line ‘delegations’ travel expenses’; notes also the 100 % commitment rate for ‘computer systems’ and ‘information’; points , however to these budget lines' carry-over rate to 2020 of 35 ,4 % and 32 ,9 % , respectively;


### 11. notes in the context of modernisation the creation of a flatter management structure , by removing layers of hierarchy , with the aim of improving communication , making decision-making easier and empowering staff by allowing greater ownership of files; notes the introduction of a well-tested hr it tool (sysper) and other it tools used for managing the mission lifecycle; ### 11. welcomes in the context of modernisation the creation of a flatter management structure , by removing layers of hierarchy , with the aim of improving communication , making decision-making easier and empowering staff by allowing greater ownership of files; notes the introduction of a well-tested hr it tool (sysper) and other it tools used for managing the mission lifecycle;


### 12. acknowledges that an internal control framework is in place to provide reasonable assurance of achievement of the objectives; notes that in relation to the year 2019 no mention of misuse of funds nor irregularities has been made in the control by the internal auditor , the court of auditors or in the opinions of the audit committee; notes also that all departments applied risk management by keeping risk registers with identified risks , assessment thereof and selected risk treatment; notes that no critical risk levels were reported in 2019 and that no significant risks materialised; welcomes that 93 % of the issued recommendations during the years 2016 - 2018 have been or are in the process of being implemented; ### 12. acknowledges that an internal control framework is in place to provide reasonable assurance of achievement of the objectives; welcomes the fact that in relation to the year 2019 no mention of misuse of funds nor irregularities has been made in the control by the internal auditor , the court of auditors or in the opinions of the audit committee; notes also that all departments applied risk management by keeping risk registers with identified risks , assessment thereof and selected risk treatment; notes that no critical risk levels were reported in 2019 and that no significant risks materialised; welcomes that 93 % of the issued recommendations during the years 2016 - 2018 have been or are in the process of being implemented;


### 19. regrets not having achieved more information about any improvements to the council’s ethical culture and standards such as a dedicated website link presenting specific training on public ethics , a code of conduct that is applicable to all staff setting out the expectations regarding integrity and ethical values , internal guidance on frequently-asked questions on ethical matters or procedures on whistleblowing that will ensure that information flows when normal channels are ineffective; ### 19. regrets not having received more information about any improvements to the council’s ethical culture and standards such as a dedicated website link presenting specific training on public ethics , a code of conduct that is applicable to all staff setting out the expectations regarding integrity and ethical values , internal guidance on frequently-asked questions on ethical matters or procedures on whistleblowers’ protection;


### 21. calls again on the council to bring the code of conduct for the president of the european council in line with those of parliament and the commission in order to have rules in place to approve activities related to union legislation after the president of the european council leaves the council; ### 21. strongly reiterates its call on the council to bring the code of conduct for the president of the european council in line with those of parliament and the commission in order to have rules in place to approve activities related to union legislation after the president of the european council leaves the council;


### 25. welcomes the fact that the draft guidance for best practise for the presidency on the issue of sponsorship were sent on 29 june 2020 by the general secretariat of the council to the delegations , following to the council’s approval of the recommendation of the european ombudsman (the ombudsman) on guidance for member states related to sponsorship and the regular reminders of the parliament’s committee on budgetary control; ### 25. notes the fact that the draft guidance for best practise for the presidency on the issue of sponsorship were sent on 29 june 2020 by the general secretariat of the council to the delegations , following to the council’s approval of the recommendation of the european ombudsman (the ombudsman) on guidance for member states related to sponsorship and the regular reminders of the parliament’s committee on budgetary control; reiterates that any actual or perceived conflict of interests jeopardises the reputation of the council and the union as a whole;


### 26. encourages the council to advise the presidencies properly in establishing clear and transparent rules on sponsorship; urges the council to make progress with respect to the guidelines without delay and reflect on the currently non-binding character of the guidance; ### 26. encourages the council to advise the presidencies properly in establishing clear and transparent rules on sponsorship , paying strong attention to the possible conflict of interests in cases when corporate sector has explicit interests in the decisions passed by the council; urges the council to make progress with respect to the guidelines without delay and reflect on the currently non-binding character of the guidance; reiterates again its deep concerns about the corporate sponsorship of member states hosting the union presidency; is highly concerned by the possible reputational damage and the risk of loss of that this practice might cause the union , its institutions and especially the council in the eyes of the union citizens;


### 28. recalls that parliament in its resolution of 17 january 2019 on the ombudsman’s strategic inquiry oi/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council of the eu overwhelmingly supported the ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency and encourages the council to continue its efforts to improve legislative transparency , particularly by recording and publishing member state positions and making available more trilogue documents; ### 28. recalls that parliament in its resolution of 17 january 2019 on the ombudsman’s strategic inquiry oi/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council of the eu overwhelmingly supported the ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency and demands that the council further improves legislative transparency , particularly by recording and publishing member state positions and making available more trilogue documents; urges the council to step up its transparency efforts by , inter alia , publishing council working documents in a machine-readable format;


### 29. draws attention to a complaint-based inquiry in which the ombudsman asked the general secretariat of the council to keep a full record of any meetings held between lobbyists and the president of the european council or members of his cabinet; echoes the ombudsman’s statement that members of the president’s cabinet should only meet with , or attend events organised by , interest representatives that are registered in the transparency register; ### 29. draws attention to a complaint-based inquiry in which the ombudsman asked the general secretariat of the council to keep a full record of any meetings held between lobbyists and the president of the european council or members of his cabinet; strongly supports the ombudsman’s statement that members of the president’s cabinet should only meet with , or attend events organised by , interest representatives that are registered in the transparency register;


### 30. is pleased that the three institutions (parliament , council and commission) reiterated their common ambition to reach an agreement on a tri-institutional transparency register to boost the transparency of interactions with interest representatives; congratulates the council on the positive steps and further achievements under the german presidency , expressed in the fifth inter-institutional negotiation meeting of 6 october 2020 , and encourages all actors involved to agree on the reforms , so that the registry will become mandatory by including the council; ### 30. is pleased that the three institutions (parliament , council and commission) reiterated their common ambition to reach an agreement on a tri-institutional transparency register to boost the transparency of interactions with interest representatives; congratulates the council on the positive steps and further achievements under the german presidency , expressed in the fifth inter-institutional negotiation meeting of 6 october 2020 , and encourages all actors involved to agree on the reforms , so that the registry will become mandatory by including the council; urges the council to expand the scope of the agreement in making it mandatory for lobbyists to register in order to meet with the ambassador of the current or forthcoming presidency as well as their deputies in the committee of the permanent representatives (coreper) , the council’s secretary-general and directors-general;


### 31. notes however that seven complaints were lodged with the ombudsman and that one strategic inquiry took place , all concerning transparency; observes that out of the seven complaints , the ombudsman considered in two cases that there was no maladministration and in two further complaints that there had been maladministration; notes that one case was closed while the remaining two complaints are still pending; notes that in the inquiry , which concerned the transparency of the bodies involved in preparing eurogroup meetings , the ombudsman found that the council had taken steps to further improve its transparency policy and decided to close this strategic inquiry; ### 31. notes however that seven complaints were lodged with the ombudsman and that one strategic inquiry took place , all concerning transparency; notes that out of the seven complaints , the ombudsman in two cases considered that there had been cases of maladministration; notes that one case was closed , two were considered not to entail maladministration while the remaining two complaints are still pending; notes that in the inquiry , which concerned the transparency of the bodies involved in preparing eurogroup meetings , the ombudsman found that the council had taken steps to further improve its transparency policy and decided to close this strategic inquiry;


### 38. stresses that the current situation makes it impossible for parliament to take an informed decision on granting discharge , which has a lasting negative effect for both institutions and discredits the procedure for political scrutiny of budget management; ### 38. stresses that the current situation , where parliament can only check the reports of the court and of the european ombudsman as well as the information on the council’s web page but does not receive written or oral answers from the council during the annual discharge procedure , makes it impossible for parliament to take an informed decision on granting discharge , which has a lasting negative effect for both institutions and discredits the procedure for political scrutiny of budget management;


### 39. underlines the need to start negotiations with the council with a view to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement to overcome finally this situation of deadlock; ### 39. underlines the need to re-start negotiations with the council with a view to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement to overcome finally this situation of deadlock;


### 42. advises that the positive trend of this process has been interrupted by the covid-19-epidemic; recalls , however , that in autumn 2020 all attempts from parliament’s side to meet for a first preliminary exchange with the council failed; ### 42. recognises that the positive trend of this process has been interrupted by the covid-19-epidemic; recalls , however , that in autumn 2020 all attempts from parliament’s side to meet for a first preliminary exchange with the council failed;


### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure did not provide for all appropriate measures in order to facilitate the functioning of parliament in extraordinary circumstances; ### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure require more developed procedures in order to ensure the unlimited functioning of parliament in different types of extraordinary circumstances;


### 3. takes note of the temporary measures adopted by its president and its governing bodies in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; underlines that those measures were needed to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business , allowing parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis; ### 3. underlines the importance of the temporary measures adopted , in compliance with the rule of law , by its president and its governing bodies in the current sanitary crisis , in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; stresses that there were no alternatives to those measures in order to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business as required by the treaties , and that they allowed parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis in accordance with the procedures provided for by the treaties;


### 4. recognises that those temporary measures were fully justified and ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application; ### 4. stresses that those temporary measures were fully justified and that they ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application;


### c. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked to gains by eurosceptics , which should be considered as a warning for european integration , especially in several founding member states where far-right extremists and anti-european forces won the elections; ### c. whereas the higher turnout was linked to both gains by eurosceptics , which should be considered as a warning for european integration , especially in several founding member states where far-right extremists and anti-european forces won the elections and gains by pro-european parties receiving votes from younger generations;


### e. whereas gender equality among members of the european parliament has improved (41 % women in 2019 , up from 37 % in 2014); ### e. whereas the gender gap among members of the european parliament has been reduced (41 % women in 2019 , up from 37 % in 2014) without however reaching a gender balanced parliament;