### h. whereas technological innovation has increased the capacity of individuals , governments and other bodies to spy on journalists , compromise their digital security and force censorship upon them; whereas such attacks may include compromising journalists’ accounts , locking them out of their accounts , subjecting them to intrusive malware , targeting them with hateful and violent content and gathering and publishing personal information about them online; whereas surveillance and digital threats are having a negative impact on press freedom worldwide and limit journalists’ ability to investigate and report; ### h. whereas technological innovation has increased the capacity of governments , corporate actors , individuals , and other bodies to spy on journalists , violate their right to privacy and their right to the confidentiality of their sources , compromise their digital security and force censorship upon them; whereas such attacks may include collecting data illegally or against international human rights law and privacy standards , compromising journalists’ accounts , locking them out of their accounts , subjecting them to intrusive malware , targeting them with hateful and violent content and gathering and publishing personal information about them online; whereas surveillance and digital threats are having a negative impact on press freedom worldwide and limit journalists’ ability to investigate and report;


### i. whereas according to the committee to protect journalists , in 2022 , 66 journalists were killed and 64 were reported missing; ### i. whereas according to the committee to protect journalists , in 2022 , 66 journalists were killed and 64 were reported missing; whereas according to reporters without borders , 533 journalists are currently detained for carrying out their journalistic activity;


### q. whereas media capture , a lack of institutional transparency , hate speech and disinformation are increasingly being exploited for political purposes to intensify social polarisation; ### q. whereas media capture , a lack of institutional transparency , hate speech and disinformation are increasingly being exploited for political and economic purposes to intensify social polarisation or to pursue private economic interests;


### t. whereas in several countries , strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) are used by political and financial actors for the purpose of silencing critical voices or scaring journalists into halting investigations into corruption and other matters of public interest; whereas this is especially common in countries with defamation or libel laws that are easier to abuse; ### t. whereas in many countries , strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) are used by political and financial actors for the purpose of silencing critical voices or scaring journalists into halting investigations into corruption and other matters of public interest; whereas this is especially common in countries with defamation or libel laws that are easier to abuse; whereas third countries or their proxies are engaged in slapps against european journalists within eu national jurisdictions;


### 9. regrets the absence of reliable data on the situation of journalists facing hostile working environments; pays tribute to organisations such as reporters without borders , the committee to protect journalists , frontline , the international federation of journalists and the international consortium of investigative journalists , to name but a few , for their support for journalists and media workers in situations of danger that could threaten their security and well-being; calls on the commission to develop holistic and sophisticated methodologies to seek ways of capturing data over longer periods time and for different types of violations against journalists; asks for effective monitoring toolkits to be developed; ### 9. regrets the absence of reliable data on the situation of journalists facing hostile working environments; pays tribute to organisations such as reporters without borders , the committee to protect journalists , frontline , the international federation of journalists and the international consortium of investigative journalists , to name but a few , for their support for journalists and media workers in situations of danger that could threaten their security and well-being; calls on the commission to develop holistic and sophisticated methodologies to seek ways of capturing data over longer periods time and for different types of violations against journalists; asks for effective monitoring toolkits to be developed and for the eeas to report annually to parliament on the global state of media freedom and violations of the rights of journalists worldwide;


### 10. condemns , in the strongest possible terms , the attempts by public authorities to silence independent media or undermine their freedom and pluralism; warns against practices that indirectly subdue such media by means of financial patronage and condemns , in particular , attempts to control media public service; ### 10. condemns , in the strongest possible terms , the attempts by public authorities and actors from the private sector to silence independent media or undermine their freedom and pluralism; warns against practices that indirectly subdue such media by means of financial patronage and condemns , in particular , attempts to control media public service; expresses serious concern about monopolistic and oligopolistic practices related to media ownership and recalls that , as stated by the un special rapporteur for freedom of expression , concentration of media ownership is a practice that runs counter to democracy and pluralism , as it impedes the diverse expression of the various sectors of society;


### 11. condemns the use of slapps to silence or intimidate journalists and outlets and to create a climate of fear to suppress their reporting; welcomes , in this regard , the commission proposal for a directive against slapps targeting journalists in the eu , and asks the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to encourage third countries , principally like-minded partners who have not yet done so , to take similar initiative at national level and to engage on this matter at international level; ### 11. condemns the use of slapps to silence or intimidate journalists and outlets , including by the authorities of third countries against eu-based journalists and media , and to create a climate of fear to suppress their reporting; welcomes , in this regard , the commission proposal for a directive against slapps targeting journalists in the eu; calls for this legislation to adequately cover the external dimension of slapps in order to protect eu-based journalists or human rights defenders from abusive lawsuits initiated by authorities from third countries or their proxies; asks the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to encourage third countries , especially like-minded partners who have not yet done so , to take similar initiative at national level and to engage on this matter at international level;


### 12. welcomes actions aiming to raise awareness about the full range of eu and other international protection mechanisms and tools that can be urgently deployed in support of journalists in danger that are already available to eu/un staff , organisations devoted to the protection of journalists and civil society organisations (csos); ### 12. welcomes actions aiming to raise awareness about the full range of eu and other international protection mechanisms and tools that can be urgently deployed in support of journalists in danger that are already available to eu/un staff , organisations devoted to the protection of journalists and civil society organisations (csos); calls for a substantial increase in the funding of these protection mechanisms and tools by the eu and the member states;


### 14. insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers , taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; stresses the importance of promptly removing online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists in order to curb their uncontrolled spread; ### 14. insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers , taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; calls on platforms to promptly remove online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists and calls for holding the authors of these comments accountable;


### 16. calls on the commission and the eeas to always weigh the option of voiced public action against silent diplomacy; highlights the importance of building civil society’s understanding of the eu delegations’ modus operandi; encourages , in this regard , the eu delegations to make , to the extent possible , more public statements , both pre-emptively and in response to serious violations of or restrictions on the right to the freedom of opinion and expression; ### 16. calls on the commission and the eeas to always weigh the option of voiced public action against silent diplomacy in the interest of human rights; highlights the importance of greater transparency of the eu delegations’ modus operandi and for journalists and other media professionals to be actively included in the monitoring and policy development by the eu delegations and eeas and commission services in relation to media freedom; encourages , in this regard , the eu delegations to make , to the extent possible , more public statements , both pre-emptively and in response to serious violations of or restrictions on the right to the freedom of opinion and expression; calls on eu delegations and member states' missions to prioritise robust and public action in cases of attacks and detention of journalists in third countries;


### 17. calls on the eeas to establish an urgency response plan to be followed by the eu delegations with a range of protective tools , such as the issuing of statements , coordinating trial monitoring , conducting prison visits , visiting the homes or offices of at-risk journalists , raising cases urgently with the authorities , using bilateral dialogues to raise press freedom concerns , facilitating rest and respite opportunities for at-risk or traumatised journalists , supporting temporary relocation and/or evacuation , providing physical accompaniment in extreme situations , and seeking to advocate and build the capacity of local law enforcement , judicial and governmental authorities to protect journalists , including by pushing for full accountability for abuses of press freedom; ### 17. calls on the eeas to establish an urgency response plan to be followed by the eu delegations with a range of protective tools , such as the issuing of statements , coordinating trial monitoring , conducting prison visits , visiting the homes or offices of at-risk journalists , raising cases urgently with the authorities , using bilateral dialogues to raise press freedom concerns , facilitating rest and respite opportunities for at-risk or traumatised journalists , supporting temporary relocation and/or evacuation , providing physical accompaniment in extreme situations , and seeking to advocate and build the capacity of local law enforcement , judicial and governmental authorities to protect journalists , including by pushing for full accountability for abuses of press freedom; calls for particular attention to be paid to journalists held hostage as well as to the protection of family members of targeted journalists;


### 20. calls on the commission and the member states to promote sustainable measures in all their agreements and partnerships with third countries aimed at financing and supporting independent journalism; calls , in this regard , on the commission and the member states to allocate funds to that end , including by increasing the allocation for the human rights and democracy thematic programme of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe (ndici); ### 20. recalls the centrality of the human rights clause in the eu's bilateral agreements; calls for particular attention to be given to serious violations of the rights of journalists in the activation and application of this clause; calls on the commission and the member states to promote sustainable measures in all their agreements and partnerships with third countries aimed at financing and supporting media pluralism and independent journalism; calls , in this regard , on the commission and the member states to allocate funds to that end , including by increasing the allocation for the human rights and democracy thematic programme of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe (ndici); in this respect , urges the commission to pay particular attention to encouraging and supporting third countries to adopt laws or review and revise existing ones , relating to freedom of expression online and offline in order to ensure their alignment with international standards , such as the repeal of legislation that allows to criminalise the work of journalists; also calls for eu support to build the capacity of national jurisdictions and law enforcement bodies in ensuring that all attacks against journalists are investigated and prosecuted and that adequate protection mechanisms are in place;


### 21. calls on the commission and the eeas to ensure that eu funding programmes are known and accessible to local csos active on journalist safety and freedom of expression and , when appropriate , to encourage and support them to apply to such programmes and to play a lead role in shaping and implementing relevant projects; underlines the need to ensure a balance between eu funding for projects to promote journalist safety and to support media development , in line with the ndici’s thematic programme on human rights and democracy and its multiannual indicative programming and related indicators; reiterates its call to simplify the application process in order to making it less bureaucratic; ### 21. calls on the commission and the eeas to ensure that eu funding programmes are known and accessible to local csos active on journalist safety and freedom of expression and , when appropriate , to encourage and support them to apply to such programmes and assist csos in shaping and implementing relevant projects; underlines the need to ensure a balance between eu funding for projects to promote journalist safety and to support media development , in line with the ndici’s thematic programme on human rights and democracy and its multiannual indicative programming and related indicators; reiterates its call to simplify the application process in order to making it less bureaucratic;


### 22. strongly encourages increasing support for funding programmes , statements and public events aimed at enhancing protection mechanisms of the un and the inter-american court on human rights in consultation with journalists and csos supporting journalists; ### 22. strongly encourages increasing support for funding programmes , statements and public events aimed at enhancing monitoring and protection mechanisms of the un level and that of regional human rights mechanisms , including the inter-american court on human rights , in consultation with journalists and csos supporting journalists; welcomes the work of the un special procedures in addressing threats against journalists , including that of the un special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression , among others her recommendation to create an international task force on the prevention , investigation and prosecution of attacks on journalists;


### 1. believes that financial assistance in education is a prerequisite to eliminate poverty and enhance human well-being , especially at a time when public resources are increasingly constrained with competing demands in sectors such as health and education; ### 1. believes that effective financial assistance in education is a prerequisite to eradicate poverty and enhance human well-being , especially at a time when public resources are increasingly constrained with competing demands in sectors heavily affected such as health and education;


### 1. notes that the lack of adequate national regulations and strategies , as well as the lack of trained professionals , of the necessary infrastructure and of proper equipment and facilities , are barriers to quality education in several developing countries; ### 1. notes with deep concern that according to unesco , covid-19 has wiped out 20 years of education gains; notes that the lack of adequate national regulations and strategies , as well as the lack of trained professionals , of the necessary infrastructure and of proper equipment and facilities , are barriers to quality education in several developing countries;


### 2. stresses the importance of improving cost analysis when selecting and monitoring education projects , of ensuring that projects last long enough to address children’s educational needs , of avoiding excessive administrative burdens for implementing partners , and of addressing long-term sustainability in cash-for-education projects; ### 2. stresses the importance of improving impact analysis when selecting and monitoring education projects , of ensuring that projects last long enough to adequately address learners’ educational needs , of avoiding excessive administrative burdens for implementing partners , and of addressing long-term sustainability in cash-for-education projects;


### 2. considers that improving domestic resource mobilisation , protecting and increasing domestic expenditure on education , and improving the quality of this expenditure is essential in national recovery plans worldwide; insists , in this context , on ensuring equitable allocation and financing so that marginalised children and young people are not left behind; ### 2. considers that improving domestic resource mobilisation , protecting and increasing domestic expenditure on social sectors , notably education and health , lowering barriers to girl's education and improving the quality of this expenditure must be prioritized in national recovery plans and assistance programmes by european and international financial institutions worldwide; insists , in this context , on ensuring equitable allocation and financing so that children and young people especially girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind;


### 3. calls on the commission to develop methodologies and guidelines that enhance the ability of its aid projects to reach girls by tackling barriers to quality , safe and inclusive education and training at all levels and by supporting the collection of disaggregated data , by gender and age , to better tailor responses to different subgroups of learners; ### 3. calls on the commission to develop methodologies and guidelines that enhance the ability of its aid projects to reach all learners , particularly those who are at risk of being unable to access education such as girls and women , learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special educational needs , refugees , lgbtiq+ people , learners living in rural and remote areas , and other marginalised groups by tackling barriers to quality , safe and inclusive education and training at all levels and by supporting the effective monitoring of comparable data , disaggregated by gender and age , to better tailor responses to different subgroups of learners;


### 3. calls on the member states to increase their contributions to the un covax programme to ensure access to covid-19 vaccines for third countries in order to allow them to put national covid-19 vaccination campaigns in place that are in line with the guidelines set by competent national public health authorities and the world health organization , so as to ensure a speedy return to schools; ### 3. reiterates its call for a temporary waiver of the wto trips agreement on covid vaccines , aiming to enhance global access to affordable covid-19-related medical products and to address global production constraints and supply shortages; calls also on the member states to increase their contributions to the un covax programme to ensure access to covid-19 vaccines for third countries in order to allow them to put national covid-19 vaccination campaigns in place that are in line with the guidelines set by competent national public health authorities and the world health organization , so as to ensure a speedy return to schools;


### 3. emphasises that the covid-19 pandemic has amplified the existing vulnerabilities in social services in africa , in particular in the field of education; ### 3. emphasises that the covid-19 pandemic has amplified the existing vulnerabilities in social services in africa , in particular in the field of education; reiterates that education should be a key pillar of the africa-eu partnership;


### 5. calls for the acceleration of north-south and south-north knowledge exchanges and mobility at all levels of education , while acknowledging the complex nature of the history of north-south relationships and emphasising the importance of promoting heritage , cultural identity , history and art through education; ### 5. calls for the acceleration of knowledge exchanges and mobility at all levels of education between and within countries and regions and emphasises the importance of promoting teaching of contested history , cultural heritage and art through education;


### 5. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of third countries in establishing risk mitigation and management plans through resilience planning; highlights the importance of developing contingency planning and crisis response plans now to reduce the risk of covid-19 transmission in schools and to better anticipate the impact of school closures on children , especially on the poorest and most marginalised children; ### 5. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of third countries in establishing risk mitigation and management plans through resilience planning; highlights the importance of developing contingency planning and crisis response plans now to reduce the risk of covid-19 transmission in schools and to better anticipate the impact of school closures on children , especially on the poorest and most marginalised children; in this regard , highlights the need to prioritise children in conflict region and their access to quality and free education;


### 6. stresses the importance of vocational education and training , particularly for children in third countries , to help them find stable work and give them and their families a reason to finish school. ### 6. stresses the importance of vocational education and training for all learners; believes that access to vocational education and training for learners in third countries represents a fundamental additional choice , which would help them to successfully manage the transition into the labour market and give them and their families a reason to finish school.


### 6. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated education funding gaps , adding up to one third to the annual funding gap and reaching usd 200 billion1 ; ### 6. recalls that governments should ensure that all students have access to free primary and secondary education; but notes that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated education funding gaps , adding up to one third to the annual funding gap and reaching usd 200 billion1; urges governments to protect their education budgets and ensure public education systems are adequately resourced;


### c. whereas since march 2020 , around 194 countries have closed schools nationwide because of the covid-19 pandemic , impacting more than 1.8 billion school learners globally and cutting off their access to education and to other vital benefits that schools provide; whereas one third of children globally do not have access to the internet; ### c. whereas since march 2020 , around 194 countries have closed schools nationwide because of the covid-19 pandemic , impacting more than 1.8 billion school learners globally and cutting off their access to education and to other vital benefits that schools provide; whereas the pandemic , leading to school closures worldwide , has had an acute and long-lasting impact on the mental health of children including anxiety , fear and depressive symptoms; whereas one third of children globally do not have access to the internet;


### f. whereas an estimated additional 825 million children will not reach adulthood with the secondary-level skills they need for work and life by 2030; whereas millions of children and young people who regularly attended schools are not developing the skills they need to get a job , start a business and contribute to their communities; ### f. whereas an estimated additional 825 million children will not reach adulthood with the secondary-level skills they need for work and life by 2030; whereas millions of children and young people who regularly attended schools are not developing the skills and knowledge to achieve their full potential;


### h. whereas according to un , there are 11 million primary and secondary school learners worldwide – 5.2 million of whom are girls – at risk of not returning to education following covid-19-related school closures5 ; ### h. whereas according to un , there are 11 million primary and secondary school learners worldwide – 5.2 million of whom are girls – at risk of not returning to education following covid-19-related school closures5; whereas this situation risks undermining the results obtained in the area of girls' education and towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals , in particular those related to poverty reduction , health and well-being , quality education and gender equality;


### i. whereas it is estimated that school closures during crises may lead to increases in teenage pregnancy of as much as 65 %6 ; whereas girls out of school are disproportionally exposed to the risk of child marriage; whereas it is estimated that one million girls in sub-saharan africa may be blocked from returning to schools once they reopen given the existence of certain policies that ban pregnant girls and young mothers from school; ### i. whereas school closures have distinct gendered impacts with risks of widening inequalities; whereas it is estimated that school closures during crises may lead to increases in teenage pregnancy of as much as 65 %6 ; whereas girls out of school are disproportionally exposed to the risk of child marriage; whereas it is estimated that one million girls in sub-saharan africa may be blocked from returning to schools once they reopen given the existence of certain policies that ban pregnant girls and young mothers from school; whereas the un committee on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the committee on the rights of the child have warned that two million more cases of female genital mutilation could occur over the next decade because covid-19 is forcing schools to close and disrupting programmes that help protect girls from these harmful practices;


### j. whereas according to several national and regional law enforcement authorities , children out of school – in particular girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds , such as children of minorities , children with disabilities and children in care , among others – are disproportionally vulnerable to exploitation , child labour and domestic violence , including the witnessing of violence , online bullying and other crimes such as sexual exploitation and abuse7 ; ### j. whereas according to several national and regional law enforcement authorities , children out of school – in particular girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds , such as children of minorities , rural , indigenous and migrant children , children with disabilities and children in care , among others – are disproportionally vulnerable to exploitation , child labour and domestic violence , including the witnessing of violence , online bullying and other crimes such as sexual exploitation and abuse7 ;


### 7. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of third countries in proactively issuing guidance on best practices in remote learning , and in ensuring that appropriate and safe tools , curricula and technology are used and are made accessible to children from low-income families , marginalised children and children with disabilities or learning difficulties , children in alternative care , and children living in remote areas or in environments where they are deprived of liberty or where internet access is not ubiquitous; reiterates the importance of digital learning as a great equaliser that enables educational institutions to reach all children at speed and scale , while at the same time fostering partnerships and working with a wide range of actors from civil society as well as the public and private sectors; ### 7. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of third countries in proactively issuing guidance on best practices in remote learning , and in ensuring that appropriate and safe tools , curricula and technology are used and are made accessible to children from low-income families , rural , indigenous and migrant children , marginalised children and children with disabilities or learning difficulties , children in alternative care , children in places of detention , and children living in remote areas or in environments where they are deprived of liberty or where internet access is not ubiquitous; reiterates the potential for digital learning to enable educational institutions to reach all children at speed and scale , while at the same time fostering partnerships and working with a wide range of actors from civil society as well as the public and private sectors; insists however that investment in digital learning must seek to reduce the digital divide and be context-specific , consistent with the best interests of the child and not be to the detriment of supporting basic education infrastructure and staff as well as in-person learning;


### 7. considers that in the context of the recovery from the covid-19 pandemic , particular efforts must be undertaken to invest in well-trained teachers in order to equip children with skills which are relevant to the job market; ### 7. reminds that according to the unesco , there is a need to hire at least 15 million teachers to reach the education-related goals in sub-saharan africa by 2030 , in line with the no. 4 of the 2015 sustainable development goals (sdgs); considers that in the context of the recovery from the covid-19 pandemic , particular efforts must be undertaken to invest in well-trained teachers in order to equip children with skills which are relevant to the job market;


### 8. calls on the commission to establish a road map to provide technical assistance in the education sector , together with member states , to developing partner countries in order to draw up proper national regulations and strategies , and to share best practices in this context; ### 8. recalls that current levels of government spending in low- and lower-middle-income countries fall short of the levels required to achieve the sdgs; reminds that external financing is key to support the education opportunities of the world’s poorest; yet some of donor countries have already begun to shift their budget away from aid to domestic priorities; calls on the commission to establish a road map to provide and step up its technical and financial assistance in the education sector , together with member states , to developing partner countries in order to draw up proper national regulations and strategies , and to share best practices in this context;


### 9. calls on the commission to take the absorption capacities of partner countries into account in the context of increased funding for education; emphasises the need to engage with reliable local partners , particularly with local faith-based organisations , in the implementation of education funding. ### 9. calls on the commission to take the absorption capacities of partner countries into account in the context of increased funding for education; emphasises the need to engage with reliable local partners in the implementation of education funding.


### 10. calls on the commission and the eeas to support the governments of third countries in building stronger gender-responsive education systems; ### 10. calls on the commission and the eeas to support the governments of third countries in building stronger gender-responsive education systems accompanied by the eradication of all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls; recalls the need for girls to be able to complete their education and have access to age appropriate information and services , without discrimination , free of gender bias and with an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential;


### 12. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of partner countries in addressing the challenges in their education systems with the aim of making them capable of withstanding future crises , and making systems more resilient and inclusive , through planning for resilience , implementing learning recovery programmes and protecting educational budgets , with dedicated investments in high-quality , affordable and inclusive education , including investments in education technology , teacher training and other resources to ensure children and youth do not miss out on opportunities to enter the labour market later in life; ### 12. calls on the commission , the eeas and the member states to support the authorities of partner countries in addressing the challenges in their education systems with the aim of making them capable of withstanding future crises , and making systems more resilient , gender-responsive and inclusive , through planning for resilience , implementing learning recovery programmes and protecting educational budgets , with dedicated investments in high-quality , affordable and inclusive education , including investments in education technology , teacher training and other resources to ensure children and youth do not miss out on opportunities to enter the labour market later in life;


### b. whereas according to the eu agency for fundamental rights , racial discrimination and harassment remain commonplace throughout the european union; whereas racial and ethnic minorities are subjected to harassment , violence and hate speech , both online and offline; whereas racial and ethnic minorities face structural discrimination in the eu in all areas , including housing , healthcare , employment and education; ### b. whereas according to the eu agency for fundamental rights , racial discrimination and harassment remain commonplace throughout the european union; whereas racial and ethnic minorities are subjected to harassment , violence and hate speech , both online and offline; whereas racial and ethnic minorities face structural discrimination in the eu in all areas , including housing , healthcare , employment , education and judicial systems; whereas romani people represent europe’s largest ethnic minority and are subject to persistent antigypsyism - a specific form of racism - leading to the highest rates of poverty and social exclusion;


### c. whereas racist and xenophobic attitudes are embraced by certain opinion leaders and politicians across the eu , fomenting a social climate that provides fertile ground for racism , discrimination and hate crimes; whereas this environment is further fuelled by extremist movements which seek to divide our societies; whereas these acts run counter to the common european values which all the member states have undertaken to uphold; ### c. whereas racist and xenophobic attitudes are embraced by certain opinion leaders and politicians across the eu , fomenting a social climate that provides fertile ground for racism , discrimination and hate crimes; whereas this environment is further fuelled by extremist movements which seek to divide our societies; whereas these acts run counter to the common european values which all the member states have undertaken to uphold; whereas hate-motivated harassment and hate crimes significantly increased during the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic and often romani people were seen as scapegoats in the media and public debates; whereas the majority of hate-motivated racist and xenophobic incidents are not reported;


### e. whereas access to education and educational attainment is an issue for racialised communities throughout europe; whereas segregation in education remains an issue in certain member states; ### e. whereas access to education and educational attainment is an issue for racialised communities throughout europe; whereas segregation in education remains an issue in certain member states; whereas placing children in segregated schools and the discriminatory practice of placing children of ethnic and racial minorities in schools for children with mental disabilities , persist in some member states;


### 4. welcomes the publication and implementation of specific eu guidelines on the collection of equality data based on racial or ethnic origin; calls on the member states to adapt national statistics and to remove barriers in order to facilitate the collection of quality data on equality; calls on the commission and the member states to use this data to develop policies to attain racial justice; ### 4. welcomes the publication and implementation of specific eu guidelines on the collection of equality data based on racial or ethnic origin as defined by the eu racial equality directive that is voluntary , anonymous and ensures the protection of personal data , self-identification and consultation with relevant communities , in order to obtain reliable , comparable data in accordance with the relevant national legal frameworks and eu data protection legislation to support evidence based policies , to improve the effectiveness of strategies and measures taken and to identify structural problems; calls on the member states to adapt national statistics and to remove barriers in order to facilitate the systematic collection of robust ethnic and gender disaggregated quality data on equality to inform needs and context analysis , help in setting targets and impact indicators in order to ensure the best outcome in terms of matching needs with planning and budgeting , both at national and eu level; calls on the commission and the member states to use this data to develop policies to attain racial justice;


### 5. welcomes the commitment to diversity and inclusion within erasmus+ , creative europe , the european solidarity corps , and the citizens , equality , rights and values programme; calls on the commission to ensure that the recently published inclusion strategies are mainstreamed across all educational , cultural , media and sporting initiatives; ### 5. welcomes the commitment to diversity and inclusion within erasmus+ , creative europe , the european solidarity corps , and the citizens , equality , rights and values programme; calls on the commission to ensure that the recently published inclusion strategies are mainstreamed across all educational , cultural , media and sporting initiatives; calls on the commission and member states to make the programmes accessible for the most disadvantaged youth from poor environments;


### 8. calls for the commission and the member states to foster a more diverse cultural sector by removing barriers to participation in culture for racialised communities through funding from all the relevant programmes; encourages the creation of support networks and outreach activities , especially for those in rural and outermost regions; ### 8. calls for the commission and the member states to foster a more diverse cultural sector by removing barriers to participation in culture for ethnic and racialised communities through funding from all the relevant programmes; encourages the creation of support networks and outreach activities , especially for those in rural and outermost regions;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to improve monitoring and evaluation , including by testing and sharing participatory tools , which can demonstrate the effects of promoting inclusion and non-discrimination and combating racism through culture and help to create more inclusive policies; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to improve monitoring and evaluation , exchange of best -practise , including by testing and sharing participatory tools , which can demonstrate the effects of promoting inclusion and non-discrimination and combating racism through culture and help to create more inclusive policies;


### 12. underlines the lasting negative impact of european colonialism on today’s society , including in the development of educational curricula; ### 12. underlines the lasting negative impact of european colonialism , holocaust , slavery and genocide on today’s society , including in the development of educational curricula;


### 14. calls for the history of all racial and ethnic communities living in europe to be included in all history curricula in order to encourage a broader perspective on world history centred on the interactions between different continents before and after european colonisation; ### 14. calls for the history of all racial and ethnic communities living in europe to be included in all history curricula in order to encourage a broader perspective on european and world history centred on the interactions between different continents before and after european colonisation;


### 15. deplores the practice of segregation in schools; calls on all member states to introduce policies to prevent children from minority groups from being placed in separate schools or classes , whether intentionally or not; ### 15. deplores the practice of segregation in schools; calls on all member states to introduce policies to prevent children from minority groups from being placed in separate schools or classes ;


### a. whereas the eu single market and other eu policies have contributed to the natural development of a european educational space , historically underpinned by the traditions of european humanism; ### a. whereas the creation of the european community and the subsequent eu policies have contributed to the natural development of a european educational space , historically underpinned by the traditions of european humanism;


### b. whereas the ultimate goal is building a bottom-up european education area with common european policy objectives , requiring existing obstacles to be removed , european tools to be utilised and supporting policies at national and european levels to be developed; ### b. whereas the ultimate goal is building a bottom-up european education area with common european policy objectives , requiring existing obstacles to be removed , european tools to be utilised and supporting policies at national and european levels to be developed , designed with the future of the planet in mind and encompassing the key roles to be played by education systems in addressing the climate crisis and enabling a successful digital transformation and green transition;


### d. whereas the challenges the eu and its member states are faced with today , including climate change , various forms of extremism and populism , and the covid-19 pandemic , require appropriate educational answers and concerted european action; ### d. whereas the challenges the eu and its member states are currently faced with , including climate change , exacerbation of existing inequalities as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , and the rise of far-right extremism , neo-facism and authoritarianism require appropriate educational answers and concerted european action;


### e. whereas the realities of educational infrastructure , expertise and resources vary within and across member states , and whereas those differences have become further pronounced during the covid-19 pandemic; ### e. whereas the realities of educational infrastructure , expertise and access to resources vary within and across member states , with those differences having become further pronounced during the covid-19 pandemic primarily as a result of increased inequality , including lack of access to it infrastructure for people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds , negatively impacting access to education; whereas in person education remains essential in both the intellectual and personal development of the student.


### 1. emphasises the importance of quality education and that the european education area (eea) initiative should provide more and better opportunities for every single european citizen to study , train and work abroad , and cultivate an environment where skills and diplomas are recognised throughout europe; ### 1. emphasises the importance of quality education founded upon the principle of inclusiveness and accessibility for all and that the european education area (eea) initiative should provide more and better opportunities for everyone in europe to study , train and work abroad , and cultivate the environment where skills and diplomas are recognised throughout europe;


### 2. stresses the role of the eea in fostering a sense of european belonging and in providing economic opportunities by addressing existing educational challenges; ### 2. stresses the role of the eea in fostering a sense of european community and in providing fair and equal opportunities by addressing existing educational challenges;


### 6. appreciates the commission’s efforts to foster an eea , while noting the need for a more holistic approach , requiring meaningful cooperation and coordination between all actors and stakeholders; ### 6. appreciates the commission’s efforts to foster an eea , while noting the need for a more holistic approach , requiring meaningful cooperation and coordination between all actors and stakeholders across national , regional &; local authorities;


### 7. cautions that the commission’s proposals are still mainly a strategic outline rather than a concrete policy roadmap , and thus suggests setting clear priorities and realistic deadlines for the actions that should be adopted , including clearly defined interim deliverables; ### 7. cautions that the commission’s proposals are still mainly a strategic outline rather than a concrete policy roadmap , and thus suggests setting clear priorities including the establishment of a governance body that is inclusive of civil society and facilitates a sustained and meaningful dialogue with relevant actors and realistic deadlines for the actions that should be adopted , including clearly defined interim deliverables;


### 9. emphasises the urgent need to develop a common implementation strategy and roadmap that includes the european institutions , member states and all relevant stakeholders , and defines their respective responsibilities; ### 9. emphasises the urgent need to develop a common implementation strategy and roadmap that includes the european institutions , member states and all relevant stakeholders including local and regional authorities and civil society , and defines their respective responsibilities;


### turning vision into reality: common strategic priorities and eu-level targets ### turning vision into reality: common strategic priorities , funding and eu-level targets


### 10. stresses the potential of using european policy coordination tools to achieve the common objectives of an eea; ### 10. stresses the potential of using european policy coordination tools to achieve the common objectives of an eea; considers the importance of fostering the whole-school approach , ensuring the promotion of the idea that all education stakeholders , including non-formal and informal learning and youth work must collaborate , placing the learner at the centre of the learning process , and sharing expertise and practice to ensure that the transversal skills needed for the 21st century challenges for all learners are fostered; acknowledges the potential of these arenas of learning to enhance accessibility and to foster the key competences such as citizenship education , sustainability and digital competences that are key elements for the european education area;


### 12. highlights inclusiveness as a central dimension of an eea and a prerequisite for achieving quality education for all , ensuring that no talent is left behind; ### 12. highlights inclusiveness of the most marginalised communities including women in all their diversity , racial and ethnic minorities , lgbtiq+ people , persons with disabilities , refugees and migrants , as a central dimension of an eea and a prerequisite for achieving quality education for all , ensuring that no learner is left behind;


### 14. calls for synergies between the eea , the european research area and the european higher education area to be exploited and for a further strengthening of the erasmus+ programme for the benefit of all teachers and learners; ### 14. calls for synergies between the eea , the european research area and the european higher education area as well as the european youth work agenda to be exploited and for a further strengthening of the erasmus+ programme for the benefit of all current and future teachers , educational workers and providers , youth workers and all learners;


### 15. aims to foster media literacy and critical thinking at all stages of learning as a central means to empower responsible european citizens; ### 15. aims to foster inclusion , equality , media literacy and critical thinking at all stages of learning as a central means to empower responsible members of society and counter the increasing tide of disinformation;


### 16. calls for a common framework on the development of digital competences and on learning about the eu throughout all appropriate levels and areas of education; ### 16. calls for a common framework on the development of digital competences and on learning about the eu throughout all appropriate levels and areas of education; prioritising the development of basic digital skills above the development of advanced digital skills , and of significantly reducing digital competences gaps across europe rather than further exacerbating them via the insistence on new , more advanced digital competences;


### 17. stresses the importance of enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession , especially supported through the improved recognition of educators’ value to society and by bolstering pedagogical autonomy; ### 17. stresses the importance of improving working conditions and enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession , especially supported through the greater societal valuation of educators and by bolstering pedagogical autonomy;


### 18. underlines the need for member states to take action to support the development of linguistic competences in primary and secondary education , to embrace the council of europe’s goal of ‘plurilingualism’ and to achieve the benchmark of all pupils having a sufficient knowledge of english at the end of lower secondary education; ### 18. underlines the need for member states to take action to support the development of linguistic competences in primary and secondary education as well as through non formal education providers , including the promotion and protection of non-official or co-official languages as well as those included in unesco's atlas of languages in danger , to embrace the recommendation of the barcelona convention to enabling citizens to communicate in 2 languages other than their mother tongue at the end of lower secondary education or any informal equivalent;


### 19. stresses the importance of commission and member state action in higher education , such as reinforcing the bologna process , strengthening the international dimension of the eea and furthering the european student card , including through embracing the synergies offered by existing eu programmes; ### 19. stresses the importance of commission and member state action in higher education , such as reinforcing the bologna process , strengthening the international dimension of the eea , including partners from the global south , and furthering the european student card , including through embracing the synergies offered by existing eu programmes;


### 20. calls on the commission and member states to facilitate the expansion of automatic mutual recognition of learning outcomes and study periods abroad , including in vet; ### 20. calls on the commission and member states to facilitate the expansion of automatic mutual recognition of learning outcomes and study periods abroad , including in vet , non-formal exchanges and volunteering;


### 21. calls on the commission and the member states to establish a concrete european education area strategic framework 2030 (eeasf 2030) by the end of 2022 with a comprehensive steering , monitoring and evaluation mechanism , in line with un sustainable development goal 4 to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’; ### 21. calls on the commission and the member states to establish a concrete european education area strategic framework 2030 (eeasf 2030) by the end of 2022 with a comprehensive steering , monitoring and evaluation mechanism , in line with un sustainable development goal 4 to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ and the first principle of the european pillar of social rights;


### 22. urges the commission and the member states to clarify the type of participation required from member states and other levels of government , including local and regional authorities , and to devise effective multi-level governance arrangements that respect subsidiarity while aiming to generate european added value; ### 22. urges the commission and member states to commit to meaningful participation as well as to engage with and promote participation of other levels of government , including local and regional authorities , and to devise effective governance arrangements that respect subsidiarity whilst aiming to generate european added value;


### 23. seeks clarity on the level of involvement expected from stakeholders , education sectors that have been underrepresented so far , and relevant civil society actors; ### 23. seeks clarity on the level of involvement expected from stakeholders , education sectors that have been underrepresented so far , and relevant civil society actors; stresses that the governance framework should involve all relevant stakeholders working in all arenas of learning. this also includes the involvement of youth workers and youth organisations specifically;


### 23. seeks clarity on the level of involvement expected from stakeholders , education sectors that have been underrepresented so far , and relevant civil society actors; ### 23. seeks to increase the level of involvement expected from stakeholders , education sectors that have been underrepresented so far , and relevant civil society actors;


### 24. calls on the commission to establish an eea platform as an interactive public gateway to support member states and stakeholders in exchanging information and promoting cooperation and exchange of good practices; ### 24. calls on the commission to establish an eea platform that is accessible in all european languages , both official and co-official , as an interactive public gateway to support member states and stakeholders in exchanging information and promoting cooperation and exchange of good practices;


### 25. underlines the need for a european dimension in education by strengthening a distinct european perspective in students’ curricula and teachers’ training , including with support from jean monnet actions and teacher academies; proposes that these teacher academies be called ‘comenius teacher academies’; ### 25. underlines the need for a european dimension in education by strengthening a distinct european perspective in students’ curricula and teachers’ training , with regards to all teachers , trainers & learners from both formal & non-formal organisations including with support from jean monnet actions and teacher academies; proposes that these teacher academies be called ‘comenius teacher academies’;


### 26. emphasises the need to provide learners with knowledge about european history and cultural heritage , both tangible and intangible , and to foster a critical european memory and historical consciousness; ### 26. emphasises the need to provide learners with knowledge about european history and cultural heritage , both tangible and intangible , and to foster a critical european memory and historical consciousness , taking into account the legacy of colonialism and its continued influence throughout european society and beyond;


### d. whereas covid-19 has had an adverse impact on sport; ### d. whereas covid-19 has had an adverse economic and social impact on the sport sector;


### h. whereas sport faces a range of challenges such as governance issues , corruption , match-fixing , doping , financing , digital piracy , purely profit-based models , human rights violations , discrimination and violence; ### h. whereas sport faces a range of challenges such as governance issues , corruption , match-fixing , doping , financing , digital piracy , purely profit-based models , human rights violations , discrimination and violence; environmental impact and sustainability;


### 5. insists on the increased involvement of parliament in order to provide a framework for regular political debate and action on sport; ### 5. insists on the increased involvement of parliament in order to provide a framework for regular political debate and action on sport; and in the monitoring and parliamentary scrutiny with regard to the implementation of the strategic goals;


### 8. calls for a european sports model that recognises the need for a strong commitment to integrating the principles of solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , open competition and sporting merit; ### 8. calls for a european sports model that recognises the need for a strong commitment to integrating the principles of solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , open competition and sporting merit; stresses that such principles should be encouraged by sport events’ organisers , stakeholders in the sport sector , broadcasters , online intermediaries and national authorities;


### 9. recognises the role of federations in governing their sport and encourages closer coordination with authorities and all relevant stakeholders; ### 9. recognises the role of federations in governing their sport and encourages closer coordination with authorities and all relevant stakeholders; stresses the need for the commission to address issues relating to the organisation of sport and its governing structures in the eu;


### 12. urges public authorities , sports federations and organisations to uphold values such as human rights , democracy and the rule of law when awarding host status for major sporting events; ### 12. urges public authorities , sports federations and organisations to uphold values including human rights , democracy , the rule of law and sustainability in all of their actions , especially when awarding host status for major sporting events;


### 19. welcomes reforms and measures to improve transparency and accountability in the player transfer market across sports and urges further efforts; ### 19. welcomes reforms and measures to improve transparency and accountability in the player transfer market across sports and urges further efforts; calls for a stronger commitment in promoting financial regulations for sport stakeholders in that regard;


### 22. highlights the need for information and educational campaigns on the prevention of doping , match-fixing and other integrity-related matters with a focus on amateur sport; ### 22. highlights the need for information and educational campaigns on the prevention of doping , match-fixing , corruption , sexual abuse and other integrity-related matters with a focus on amateur sport;


### 26. calls on the member states to step up efforts towards the inclusion in sports activities and programmes of persons with disabilities; ### 26. calls on the member states to step up efforts towards the inclusion in sports activities and programmes of persons with disabilities; including through educational and awareness campaigns , specialised training for relevant actors; specific action towards ensuring the access of persons with disabilities to sports infrastructure , including attendance at sports events , training or participation in sports;


### 27. calls for the eu institutions , the member states and sports organisations to prioritise policies that safeguard children from any form of abuse and provide access to remedies; ### 27. calls for the eu institutions , the member states and sports organisations to prioritise policies that safeguard children from any form of abuse and provide access to remedies; calls on the commission to systematically compile and evaluate empirical data and research results available in the member states;


### 28. calls on the member states and public authorities to develop sports infrastructure and to increase the amount of physical education and extracurricular physical activities in schools; ### 28. calls on the member states and public authorities to develop sports infrastructure and to and to integrate sport in an overall approach of active cities , promoting physical activity in every-day life of european citizens by increasing the amount of physical education and extracurricular physical activities in schools and by developing active and sustainable mobility to increase active means of transportation; and by promoting sport and physical activity in the workplace;


### 29. welcomes initiatives and campaigns to encourage physical activity such as the european week of sport , #beactive and healthylifestyle4all; ### 29. welcomes initiatives and campaigns to encourage physical activity such as the european week of sport , #beactive and healthylifestyle4all; underlines the importance of regular and thorough assessments of their outreach , efficiency and impact;


### 31. highlights the role of coaches and sport staff in developing the skills of and in educating young people; ### 31. highlights the role of teachers , youth workers , coaches and sport staff in developing the skills of and in educating young people;


### 35. stresses the need to further increase funding for sport; ### 35. stresses the need to further increase funding for sport; in a targeted manner with a particular focus on grassroots sports and in line with the implementation of the strategic goals of the eu;


### 36. welcomes the higher budget for sport under the new erasmus+ programme and supports further synergies between programmes and funds; ### 36. welcomes the higher budget for sport under the new erasmus+ programme and supports further synergies between programmes and funds such as the eu4health programme , the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , interreg and the european social fund plus; underlines that the removal of all obstacles in the application process at national level are key in this regard;


### 39. calls on the commission to develop a methodology for defining the criteria for measuring and monitoring the social impact of sports-related projects; ### 39. calls on the commission to develop a methodology for defining the criteria for measuring and monitoring the social impact of sports-related projects together with all relevant stakeholders including civil society , social partners and public authorities and to regularly update and present data on the social impact of sport;


### 72. on 15 november 2021 , former minister of infrastructure and lawmaker for the syriza party christos spirtzis was targeted with the predator spyware on his mobile phone133 . ### 72. on 15 november 2021 , former minister of infrastructure and lawmaker for the syriza party christos spirtzis was targeted with the predator spyware on his mobile phone133 . spirtzis had submitted critical parliamentary questions to the government on the surveillance tasks of the eyp on 15 november 2021. that same day he received a similar message as the one nikos androulakis had received. on 19 november , a second message was sent to christos spirtzis containing a link to an article of efimerida ton syntakton. on 9 september 2022 , citizen lab informed christos spirtzis of the attempted hacking , after which he lodged a complaint to the prosecutor of the supreme court. spirtzis is a confidante of party leader tsipras , and present during high-level meetings of the party leadership.


### 73. tasos telloglou and eliza triantafylou have allegedly been spied upon during their investigative work for the inside story. ### 73. tasos telloglou , eliza triantafylou and thodoris chondrogiannos have allegedly been spied upon during their investigative work for the inside story. in an article for the heinrich-böll-stiftung on 24 october 2022 , telloglou shared his surveillance and intimidation experiences whilst investigating the surveillance scandals in greece. according to these experiences , he believes to have been monitored between may and august 2022.


### 83. the president of cyprus has a significant say in the formation of the committee that is capable of starting critical inquiries in the actions of the kyp. in addition , the annual reports with the committee’s findings are first sent out to the president148 . ### 83. the president of cyprus has a significant say in the formation of the committee that is capable of starting critical inquiries in the actions of the kyp. in addition , the annual reports with the committee’s findings are first sent out to the president148 . at the time of writing , there is no information on the exact composition of the committee , its work and the scrutiny it performs.


### 88. following the complaints against dilian , it became clear that the israeli go networks was reportedly associated with intellexa by way of shared corporate ownership in ireland. former senior representatives were allegedly provided with top functions at intellexa164 . in addition , the police investigations found that export licenses had been granted to wispear for ‘interception equipment designed for the extraction of voice or data , transmitted over the air interface’165 166 . ### 88. following the complaints against dilian , it became clear that the israeli go networks was reportedly associated with intellexa by way of shared corporate ownership in ireland. former senior representatives were allegedly provided with top functions at intellexa164 . in addition , the police investigations found that export licenses had been granted to wispear for ‘interception equipment designed for the extraction of voice or data , transmitted over the air interface’165 166 . recall that , as mentioned above , dilian’s companies , as stated by the chamber of commerce , have not received any export licenses in the last two years. at time of writing , it remains unclear who authorised these export licenses.


### 89. in 2011 avni founded a company with michael angelides , the brother of the former minister and current deputy attorney general savvas angelides. their company s9s was registered with the registrar of companies on 10 november 2011167 and was registered with the assistance of the former law firm of savvas angelides168 . their partnership however dissolved in 2012. nevertheless , savvas angelides was the person in charge of controlling avni and dillian in the case of the surveillance van169 . ### 89. in 2011 avni founded a company with michael angelides , the brother of the former minister and current deputy attorney general savvas angelides. their company s9s was registered with the registrar of companies on 10 november 2011167 and was registered with the assistance of the former law firm of savvas angelides168 . their partnership however dissolved in 2012. nevertheless , savvas angelides was the person in charge of controlling avni and dillian in the case of the surveillance van169 . in a press release on 10 august 2022 , the deputy attorney general distanced himself from the contact between “a relative of mine intended to do business with mr. shahak avni.” he declared that he nor his family has any connection with tal dilian and that if there were evidence of surveillance or interception in the case of dilians’ van , then the criteria for determining the course of the case would have been different.


### 91. following the episode of the van and the lawsuit , dilian moved intellexa’s operations to greece , although he never left cyprus and is still a resident. indirect links between several natural and legal persons as registered in cyprus and greece expose the facilitation of dilian’s businesses to athens173 . ### 91. .following the episode of the van and the lawsuit , dilian moved intellexa’s operations to greece , although he never left cyprus and is still a resident. indirect links between several natural and legal persons as registered in cyprus and greece expose the facilitation of dilian’s businesses to athens173 . what follows are some of the names that are part of the cyprus-greece connections , although the main role of intellexa sa in greece is further explained in the chapter on greece.


### 96. black cube is a company employing former officers of israeli intelligence agencies , like mossad. the company uses operatives with fake identities. according to the new yorker , former ceo of nso group shalev hulio hired black cube after three lawyers - mazen masri , alaa mahajna and christiana markou - sued nso and an affiliated subsidiary in israel and cyprus183 . ### 96. black cube is a company employing former officers of israeli intelligence agencies , like mossad. the company uses operatives with fake identities. according to the new yorker , former ceo of nso group shalev hulio hired black cube after three lawyers - mazen masri , alaa mahajna and christiana markou - sued nso and an affiliated subsidiary in israel and cyprus183 . in 2018 , the three lawyers received several messages from so-called acquaintances of certain firms and individuals , proposing meetings in london. hulio stated , “for the lawsuit in cyprus , there was one involvement of black cube” since the lawsuit “came from nowhere and i want to understand”. black cube was also exposed in spying scandals in hungary and romania.


### 106. the official secrets committee is required to submit an annual report on the activities of the intelligence services , however when it was convened as a result of the surveillance by the cni , it was the first meeting of the body in more than two years. head of the cni paz esteban appeared before the committee on 5 may 2022 to present the court authorisations for the 18 victims that the authorities have taken responsibility for targeting.211 the hearing was not public and those present were not allowed to enter with any electronic on them whatsoever212 . ### 106. the official secrets committee is required to submit an annual report on the activities of the intelligence services , however when it was convened as a result of the surveillance by the cni , it was the first meeting of the body in more than two years. head of the cni paz esteban appeared before the committee on 5 may 2022 to present the court authorisations for the 18 victims that the authorities have taken responsibility for targeting.211 the hearing was not public and those present were not allowed to enter with any electronic on them whatsoever212 . according to the spokespersons present at the hearing , it was almost solely focused on the catalan victims and not on pedro sanchez or margarita robles and the alleged 3gb of data that was taken from their devices by mercenary spyware. robles has repeatedly insisted that the targeting of the 18 catalans was valid owing to the ‘situations of violence against people’ following the supreme court sentencing nine key pro-independence figures to jail. 212a


### 109. in contrast to the fast-paced nature of the case taken by sanchez et al. in madrid , the cases that have been filed in barcelona by catalonian victims of spyware are moving at a slow pace217 218 . the first case in investigative court number 32 in barcelona was filed by two pegasus victims in 2020; former president of the catalonian parliament and current minister of business and work , roger torrent , and former minister of foreign action , institutional relations and transparency of catalonia and current erc president in barcelona city council , ernest maragall219 . andreu van den eynde is one of the lawyers representing torrent and maragall in this case , and is a victim of pegasus himself. van den eynde has criticised the courts consistently delaying proceedings and virtually ‘paralysing’ the case220 . omnium cultural and the popular unity candidacy party (cup) have also filed a case in the same court in barcelona. lawyer benet salellas , who is involved in both cases , is asserting that the spanish government is behind the targeting221 . ### 109. in contrast to the fast-paced nature of the case taken by sanchez et al. in madrid , no progress has been made in the many cases that have been filed in different courts by catalan victims of spyware 217 218 . the first case was filed by two pegasus victims in 2020 and was allocated to investigative court number 32 in barcelona; former president of the catalonian parliament and current minister of business and work , roger torrent , and former minister of foreign action , institutional relations and transparency of catalonia and current erc president in barcelona city council , ernest maragall219 . andreu van den eynde is one of the lawyers representing torrent and maragall in this case , and is a victim of pegasus himself. van den eynde has criticised the courts consistently delaying proceedings and virtually ‘paralysing’ the case220 . the two civil society organisations , omnium cultural and catalan national assembly , as well as the popular unity candidacy party (cup) have also filed several criminal complaints in the same court in barcelona and no investigation has yet been opened. lawyer benet salellas , who is involved in different cases , is asserting that the spanish government is behind the targeting221 . and lawyer antoni abat i ninet , who is involved in the catalan national assembly’s case , pointed to the cni , guardia civil or policia nacional as likely responsible for the espionage. the investigative court 32 in barcelona rejected to accumulate the lawsuits , and now a different court and judge in barcelona deals with different complaints. the complaints of omnium cultural and of cup were allocated in investigative court 21 on april , 2022 , and the cases of the catalan national assembly (anc) in court 23 on july , 26th , 2022. but the complaints have not yet been fully admitted nor has it been agreed to carry out any investigative diligence and nothing is being investigated for any of those cases.


### 111. there are a number of other pending legal cases linked to the 65 catalonian victims. one such case was filed by lawyer and pegasus victim gonzalo boye on behalf of at least 19 victims against nso , its three founders niv karmi , shalev hulio and omri lavie , q cyber technologies , and osy , a subsidiary company based in luxembourg224 225 . legal action is also underway in a number of other eu member states as a result of the surveillance carried out on those catalan separatists in exile , including france , belgium , switzerland , germany , and luxembourg226 . ### 111. there are a number of other pending legal cases linked to the 65 catalonian victims. former president of catalonia quim torra and former vice-president of the catalan parliament , josep costa , have filed a claim with the supreme court , but one year later it is still under discussion among the judiciary whether the case should be tried before the supreme court or the spanish national court; in the meanwhile no investigation has been carried on. another case is the one filed by lawyer and pegasus victim gonzalo boye on behalf of at least 19 victims against nso , its three founders niv karmi , shalev hulio and omri lavie , q cyber technologies , and osy , a subsidiary company based in luxembourg224 225 . legal action is also underway in a number of other eu member states as a result of the surveillance carried out on those catalan separatists in exile , including france , belgium , switzerland , germany , and luxembourg226 .


### 112. the targeting of catalan citizens with spyware reportedly began as early as 2015 , and has been carried out on a large scale since 2017227 . after initial media coverage in 2020 , the full scandal broke across europe in april 2022 with the publication of the university of toronto citizenlab report. given the significant passage of time since the beginning of the hacking and these revelations , a number of targets were unable to be identified or further investigated owing to various factors that occurred , including a number of targets who disposed of the phone in question228 . ### 112. the targeting of catalan citizens with spyware reportedly began as early as 2015 , when the then president of the catalan national assembly (anc) , jordi sánchez , was targeted shortly after a large demonstration in barcelona , and has been carried out on a large scale since 2017227 . after initial media coverage in 2020 , the full scandal broke across europe in april 2022 with the publication of the university of toronto citizenlab report. given the significant passage of time since the beginning of the hacking and these revelations , a number of targets were unable to be identified or further investigated owing to various factors that occurred , including a number of targets who disposed of the phone in question228 .


### 114. in total , 65 catalonians were confirmed to have been targeted with mercenary spyware , 63 with pegasus , four with candiru and at least two people were targeted by both233 . at least 51 individuals were successfully infected234 . the spanish government have refused to comment as to whether or not they were responsible for the surveillance any of the other victims outside of the 18 they admit to having targeted235 . the majority of those 18 persons were never charged with a crime , and yet were included on this list. minister for defence robles has relied heavily on the official secrets act rather than expand on what were the reasons for the surveillance of those specific targets236 . all 65 catalan targets have at some point in time been in contact with the catalan separatists living outside spain. ### 114. in total , 65 catalonians were confirmed to have been targeted with mercenary spyware , 63 with pegasus , four with candiru and at least two people were targeted by both233 . at least 51 individuals were successfully infected234 . the director of the cni , paz esteban , has previously acknowledged to the official secrets committee that 18 of those 65 persons were hacked by the spanish authorities with the required judicial authorisation from the supreme court. the spanish government have refused to comment on the remaining victims as to whether or not they were responsible for their targeting. included among the 18 alleged legal targets is the current president of catalonia , pere aragonès , former president and current mep carles puigdemont and other pro-independence politicians and their associates234a . the majority of those 18 persons were never charged with a crime , such as civil society organisation members , journalists and lawyers , and yet were included on this list. minister for defence robles has relied heavily on the official secrets act rather than expand on what were the reasons for the surveillance of those specific targets235 . all 65 catalan targets have at some point in time been in contact with the catalan separatists living outside spain.


### 115. one of the key groups revealed to have been targeted is the pro-independence catalan members of the european parliament. each of them were hacked with spyware either directly or indirectly through what citizenlab refer to as relational targeting237 : diana riba i giner , antoni comín i oliveres , jordi solé , carles puigdemont , and clara ponsati. ### 115. one of the key groups revealed to have been targeted is the pro-independence catalan members of the european parliament. each of them were hacked with spyware either directly or indirectly through what citizenlab refer to as relational targeting237 : diana riba i giner , antoni comín i oliveres , jordi solé , carles puigdemont , and clara ponsati. two meps were directly infected , while three others were hacked through family and staff.


### 117. jordi domingo was one of the first catalonian activists that was reported to be targeted in 2020. though a supporter of catalan independence , it was reported by the guardian that domingo believed himself to be a mistaken target. given that he did not play a major role in the events of 2017 , it is his belief that the intended target was a lawyer of the same name who contributed to the drafting of the constitution of catalonia241 . ### 117. jordi domingo was one of the first catalonian activists that was reported to be targeted in 2020. though a supporter of catalan independence and member of the catalan national assembly (anc) , it was reported by the guardian that domingo believed himself to be a mistaken target. given that he did not play a major role in the events of 2017 , it is his belief that the intended target was a lawyer of the same name who contributed to the drafting of the constitution of catalonia241 .


### 129. on 4 october 2022 , it was revealed that in november 2019 the dutch ministry of defence was about to sign an agreement with wispear , the company owned by tal dilian , which had earlier acquired cytrox , the manufacturer of predator spyware251 . it is not clear whether or not the contract was signed and any spyware was provided to the dutch defence ministry. ### 129. on 4 october 2022 , it was revealed that in november 2019 the dutch ministry of defence was about to sign an agreement with wispear , the company owned by tal dilian , which had earlier acquired cytrox , the manufacturer of predator spyware251 . it is not clear whether or not the contract was signed and any spyware was provided to the dutch defence ministry. wispear had won a tender of the dutch ministry. it does not become clear from the mail exchange if it concerns predator or another product. from disclosed emails exchanged between the cypriot ministry of energy , commerce and industry and wispear , it becomes clear that a representative of the dutch ministry of defence had contacted the cypriot ministry of commerce to obtain assurances about wispear on 13-15 november 2019 , only days before the “spy van” story of dilian broke. dilian informed the representative of the cypriot commerce ministry that he appreciates her immediate assistance in the matter as the expiry of the timetable for contract signatures is approaching”.


### 134. in the summer of 2021 , the pegasus project revealed several cases of attempted hacks by the pegasus spyware in france260 . this leaked dataset included the telephone number of president emmanuel macron , as well as the phone numbers of 14 members of his cabinet261 262 . findings of forensic analyses have confirmed that the telephones of several ministers were infected with the pegasus spyware263 . ### 134. in the summer of 2021 , the pegasus project revealed several cases of attempted hacks by the pegasus spyware in france260 . this leaked dataset included the telephone number of president emmanuel macron , as well as the phone numbers of 14 members of his cabinet261 262 . findings of forensic analyses have confirmed that the telephones of minister of education jean-michel blanquer , minister of territorial cohesion jacqueline gourault , minister of agriculture julien denormandie , minister of housing emmanuelle wargon and minister of overseas sebastien lecornu were infected with the pegasus spyware263 .


### 146. following the attempted hack of commissioner reynders’s phone and the indicators of compromise on several devices of commission staff , the commission deployed a mobile ‘endpoint detection and response’ (edr) solution on all corporate phones in september 2021. ### 146. following the attempted hack of commissioner reynders’s phone and the indicators of compromise on several devices of commission staff , the commission deployed a mobile ‘endpoint detection and response’ (edr) solution on all corporate phones in september 2021. this solution would help the commission’s services to “identify potentially infected corporate mobile devices. whenever there are indications of infections , a security review of the device is organised.” the commission says to cooperate continuously with cert-eu , the computer emergency response team of the union’s institutions , bodies , and agencies , and to issue recommendations and guidance to cert-eu’s constituents285a. due to the lack of information the committee has received from the commission , it is unclear to what extent the commission’s measures to analyse previous spyware attacks have been successful and to what extent the measures implemented are sufficient in the future.


### 28. considers that the fulfilment of the conditions must be assessed by the commission; ### 28. considers that the fulfilment of the conditions must be assessed by a joint commission and parliament oversight body on spyware use , as set out in the following paragraph;


### l. whereas revelations showed two categories of spyware targets in spain; whereas the first includes the prime minister and the minister of defence that are believed to be spied upon by morocco; whereas the second concerns some 65 victims referred to as ‘catalangate’ including catalan parliamentarians , members of parliament , lawyers and civil society actors; whereas the spanish authorities admitted in may 2020 to targeting 18 of those 65 victims with court authorisation , however , they have refrained from providing further information , invoking national security; ### l. whereas the pegasus surveillance spyware has been illegally deployed to spy on journalists , politicians , and civil society actors in spain for political purposes; whereas revelations showed two categories of spyware targets in spain; whereas the first includes the prime minister and the minister of defence that are believed to be spied upon by morocco; whereas the second concerns some 65 victims referred to as ‘catalangate’ including catalan members of the european parliament - one of them hacked during the exercise of their political mandate , members of the catalan parliament , lawyers and civil society actors; whereas the spanish authorities admitted in may 2020 to targeting 18 of those 65 victims with court authorisation , however , they have refrained from providing the judicial authorizations , as well as further information , invoking national security ;


### w. whereas amesys and nexa technologies are currently being prosecuted in france for exporting surveillance technology to libya , egypt , and saudi arabia; whereas intellexa companies based in greece reportedly exported their products to bangladesh , sudan , madagascar and at least one arab country , finfisher’s software is being used by dozens of countries all over the world , including angola , bahrain , bangladesh , egypt , ethiopia , gabon , jordan , kazakhstan , myanmar , oman , qatar , saudi arabia , turkey and morocco’s intelligence services have been accused of using pegasus spyware against journalists and politicians by amnesty and forbidden stories; whereas it is unknown if export licences were granted for the export of spyware to all these countries; ### w. whereas amesys and nexa technologies are currently being prosecuted in france for exporting surveillance technology to libya , egypt , and saudi arabia; whereas intellexa companies based in greece reportedly exported their products to bangladesh , sudan , madagascar and at least one arab country , finfisher’s software is being used by dozens of countries all over the world , including angola , bahrain , bangladesh , egypt , ethiopia , gabon , jordan , kazakhstan , myanmar , oman , qatar , saudi arabia , turkey and morocco’s intelligence services have been accused of using pegasus spyware against journalists , human rights defenders , civil society and politicians by amnesty and forbidden stories; whereas it is unknown if export licences were granted for the export of spyware to all these countries;


### 2. takes the firm position that breaches of the right to dignity , privacy and private life is not only a question of respect for the common legal principles set out in the treaties and in other sources but a fundamental question of whether future human life will be free and democratic or controlled by digital processes; ### 2. takes the firm position that breaches of the right to dignity , privacy and private life is not only a question of respect for the common legal principles set out in the treaties and in other sources but a fundamental question of whether future human life will be free and democratic or controlled by digital processes; notes that democracy itself is at stake , as the use of spyware on civil society and journalists has a chilling effect and severely affects the right to peaceful assembly , freedom of expression and public participation;


### 3. strongly condemns the use of spyware by member state governments or members of government for the purpose of monitoring , blackmailing , intimidating , manipulating and discrediting opposition and critics , eliminating democratic scrutiny and free press , and manipulating elections; ### 3. strongly condemns the use of spyware by member state governments or members of government for the purpose of monitoring , blackmailing , intimidating , manipulating and discrediting opposition and critics , eliminating democratic scrutiny and free press , manipulating elections , and harassing civil society organisations;


### (4) therefore , in order to ensure that support can be granted to farmers and other beneficiaries from the european agricultural guarantee fund (eagf) and the european agricultural fund for rural development (eafrd) in 2021 , the union should continue to grant such support for one more year under the conditions of the existing legal framework , which covers the period 2014 to 2020. the existing legal framework is laid down in particular in regulations (eu) no 1303/20137 , (eu) no 1305/20138 , (eu) no 1306/20139 , (eu) no 1307/201310 , (eu) no 1308/201311 , (eu) no 228/201312 and (eu) no 229/201313 of the european parliament and of the council. in addition , to facilitate the transition from existing support schemes to the new legal framework which covers the period starting on 1 january 2022 , rules should be laid down to regulate how certain support granted on a multiannual basis will be integrated into the new legal framework. ### (4) therefore , in order to ensure that support can be granted to farmers and other beneficiaries from the european agricultural guarantee fund (eagf) and the european agricultural fund for rural development (eafrd) in 2021 , the union should continue to grant such support for one or , where applicable , two more years under the conditions of the existing legal framework , which covers the period 2014 to 2020. the existing legal framework is laid down in particular in regulations (eu) no 1303/20137 , (eu) no 1305/20138 , (eu) no 1306/20139 , (eu) no 1307/201310 , (eu) no 1308/201311 , (eu) no 228/201312 and (eu) no 229/201313 of the european parliament and of the council. in addition , to facilitate the transition from existing support schemes to the new legal framework which covers the period starting on 1 january 2022 , rules should be laid down to regulate how certain support granted on a multiannual basis will be integrated into the new legal framework.


### (5) in light of the fact that the union should continue to support rural development in 2021 , member states , that demonstrate the risk to run out of funds and not to be able to undertake new legal commitments in accordance with regulation (eu) no 1305/2013 , should have the possibility to extend their rural development programmes or certain of their regional rural development programmes supported by the eafrd to 31 december 2021 and to finance those extended programmes from the corresponding budget allocation for the year 2021. the extended programmes should aim at maintaining at least the same overall level of environment and climate ambition. ### (5) in light of the fact that the union should continue to support rural development during the transitional period , member states , that demonstrate the need of funds to undertake new legal commitments for all or certain measures and the resulting expenditure in accordance with regulation (eu) no 1305/2013 , should have the possibility to extend their rural development programmes or certain of their regional rural development programmes supported by the eafrd to the end of the transitional period and to finance those extended programmes from the corresponding budget allocation for the period concerned. those member states who have the need to transfer the part of the eafrd budget allocation for the transitional period in accordance to undertake new legal commitments for certain measures only , should have the possibility to transfer the part of the eafrd budget allocation for the transitional period that was not used for extending their rural development programmes , to the financial allocations for the remaining years of the programming period , in accordance with the council regulation (eu)…/…[regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years2021 to 2027]. in accordance to the need to transfer all of the eafrd budget allocation for the transitional period , the extended programmes should aim at maintaining at least the same overall level of environment and climate ambition.


### (6) since certain member states may still have funds provided by the union in previous years , member states should also have the possibility not to extend their rural development programmes or not to extend certain of their regional rural development programmes. those member states should have the possibility to transfer the eafrd budget allocation for 2021 or the part of the eafrd budget allocation corresponding to the regional rural development programmes that have not been extended , to the financial allocations for the years 2022 to 2025 , in accordance with the council regulation (eu) …/…[regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027]14 . ### (6) since certain member states may still have funds provided by the union in previous years , member states should also have the possibility not to extend their rural development programmes or not to extend certain of their regional rural development programmes , or to complete the remaining funds with part of the allocations for the years of the transitional period as needed. those member states should have the possibility to transfer the eafrd budget allocation for the years of the transitional period or the part of the eafrd budget allocation that was not used for extending their rural development programmes , to the financial allocations for the remaining years of the programming period , in accordance with the council regulation (eu) …/…[regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027]14 .


### (7) in order to allow the commission to provide the necessary financial planning and the corresponding adjustments of the annual breakdowns of the union support set out in the annex to regulation (eu) no 1305/2013 , member states should inform the commission soon after the entry into force of this regulation whether they decide to extend their rural development programmes and , in case of regional rural development programmes , which of those programmes they decide to extend , and consequently which corresponding amount of the budget allocation for 2021 is not to be transferred to the following years. ### (7) in order to allow the commission to provide the necessary financial planning and the corresponding adjustments of the annual breakdowns of the union support set out in the annex to regulation (eu) no 1305/2013 , member states should inform the commission soon after the entry into force of this regulation whether they decide to extend their rural development programmes , in case of regional rural development programmes , which of those programmes they decide to extend , and if they intend to fund them partly with remaining funds for the previous budget allocation , and consequently which corresponding amount of the budget allocation for the years of the transitional period is not to be transferred to the following years.