### 19. stresses that eu sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development , coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities , an efficient division of labour between the member states and the eu’s ability to decide and act autonomously , in line with its own interests , principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners , in particular within the framework of nato; welcomes in this regard the commission president’s announcement that the eu and nato will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the vp/hr; ### 19. stresses that eu sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development , coordination and deployment of reliable and interoperable capabilities , an efficient division of labour between the member states and union level , and the eu’s ability to decide and act autonomously , if needed and in line with its own interests , principles and values of article 21 teu; stresses that priority should be given to building strong and reliable alliances , partnerships and multilateral arrangements and to building strategic solidarity with like-minded countries and that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners , in particular within the framework of nato; welcomes in this regard the commission president’s announcement that the eu and nato will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the vp/hr;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic , hybrid attacks against the eu member states by instrumentalizing migrants and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic , a changing role of the us on the global stage and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures in afghanistan and subsequent takeover of the country by the taliban , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , and belarusian continuous breach of international law , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### a. whereas according to several eurobarometer surveys , a large proportion of eu citizens are not satisfied with the way democracy works in the eu and tend to distrust the eu institutions; whereas not only is this perception present at eu level , but also at national level; ### a. whereas it is the aim to continuously improve the way in which democracy works in the eu , several eurobarometer surveys show that citizens are not satisfied with the way democracy works and tend to distrust the eu institutions; whereas not only is this perception present at eu level , but also at national level;


### 1. notes that the geopolitical impact of the covid-19 pandemic and a quickly deteriorating security environment are posing unprecedented challenges to the union’s common security and defence policy (csdp); emphasises , against this background , that achieving the objectives of the csdp to strengthen the union’s operational capacity as provided for in the treaty on european union is more necessary than ever; ### 1. notes that a deteriorating security environment is posing unprecedented challenges to the union’s common security and defence policy (csdp); emphasises , against this background , that achieving the objectives of the csdp to strengthen the union’s operational capacity as provided for in the treaty on european union is more necessary than ever;


### 2. reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent council of defence ministers chaired by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , with a view to coordinating the defence policies of the member states , particularly with regard to cybersecurity and anti-terrorism; ### 2. reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent council of defence ministers chaired by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , with a view to coordinating the defence policies of the member states , in particular with regard to article 43 (1) teu military tasks such as military crisis management , peacekeeping , rescue missions , and anti-terrorism , as well as cybersecurity;


### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s security and defence , which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address; ### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s diplomacy , security and defence , which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address;


### 5. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in scrutinising and supervising the implementation and evaluation of the csdp , including monitoring the implementation of the permanent structured cooperation. ### 5. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in scrutinising and supervising the implementation and evaluation of the csdp , including monitoring the implementation of the permanent structured cooperation , the european defence fund , military mobility and the european peace facility.


### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure; ### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must defend universal values , principles , the un charter , international law such as the united nations convention on the law of the sea , multilateralism , international cooperation and aim to guarantee freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure;


### 25. welcomes , in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept to be extended to other areas of interest , in particular the indo-pacific region; calls for the union to update its maritime security strategy by 2022; ### 25. welcomes , in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept to be extended to other areas of interest , in particular the indo-pacific region , based on the needs analysis; calls for the union to update its maritime security strategy by 2022;


### 25. welcomes , in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept to be extended to other areas of interest , in particular the indo-pacific region; calls for the union to update its maritime security strategy by 2022; ### 25. notes in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept and relevant ongoing missions to be evaluated and debated in parliament;


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states , including hybrid attacks weaponising migration by the belarusian regime; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention , attribution , deterrence and response capacity of the union and its member states;


### 6. recalls the importance of parity; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; ### 6. recalls the importance of parity; strongly regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union and recalls parliament’s position not to endorse appointments to boards and other bodies of eu agencies if the shortlist of candidates proposed by the institution or body in question does not respect gender balance;


### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , even if they mean amending the treaties. ### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , also if they require amending the treaties.


### a. whereas article 50 of the teu solved the pre-existing uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding the right to withdraw from the eu by explicitly giving member states the unilateral right to withdraw , subject to no conditions apart from compliance with their own national constitutional requirements; ### a. whereas article 50 of the teu addressed the pre-existing uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding the right to withdraw from the eu by explicitly giving member states the unilateral right to withdraw , subject to no conditions apart from compliance with their own national constitutional requirements;


### c. whereas article 50 of the teu is silent on several aspects of the procedure that arose during the withdrawal of the uk from the union; ### c. whereas article 50 of the teu is not clear enough on several aspects of the procedure that arose during the withdrawal of the uk from the union and needs further clarification;


### d. whereas the decision to leave the eu resulting from the uk referendum , as expressed by uk citizens in a free and democratic process , was entirely and fully respected in line with the values of freedom and democracy , as referred to in article 2 of the teu; ### d. whereas the decision to leave the eu resulting from the uk referendum , as expressed by the majority of citizens in england and wales but by a minority of citizens in scotland and northern ireland , was respected in line with the values of freedom and democracy , as referred to in article 2 of the teu; whereas this referendum was not accompanied by sufficient guidance or awareness-raising campaigns for citizens on the withdrawal process;


### g. whereas under the teu , citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament; ### g. whereas under the teu , citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament; whereas the european parliament played a crucial role in representing uk and eu citizens during the process;


### 3. underlines that the provisions of article 50 of the teu and the way in which they were interpreted and implemented reflect the common values that are at the foundation of the union , in particular freedom , democracy and the rule of law; ### 3. underlines that the provisions of article 50 of the teu and the way in which they were interpreted and implemented reflect the common values that are at the foundation of the union , in particular freedom , democracy and the rule of law; emphasises that safeguards should be established to ensure that the public debate preceding the triggering of article 50 by a member states allowed for informed decision of citizens; notes with concern the lack of debate in the departing member state on the definition of leaving the european union;


### 4. believes that article 50 of the teu has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a member state to withdraw from the european union and of ensuring the orderly withdrawal of the uk from the union , while allowing for the subsequent building of an enhanced relationship between the eu and the uk as a third country; ### 4. believes that article 50 of the teu has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a member state to withdraw from the european union and of ensuring the orderly withdrawal of the uk from the union , while allowing for the subsequent building of an enhanced relationship between the eu and the uk as a third country; considers that there are still some aspects of article 50 that could be improved including the risk of no deal , the withdrawal notification revocation and the length of the conditional to agreement negotiation period;


### 5. considers that the aims of article 50 of the teu and the withdrawal negotiations with the uk of ensuring disentanglement from the union , providing legal stability and minimising disruption , and providing a clear vision of the future for citizens and legal entities , by ensuring an orderly withdrawal , while protecting the integrity and interests of the european union , its citizens and its member states , were generally achieved; ### 5. considers that the aims of article 50 of the teu and the withdrawal negotiations with the uk of ensuring disentanglement from the union , providing legal stability and minimising disruption , and providing a clear vision of the future for citizens and legal entities , by ensuring an orderly withdrawal , while protecting the integrity and interests of the european union , its citizens and its member states , were achieved to some extent , in spite of the low level of planning from the departing state; considers that the withdrawal process was complex but that more could have been done to ensure legal certainty , especially for citizens and businesses; considers that the two year period set out in article 50 is the minimum time period for negotiations , and suggests that this time period could be increased in order to better accommodate the major political and economic changes , including disruptive divergence of regulatory regimes;


### 8. believes , nevertheless , that the withdrawal process was characterised by hesitancy on the part of the uk , leading to protracted uncertainty from the outset , reflected in the time gap between the referendum and the withdrawal notification under article 50 of the teu , and until the end of the negotiations , due to the spectre of a no-deal withdrawal; ### 8. believes , nevertheless , that the withdrawal process was characterised by hesitancy on the part of the uk , leading to protracted uncertainty from the outset , reflected in the time gap between the referendum and the withdrawal notification under article 50 of the teu , and until the end of the negotiations , due to the spectre of a no-deal withdrawal; believes that this increased uncertainty for citizens and businesses on the island of ireland in particular;


### 9. considers , in this regard , that the political and economic consequences of the decision to leave the union are significant; believes that these were not genuinely and fully assessed by the uk prior to its decision to withdraw , resulting in a lack of preparation for the procedure; ### 9. considers , in this regard , that the political and economic consequences of the decision to leave the union are significant; believes that these were not genuinely and fully assessed by the uk prior to its decision to withdraw , resulting in a lack of preparation for the procedure; believes that citizens were not adequately informed about the far-reaching consequences of the decision to leave the union; considers that the rights of european citizens resident in the departing state and citizens of the departing state resident in member states should have been a major concern during the process , even in the event of a no deal outcome , and in the years to come;


### 11. considers that article 50 of the teu strikes a balance between ensuring a withdrawal process and safeguarding the flexibility necessary for adaptation to the specific circumstances; believes , however , that , in the framework of a future reform of the treaty , the opportunity of remedying some of the loopholes identified in article 50 of the teu could be assessed , with particular regard to the following: ### 11. considers that article 50 of the teu strikes a balance between ensuring a withdrawal process and safeguarding the flexibility necessary for adaptation to the specific circumstances; believes , however , that , in the framework of a future reform of the treaty , the possibility of remedying some of the loopholes identified in article 50 of the teu could be assessed , with particular regard to the following:


### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights; ### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens , as well as citizens of the departing state - including through affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights; believes that citizens and organisations representing citizens should be consulted throughout the withdrawal process;


### 15. reiterates that , until a withdrawal agreement enters into force or , failing that , the two-year period mentioned in article 50(3) of the teu has elapsed , the withdrawing state remains a member state , and enjoys all the rights and is under all the obligations deriving from the treaties without exception , including the principle of sincere cooperation laid down in article 4(3) of the teu , as well as the obligation to hold elections to the european parliament; ### 15. reiterates that , until a withdrawal agreement enters into force or , failing that , the two-year period mentioned in article 50(3) of the teu has elapsed , the withdrawing state remains a member state , and enjoys all the rights and is under all the obligations deriving from the treaties without exception , including the principle of sincere cooperation laid down in article 4(3) of the teu , as well as the obligation to hold elections to the european parliament , and full protection of all citizens’ rights;


### 16. emphasises that the role of political oversight of the european parliament is indispensable in a parliamentary democratic system; insists , in this regard , that no procedural constraints or political objectives should override or limit in time or scope the parliamentary scrutiny phase as regards any international agreements , and in particular , those concluded in the context of a withdrawal from the european union; ### 16. emphasises that the role of political oversight of the european parliament is indispensable in a parliamentary democratic system; insists , in this regard , that no procedural constraints or political objectives should override or limit in time or scope the parliamentary scrutiny phase as regards any international agreements , including through their provisional application , and in particular , those concluded in the context of a withdrawal from the european union;


### 17. considers , in this context , that the role of the parliament is essential in safeguarding the parliamentary and democratic dimension of a procedure with such a constitutional and institutional impact on the union; considers that its role must be enhanced in any future treaty reform , in all aspects of the process from the negotiations to the implementation of a withdrawal agreement , including for major decisions such as extensions in accordance with article 50(3) of the teu; ### 17. considers , in this context , that the role of the parliament is essential in safeguarding the parliamentary and democratic dimension of a procedure with such a constitutional and institutional impact on the union; considers that citizens’ rights are an important issue and that the parliament was particularly active in advocating for citizens throughout the process; considers that its role must be enhanced in any future treaty reform , in all aspects of the process from the negotiations to the implementation of a withdrawal agreement , including for major decisions such as extensions in accordance with article 50(3) of the teu;


### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; ### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu and the uk; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; emphasises that this reflection exercise should involve civil society and representatives of citizens’ rights organisations;


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


### 2. calls on the council to resume negotiations on memorandum of understanding on the cooperation during the budget discharge procedure; reiterates that , if those negotiations do not succeed , they should be extended to the commission to ensure that parliament is provided with necessary information on how the council is implementing its budget , either directly or via the commission; ### 2. calls on the council to resume negotiations on the memorandum of understanding on the cooperation during the budget discharge procedure; reiterates that , if those negotiations do not succeed , they should be extended to the commission to ensure that parliament is provided with necessary information on how the council is implementing its budget , either directly or via the commission; considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to come forward with proposals to improve the transparency and readability of the council’s budget for citizens;


### 3. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests; ### 3. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests and the union’s accountability vis-à-vis citizens;


### 4. underlines that while the current situation could be improved through better interinstitutional cooperation within the treaties framework , the revision of the treaties could be considered in order to render the discharge procedure more clear , in the sense that the parliament is tasked with the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions and bodies individually. ### 4. underlines that while the current situation could be improved through better interinstitutional cooperation within the framework of the treaties , a revision of the treaties is necessary to render the discharge procedure more clear , for example by giving the european parliament the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions and bodies individually.


### 16. welcomes the improvements in the gsc’s internal organisation , focusing in particular on dealing with the working limitations arising from the covid-19 pandemic situation , such as an increase of the platforms and bandwidth for teleworking activities and the installation of appropriate videoconferencing equipment in small meeting rooms to facilitate hybrid meetings; ### 16. welcomes the improvements in the gsc’s internal organisation , focusing in particular on dealing with the working limitations arising from the covid-19 pandemic situation , such as an increase of the platforms and bandwidth for teleworking activities and the installation of appropriate videoconferencing equipment in small meeting rooms to facilitate hybrid meetings; regrets , however , that there are very few access codes provided to member states representatives to join the council meetings remotely , hindering the efficient work of some member states representations to the union;


### 6. understands that the council’s budget is mostly administrative with a large part of it being used for expenditure in relation to staff , buildings (including furniture and equipment) and miscellaneous running costs; reiterates its call for separate budgets for the european council and the council in order to improve transparency , accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions; ### 6. understands that the council’s budget is mostly administrative with a large part of it being used for expenditure in relation to staff , buildings (including furniture and equipment) and miscellaneous running costs; reiterates its repeated calls for separate budgets for the european council and the council in order to improve transparency , accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions;


### 26. welcomes the political agreement on the transparency register for interest representatives , reached by parliament , the council and the commission on 15 december 2020; emphasises the importance for the council , including the member states’ representatives , of harmonising , improving and enforcing the existing ethics rules , in particular with regard to conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency rules; ### 26. welcomes the political agreement on the transparency register for interest representatives , reached by parliament , the council and the commission on 15 december 2020; emphasises the importance for the council , including the member states’ representatives , of harmonising , improving and enforcing the existing ethics rules , in particular with regard to conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency rules; regrets , however , that the transparency register does not apply to the member states representatives working through the council , who are heavily lobbied;


### 27. regrets the use of corporate sponsorship to cover some of the expenses incurred by member states to finance their council presidency; reiterates its concern with respect to the possible reputational damage that such practice might cause to the council and to the union; regrets that a common set of clear , concrete and binding rules has not been set out in the guidance on sponsorship included in 2021 in the council ‘s presidency handbook; reiterates its call on the council to examine budgeting the council presidency; ### 27. regrets the use of corporate sponsorship to cover some of the expenses incurred by member states to finance their council presidency; reiterates its concern with respect to the possible reputational damage that such practice might cause to the council and to the union; regrets that a common set of clear , concrete and binding rules has not been set out in the guidance on sponsorship included in 2021 in the council ‘s presidency handbook; reiterates its call on the council to examine budgeting the council presidency; reiterates that any actual or perceived conflict of interests jeopardises the reputation of the council and the union as a whole; asks the council explore the possibility of providing permanent support staff to the council presidencies in order to ensure continuity and efficiency of the working process;


### 28. is aware of the council’s key role in nomination and appointment procedures for the union institutions and bodies , in particular for the european council , the commission , the court and the consultative committees (the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committees); strongly recommends considering a review of that role with a view to guaranteeing and strengthening the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders; ### 28. is aware of the council’s key role in nomination and appointment procedures for the union institutions and bodies , in particular for the european council , the commission , the court and the consultative committees (the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committees); strongly recommends considering a review of that role with a view to guaranteeing and strengthening the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders; regrets that the council repeatedly failed to take into consideration the recommendations of the parliament in its consultative role regarding the appointment of the members of the court;


### 29. is reminded of the court's statement in its special report no 13/2019: the ethical frameworks of the audited eu institutions: scope for improvement that ethical conduct “contributes to sounder financial management and increased public trust , which is indispensable if public policies are to succeed” and , in particular , that “any unethical behaviour by staff and members of the eu institutions attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the eu”; calls on the council , therefore , to avoid the appointment of candidates who represent a reputational risk for the union as a whole , taking into account , in particular , existing investigations by the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , legal proceedings underway against them and negative recommendations by parliament or the commission; ### 29. is reminded of the court's statement in its special report no 13/2019: the ethical frameworks of the audited eu institutions: scope for improvement that ethical conduct “contributes to sounder financial management and increased public trust , which is indispensable if public policies are to succeed” and , in particular , that “any unethical behaviour by staff and members of the eu institutions attracts high levels of public interest and reduces trust in the eu”; calls on the council , therefore , to reject the appointment of candidates who represent a reputational risk for the union as a whole , taking into account , in particular , existing investigations by the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , legal proceedings underway against them and negative recommendations by parliament or the commission;


### 33. supports the ombudsman’s remarks on the need to improve legislative transparency by recording and making the member states’ positions more accessible and by making more trilogue documents available; ### 33. supports the ombudsman’s remarks on the need to improve legislative transparency by recording and making the member states’ positions more accessible and by making more trilogue documents available; in a machine-readable format;


### 39. notes the increased audience on several social media platforms from 2019 to 2020 with an increase of 39 % in visits to the council’s website , approximately 443 000 followers on facebook (an increase of 8 %) , approximately 561 000 followers on twitter (an increase of 22 %) and approximately 167 000 followers on instagram (an increase of 37 %); observes that there were more than 16 million visits to the council’s website in 2020; ### 39. notes the increased audience on several social media platforms from 2019 to 2020 with an increase of 39 % in visits to the council’s website , approximately 443 000 followers on facebook (an increase of 8 %) , approximately 561 000 followers on twitter (an increase of 22 %) and approximately 167 000 followers on instagram (an increase of 37 %); observes that there were more than 16 million visits to the council’s website in 2020; encourages the council to establish a presence on free and open-source social media networks , such as mastodon , to achieve further transparency and broader outreach to union citizens;


### 48. believes that a revision of the treaties is necessary to streamline the discharge procedure , making it clearer and more transparent , especially by giving parliament the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions , bodies , offices and agencies individually; ### deleted


### — having regard to the treaties and in particular to articles 9 , 10 , 14 and 17(7) of the treaty on european union (teu) and to articles 20 , 22 , 223(1) and 225 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , and to article 2 of protocol no 1 on the role of national parliaments in the european union , ### — having regard to the treaties and in particular to articles 2 , 3 , 9 , 10 , 14 and 17(7) of the treaty on european union (teu) and to articles 8 , 20 , 22 , 223(1) and 225 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , and to article 2 of protocol no 1 on the role of national parliaments in the european union ,


### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (charter) , and in particular articles 11 , 23 and 39 thereof , ### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (charter) , and in particular articles 11 , 21 , 23 and 39 thereof ,


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


### e. whereas some existing common provisions in the current european electoral act show the way towards necessary improvements , including those which provide for candidates to be elected by proportional representation using a list system or a single transferable vote system; for the freedom to establish constituencies at national level; for the introduction of a maximum non-obligatory electoral threshold of 5% , and for the prohibition of meps to hold a dual mandate in national and european parliament; ### e. whereas some existing common provisions in the current european electoral act show the way towards necessary improvements , including those which provide for candidates to be elected by proportional representation using a list system or a single transferable vote system; for the freedom to establish constituencies at national level; and for the prohibition of meps to hold a dual mandate in national and european parliament;


### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , today eu elections are still mostly governed by national laws and therefore more improvements are needed to establish a genuinely uniform procedure for european elections; ### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , no substantial reform of the electoral law act has been achieved and still today eu elections are largely governed by national laws resulting in 27 national elections instead of one truly european election; whereas more improvements are needed to establish a genuinely uniform procedure for european elections;


### h. whereas the trend of a growing voter turnout can be maintained if the connection and accountability between voters and candidates are strengthened and the eu-wide dimension is fostered; ### h. whereas the trend of a growing voter turnout can be improved if the connection and accountability between voters and candidates are strengthened and the eu-wide dimension is fostered;


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


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


### l. whereas an appropriate approach to reforming the european electoral law should be based on respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the introduction of common minimum standards ; ### l. whereas an appropriate approach to reforming the european electoral law should be based on respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the introduction of common minimum democratic standards ;


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


### t. whereas the establishment of a joint constituency in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission would greatly strengthen european democracy and further legitimise the election of the president of the commission; ### t. whereas the establishment of a eu-wide constituency in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission would greatly strengthen european democracy and further legitimise the election of the president of the commission;


### u. whereas not all member states give their citizens the possibility of voting from abroad , and among those that do , the conditions for depriving them of their right to vote vary greatly; whereas granting all citizens of the union residing outside the union the right to participate in elections would contribute to electoral equality; whereas , however , member states need to coordinate their administrative systems better in order to prevent voters from voting twice in two different member states; ### u. whereas not all member states give their citizens the possibility of voting from abroad , and among those that do , the conditions for granting them their right to vote vary greatly; whereas granting all citizens of the union residing outside the union the right to participate in elections would contribute to electoral equality; whereas , however , member states need to coordinate their administrative systems better in order to prevent voters from voting in two different member states;


### v. whereas any barriers to the right to vote for persons with disabilities , especially legal barriers for adults with intellectual disabilities declared legally incapacitated should be removed , guaranteeing physical and sensory accessibility in polling stations as well as alternative participation systems to exercise the right to vote , in particular through postal voting; ### v. whereas any barriers to the right to vote for persons with disabilities , especially legal barriers for adults with intellectual disabilities declared legally incapacitated , should be removed , ensuring the exercise of the right to vote in all voting modalities;


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


### x. whereas postal , electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection; ### x. whereas advance , postal , proxy and electronic voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection and the reliability and the secrecy of the votes;


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


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


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


### 7. highlights the links between the suggested measures for the review of the electoral act , and the european parliament’ rules of procedure , the regulation on european political parties and the european commission democracy action plan of december 2020 , notably the links between elements such as: ### 7. highlights the links between the suggested measures for the review of the electoral act , and the european parliament’ rules of procedure , the regulation on european political parties and the european commission democracy action plan of december 2020 , notably on elements such as:


### - the way in which elections are largely governed by rules applicable only within a particular jurisdiction or that might not have been formulated taking into consideration the borderless online space , ### - the way in which elections are governed , namely by rules applicable only within a particular jurisdiction or that might not have been formulated taking into consideration the borderless online space ,


### - stronger cooperation between regulatory authorities of the member states is needed , ### - the cooperation between regulatory authorities of the member states , which needs to be strengthened ,


### - the goal of more transparency in political advertising and communication should also be reflected in the provisions of the electoral law; ### - transparency in political advertising and communication , which should also be reflected in the provisions of the electoral law;


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


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


### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party , by a movement or by a coalition of european parties , putting forward a common electoral programme; ### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party , by a european electoral association or by a coalition of european parties , putting forward a common electoral programme;


### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency; ### 11. calls on european political parties and european electoral associations to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties - at least 12 weeks before the election day; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency;


### 12. calls for enhancing the visibility of european parties and movements through media campaigns and on ballot papers and all electoral materials; determines that national parties shall indicate their affiliation to the european political parties and to the corresponding lead candidate during the electoral campaign; ### 12. calls for enhancing the visibility of european parties and electoral associations through media campaigns and on ballot papers and all electoral materials; determines that national parties shall indicate their affiliation to the european political parties and to the corresponding lead candidate during the electoral campaign;


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


### 15. considers that the introduction of a joint constituency from which forty-six members of the european parliament shall be elected and in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission could offer an opportunity to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the european elections; believes that the goal of establishing a joint constituency is achievable only if geographical , demographic and gender balance is ensured , by guaranteeing that smaller member states are not put at a competitive disadvantage compared to the larger member states; suggests in this respect introducing binding demographic representation in the lists for the joint constituency , such as maximum thresholds for candidates residing in the same member state and a minimum obligatory representation of nationals of different member states; encourages european parties and movements to appoint candidates in the joint lists coming from all member states; ### 15. considers that the introduction of a joint constituency from which forty-six members of the european parliament shall be elected and in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission could offer an opportunity to enhance the democratic and pan-european dimension of the european elections; believes that the goal of establishing a joint constituency is achievable only if geographical and gender balance is ensured , and by guaranteeing that smaller member states are not put at a competitive disadvantage compared to the larger member states; suggests in this respect introducing binding geographic representation in the lists for the eu-wide constituency , such as maximum thresholds for candidates residing in the same member state; encourages european parties and electoral associations to appoint candidates in the pan-european lists coming from all member states;


### (1) ‘political party’ means an association of citizens which pursues political objectives and which is either recognised by , or established in accordance with , the legal order of at least one member state and that intends to form or to join a european coalition of national political parties and/or national political movements in order to table a list of candidates to , and campaigning for , the union-wide constituency; ### (1) ‘political party’ means an association of citizens which pursues political objectives and which is either recognised by , or established in accordance with , the legal order of one member state;


### (2) ‘political movement’ means an association of citizens which pursues political objectives which , rather than being established as a political party , is registered as an association of voters in accordance with applicable national provisions and which intends to form or joining a european coalition of national political parties and/or national political movements in order to table a list of candidates to , and campaigning for , the union-wide constituency; ### (2) ‘electoral association’ means an association of citizens which pursues political objectives which , rather than being established as a political party , is registered as an association of voters in accordance with applicable national provisions;


### (3) ‘european coalition of national political parties and/or national political movements’ means an electoral alliance by a number of national political parties and/or national political movements equal to one quarter of the member states , where necessary rounded up to the nearest whole number , that tables a candidacy to , and campaigns for the union-wide constituency; ### deleted


### (5) ‘european political movement’ means a transnational association of citizens present in at least a quarter of the member states , representing at least a number equal to 0.01% of the voting population in the relevant member states , which pursues political objectives , but is not established as a european political party , and is recognised for the purpose of tabling a candidacy to , and campaigning for , the union-wide constituency; ### (5) ‘european electoral association’ means a transnational association of national electoral associations or parties from at least 7 different member states , which for the purpose of tabling a candidacy to and campaigning for the union-wide constituency , is supported by at least a number equal to 0.01% of the voting population in the said member states and which pursues political objectives and observes the values on which the union is founded , as expressed in article 2 teu , but is not established as a european political party , and is recognised for the purpose of tabling a candidacy to , and campaigning for , the union-wide constituency;


### (6) ‘european electoral coalition’ means an electoral alliance by two or more european political parties and/or european political movements that fields a list of candidates for and campaigns in the union-wide constituency. national political parties and/or national political movements can also join such an electoral alliance provided that they are not affiliated to a european political party and there is no other affiliated national political party to any of the european political parties of the electoral alliance; ### (6) ‘european electoral coalition’ means an electoral alliance by two or more european political parties that fields a list of candidates for and campaigns in the union-wide constituency. national political parties and/or national electoral associations can also join such an electoral alliance provided that they are not affiliated to a european political party;


### (7) “european electoral entity” means a european political party , a european political movement , a european electoral alliance , or a european coalition of national political parties and/or national political movements; ### (7) “european electoral entity” means a european political party , a european electoral association or a european electoral coalition;


### (8) ´transnational list´ means the candidacy/list of candidates fielded in the union-wide constituency; ### (8) ´pan-european list´ means the candidacy/list of candidates fielded in the union-wide constituency by a european electoral entity;


### (9) ´electoral period´ means the period starting fourteen weeks before election day and ending on election day; ### deleted


### national provisions ### national provisions and democratic standards


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


### a. whereas european political parties help to raise european political awareness and express the will of union citizens; whereas strong political parties and foundations at european level are essential for the development of a truly european political sphere; ### a. whereas european political parties and foundations help to raise european political awareness and express the will of union citizens; whereas strong political parties and foundations at european level are essential for the development of a truly european political sphere;


### b. whereas european political parties should cooperate with their national member parties , in order to support them in bringing the union closer to the citizens; ### b. whereas european political parties and foundations should cooperate with their national member parties , in order to support them in bringing the union closer to the citizens;


### c. whereas in order to continue to be aware of , to give expression to and where appropriate to mould the will of union citizens , it is essential that the role and functioning of european political parties and foundations are not limited concerning issues of exclusively european relevance at union level; whereas those european political parties and foundations should be allowed to use their funds accordingly; ### c. whereas in order to continue to give expression to the will of union citizens , it is essential that european political parties and foundations are allowed to finance any activity which contributes to informing eu citizens and increasing european political awareness;


### f. whereas it should be possible for the own resources of european political parties and foundations to be formed of all kinds of legally acquired income and not only of contributions and donations; ### f. whereas it should be possible for european political parties and foundations to have additional categories of revenue other than contributions and donations;


### h. whereas the system for administrative control of expenditure should be lightened , and in particular , the requirement to submit accounts according to the international financial reporting standards should be dropped because it does not correspond to the nature of the european political parties and foundations , and represents an unnecessary time-consuming and costly burden; ### h. whereas the requirement to submit accounts according to the international financial reporting standards should be dropped because it does not correspond to the nature of the european political parties and foundations , and represents an unnecessary time-consuming and costly burden;


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


### 7. recalls that regulation (eu , euratom) no 1141/2014 requires national parties to display the logo , the political programme and the website link of their eu party of affiliation on their websites as a condition for accessing funds; calls on the commission to clearly define the requirements related to the visibility of the european party of affiliation. ### 7. recalls that the regulation nº 1141/2014 requires national members parties to display the logo , the political programme and the websitelink of their eu party of affiliation on their websites as a condition of accessing funds; is concerned that , according to the λogos project1a , national member parties overwhelmingly fail to properly implement the regulation’s display requirement , as only 15% of member parties display the logo in a clear and user-friendly manner; calls on the commission to clearly define and provide more specific display the requirements , as well as detailed guidelines , related to the visibility of the european party of affiliation.


### 3. welcomes the fact that the status of the council of the european union has changed from that of an observer to that of a formal party to the agreement; considers nevertheless that its participation is limited to meetings with the most senior officials , and , under voluntary schemes only , meetings of the permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives during their presidency and six months before; insists that for the credibility of the scheme all permanent representations should take an active part in that voluntary scheme , continue to apply it after their presidency has ended and extend , it insofar as this is possible , to other officials; ### 3. welcomes the fact that the status of the council of the european union has changed from that of an observer to that of a formal party to the agreement; considers nevertheless that its participation is limited to meetings with the most senior officials , and , under voluntary schemes only , meetings of the permanent representatives and deputy permanent representatives during their presidency and six months before; insists that for the credibility of the scheme all permanent representations should take an active part in that voluntary scheme , continue to apply it after their presidency has ended and extend it to other officials and at least to all staff working on policies; welcomes the fact that some member states’ representations are already applying those rules independently of their presidency; insist that citizens must not have to wait until the end of the 10-year cycle of revolving presidencies until the last permanent representation applies those rules at all times; considers national ministers to be central to the work of the council; therefore calls on national ministers to commit to transparency on their meetings with interest representatives;


### 4. points out that in the negotiation process the commission has not made any substantive additional commitments to the scheme; regrets in particular that , with regard to personal scope , it covers only the most senior staff of the institutions; insists that any revision of the conditionality arrangements with regard to all three institutions should include meetings with other staff of the institutions , at heads of unit level and above; ### 4. points out that in the negotiation process the commission has not made any substantive additional commitments to the scheme; regrets in particular that , with regard to personal scope , it covers only the most senior staff of the institutions; insists that any revision of the conditionality arrangements with regard to all three institutions should include meetings with other staff of the institutions , at heads of unit level and above; stresses that no institution should wait for the others in reaching this higher level of transparency; notes that following the implementation of this new agreement , parliament will be the only institution of which the secretary general and directors-general are not covered by the obligation only to meet registered interest representatives , and pledges to close this loophole as soon as possible;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european union agency for asylum discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european union agency for asylum discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european union agency for asylum discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021 / postpones the closure of the accounts of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021; ### 1. postpones the closure of the accounts of the european asylum support office for the financial year 2021;


### 3. notes however that a high number of management posts are vacant and that many had been occupied by interim staff; recalls that one of the reasons underlying the dependency on interim staff was the delay of the adoption and entry into force of the regulation establishing a european union agency for asylum; notes with regret serious lack of foresight of the commission when designing and allocating these posts to the office; ### 3. notes however that a high number of management posts are vacant and that many had been occupied by interim staff; recalls that one of the reasons underlying the dependency on interim staff was the delay of the adoption and entry into force of the regulation establishing a european union agency for asylum , as the agreement did not allow it to extend these contracts until the entry into force of the new legal framework; notes with regret serious lack of foresight of the commission when designing and allocating these posts to the office; underlines that the situation created had a negative impact on the recruitment capabilities and the ability of the office to adequately support member states , ultimately to the detriment of asylum-seekers and refugees who faced prolonged procedures and inadequate reception conditions; highlights also that these posts had been occupied on an acting basis for more than one year , at odds with the staff regulations and also puts strategic continuity of the office at risk;


### 4. recalls the important role that the office fulfils in the common european asylum system (ceas) , assisting requesting member states in improving the efficiency and quality of their asylum systems; ### 4. recalls the important role that the office fulfils in the common european asylum system (ceas) , assisting requesting member states in improving the efficiency and quality of their asylum systems; further recalls that in carrying out its operations , the office is relatively dependent on member states’ cooperation , calls on member states to comply with their obligations as regards national experts in order to avoid the need for the office to rely on external contractors;


### 6. stresses the impact of the russian war against ukraine on the activities of easo and the fact that easo had to request additional human and financial resources to face the increased demand for assistance from member states; ### 6. stresses the impact of the russian war against ukraine on the activities of easo and the fact that easo had to request additional human and financial resources to face the increased demand for assistance from member states; underlines the fact that the lack of human resources in 2022 limited the ability to perform some of the tasks of the new mandate of the office , and that the financial effects of the russian war against ukraine cannot be reliably estimated;


### 9. recalls with concern the court’s finding that in 2020 , the office had 16 vacant management posts , with 10 of those occupied on an acting basis for more than one year , thus being at odds with the union’s staff regulations , which limit the duration of temporary management appointments to one year; notes the office’s reply with regard to the reasons why in 2021 the recruitment of managers was not prioritised , whereas such reasons include practical limitations caused by the covid-19 pandemic , new migration and asylum crises , two structural reorganisations of the office , the need to ensure business continuity , with a focus on filling other non-managerial posts; highlights , however , that acting managers occupy two posts in the office’s establishment plan , situation that could lead to inefficiency issues as well as to impaired leadership and strategic continuity; further notes the statement of the office’s executive director (ed) during the hearing in the european parliament on 30 november 2022 , whereby at that date 7 managers , including 3 senior management members were still on ad interim positions , 2 of whom have been for more than 1 year in their function; takes note from the office’s replies that two senior management positions were under recruitment by the end of 2022 , while the third position was foreseen to be published in the following months; reiterates its calls on the office to launch and/or finalise without delay the recruitment procedures that are necessary in order to fill in all its managerial posts , in full compliance with the applicable legal requirements and to keep the discharge authority informed regarding the progress made in this matter; ### 9. recalls with concern the court’s finding that in 2020 , the office had 16 vacant management posts , with 10 of those occupied on an acting basis for more than one year , thus being at odds with the union’s staff regulations , which limit the duration of temporary management appointments to one year; notes the office’s reply with regard to the reasons why in 2021 the recruitment of managers was not prioritised , whereas such reasons include practical limitations caused by the covid-19 pandemic , new migration and asylum crises , two structural reorganisations of the office , the need to ensure business continuity , with a focus on filling other non-managerial posts; highlights , however , that acting managers occupy two posts in the office’s establishment plan , situation that could lead to inefficiency issues as well as to impaired leadership and strategic continuity; further notes the statement of the office’s executive director (ed) during the hearing in the european parliament on 30 november 2022 , whereby at that date 7 managers , including 3 senior management members were still on ad interim positions , 2 of whom have been for more than 1 year in their function; takes note from the office’s replies that two senior management positions were under recruitment by the end of 2022 , while the third position was foreseen to be published in the following months; notes with great concern the anonymous reports from the office’s staff members , that the number of ad interim senior management positions who have been in function for more than 1 year , is in fact higher than two , contradicting the statement made by the ed during the aforementioned hearing; urges the office to provide clarity on this matter as it concerns the office’s transparency and accountability , including to parliament; reiterates its calls on the office to launch and/or finalise without delay the recruitment procedures that are necessary in order to fill in all its managerial posts , in full compliance with the applicable legal requirements and to keep the discharge authority informed regarding the progress made in this matter;


### 10. highlights with great concern that on 14 september 2022 , the discharge authority received an anonymous complaint containing allegations on staff-related irregularities caused by the office’s entire senior management team; is deeply concerned about the seriousness of the aforementioned allegations that include claims of unlawful , opaque or partial recruitment and promotion of senior management members , allegations of harassment or mismanagement of funds relating to missions of office staff; notes that , as a result of those allegations , olaf has launched an investigation; calls on the office senior management and on all concerned staff to ensure full and sincere cooperation with olaf throughout all stages of the investigation; calls on the office to inform the discharge authority about the progress and stages of the investigation; ### 10. highlights with great concern that on 14 september 2022 , the discharge authority received an anonymous complaint containing allegations on staff-related irregularities caused by the office’s entire senior management team; is deeply concerned about the seriousness of the aforementioned allegations that include claims of unlawful , opaque or partial recruitment and promotion of senior management members , nepotism , allegations of harassment and the covering up of it , and mismanagement of funds relating to missions of office staff; stresses that earlier internal staff reports already raised severe doubts over the transparency , impartiality and non-biased practices of the office; notes that , as a result of those allegations , olaf has launched an investigation , which indicates that it has sufficient suspicion of serious misconduct; highlights that on january 23 , 2023 , the discharge authority received another anonymous complaint suggesting , among other things , that the office misled parliament , and that a substantial reshuffle of senior management is irregular and unprecedented; calls on the office senior management and on all concerned staff to ensure full and sincere cooperation with olaf throughout all stages of the investigation; calls on the office to inform the discharge authority about the progress and stages of the investigation;


### 11. notes that the office has put in place a policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing psychological and sexual harassment; welcomes the office’s organisation of awareness raising campaigns on these issues and the nomination of confidential counsellors in 2021; notes that in 2021 , the office received four complaints on alleged psychological harassment , one of which was withdrawn; notes that the other three complaints were object of a preliminary assessment carried out with support from an external law firm , that led to the conclusion that no prima-facie evidence of harassment was found , thus no further measures were deemed necessary by the office; calls on the office to provide the discharge authority with the typology of cases and the criteria based on which it decides to ask for the support of an external law firm , given that the office has its own legal services unit; ### 11. notes that the office has put in place a policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing psychological and sexual harassment; welcomes the office’s organisation of awareness raising campaigns on these issues and the nomination of confidential counsellors in 2021; notes that in 2021 , the office received four complaints on alleged psychological harassment , one of which was withdrawn; notes that the other three complaints were object of a preliminary assessment carried out with support from an external law firm , that led to the conclusion that no prima-facie evidence of harassment was found , thus no further measures were deemed necessary by the office; notes with concern that the office did not cross-check the validity of the harassment complaints , and that it remains unclear how priority was given to the perspective of the alleged victims; calls on the office to provide the discharge authority with the typology of cases and the criteria based on which it decides to ask for the support of an external law firm , given that the office has its own legal services unit;


### (4a) ‘moreover , for the purposes of effectively applying regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [regulation on asylum and migration management] and in accordance with the rules thereof , it is necessary to clearly mark in eurodac the fact that there has been a shift of responsibility between member states , including in cases of relocation. furthermore , in order to reflect accurately the obligations member states have to conduct search and rescue operations and to help these member states with the specific challenges they face as they cannot apply to persons disembarked following such operations the same tools as for irregular crossings by land or air , it is also necessary to register third-country nationals or stateless persons disembarked following search and rescue operations as a separate category in eurodac. ### (4a) moreover , for the purposes of effectively applying regulation (eu) xxx/xxx [regulation on asylum and migration management] and in accordance with the rules thereof , it is necessary to clearly mark in eurodac the fact that there has been a shift of responsibility between member states , including in cases of relocation. furthermore , in order to reflect accurately the obligations member states have to conduct search and rescue operations it is also necessary to register third-country nationals or stateless persons disembarked following search and rescue operations as a separate category in eurodac. in order to give proper consideration to the condition of particular vulnerability of persons disembarked following a search and rescue operation and to effectively apply member states obligation to carry out appropriate vulnerability assessments , including specific circumstances of the disembarkation and taking into account the physical and mental health of people disembarked , additional safeguards should be put in place before proceeding to any collection , processing and transmission of biometric data;


### (5a) ‘it is also necessary to introduce provisions that would ensure the functioning of that system within the interoperability framework established by regulations (eu) 2019/81725 and 2019/81826 of the european parliament and of the council. ### (5a) ‘ following the adoption of the interoperability framework established by regulations (eu) 2019/81725 and 2019/81826 of the european parliament and of the council , provisions to ensure the functioning of that system may be deemed necessary. in that regard , it is very important to ensure principles of proportionality and necessity are upheld , and authorities of member states and the union bodies continue to be able to see only the data that is relevant for the performance of their specific tasks , even if the data are accessible through different databases.


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


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


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


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


### 6. all datasets registered in eurodac corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person shall be linked in a sequence. where a search is launched with the fingerprints in the dataset of a third-country national or stateless person and a hit is obtained against at least one other set of fingerprints in another dataset corresponding to that same third country national or stateless person , eurodac shall automatically link those datasets on the basis of the fingerprints comparison. if necessary , the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with article 26. when the receiving member state confirms the hit , it shall send a notification to eu-lisa that will confirm the linking. ### 6. all datasets registered in eurodac corresponding to the same third country national or stateless person shall be linked in a sequence. where a search is launched with the fingerprints in the dataset of a third-country national or stateless person and a hit is obtained against at least one other set of fingerprints in another dataset corresponding to that same third country national or stateless person , eurodac shall automatically link those datasets on the basis of the fingerprints comparison. the linking of datasets shall in no circumstances prolong the data storage referred to in articles 17 and 18 of this regulation beyond the prescribed period for each specific set of data , that cannot exceed five years from the date on which the biometric data were first taken. the existence of a link shall immediately be deleted from the cir and the central system once the data related to the data-subject are erased from eurodac. the comparison of fingerprints shall be checked and confirmed by a fingerprint expert in accordance with article 26. if there is no certainty on the result obtained , the margin of appreciation should always benefit the applicant. when the receiving member state confirms the hit , it shall send a notification to eu-lisa that will confirm the linking. the linking does not modify the access to eurodac data by national competent authorities and eu agencies and bodies as foreseen by this regulation , that shall be limited to the extent that the data are required for the performance of their tasks in accordance with those purposes , and proportionate to the objectives pursued.


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


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


### (4) the following recital is inserted after recital 11: ### deleted


### (14) ‘moreover , in order for eurodac to effectively assist with the control of irregular migration and with the detection of secondary movements within the eu , it is necessary to allow the system to count applicants in addition to applications by linking all sets of data corresponding to one person , regardless of their category , in one sequence.’; ### (14) moreover , in order for eurodac to effectively assist with the control of irregular migration and with the detection of secondary movements within the eu , it is necessary to allow the system to count applicants in addition to applications by linking all sets of data corresponding to one person , regardless of their category , in one sequence. member states authorities and union bodies should be able to see only the personal data that are strictly relevant for the performance of their tasks , even if the data are linked in a sequence. the retention period of each dataset is not affected.';


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


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


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


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


### for the purpose of carrying out the verifications referred to in article 20(2)(k) of regulation (eu) 2018/1240 , the etias central system shall use the european search portal , to compare the data in etias with the data in eurodac collected on the basis of articles 12 , 13 , 14 and 14a of this regulation corresponding to individuals having left or having been removed from the territory of the member states in compliance with a return decision or removal order and using the correspondences listed in the table in annex ii of this regulation. ### for the purpose of carrying out the verifications referred to in article 20(2)(k) of regulation (eu) 2018/1240 , the etias central system shall use the european search portal , to compare the data in etias with the data in eurodac collected on the basis of articles 12 , 13 and 14a of this regulation , in a read-only format , using the correspondences listed in the table in annex ii of this regulation.


### 2. for the purposes of article 1(1)(f) , the etias national units , shall have access to and may consult the eurodac , in a read-only format , for the purpose of examining applications for travel authorisation. in particular , the etias national units may consult the data referred to in articles 12 , 13 , 14 and 14a. ### 2. for the purposes of article 1(1)(f) , the etias national units , shall have temporary access to consult the eurodac , in a read-only format , for the purpose of examining applications for travel authorisation. in particular , the etias national units may consult the data referred to in articles 12 , 13 and 14a.


### for the purpose of manually verifying hits triggered by the automated queries carried out by the visa information system in accordance with articles [9a and 9c] of regulation (ec) no 767/2008 and examining and deciding on visa applications in accordance with article 21 of regulation (ec) no 810/2009 of the european parliament and of the council30 , the competent visa authorities shall have access to eurodac to consult data in a read-only format. ### for the purpose of manually verifying hits triggered by the automated queries carried out by the visa information system in accordance with articles [9a and 9c] of regulation (ec) no 767/2008 and examining and deciding on visa applications in accordance with article 21 of regulation (ec) no 810/2009 of the european parliament and of the council 30a , the competent visa authorities shall have temporary access to eurodac to consult data in a read-only format.


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


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


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


### 2. regrets the reported weaknesses in management and control systems , namely two cases of potential conflict of interest situation in relation to a senior manager taking up a job elsewhere , when europol did not issue its decision within the deadline and thus effectively authorised the person concerned to take up the new job without any restrictions and in contravention of article 16 of the staff regulations; ### 2. regrets the reported weaknesses in management and control systems , namely two cases of potential conflict of interest situation in relation to a senior manager taking up a job elsewhere , when europol did not issue its decision within the deadline and thus effectively authorised the person concerned to take up the new job without any restrictions and in contravention of article 16 of the staff regulations; recalls however that europol has specific provisions covering the risk of ‘revolving door’ situations in relation to members of its board and requests that such provisions are fully implemented to prevent any potential future ‘revolving door’ case;


### 2. notes the agency’s efforts made to reduce its payment delays; commends that in 2021 the late payment rate was 7 ,8% compared to 32 ,8% in 2020; welcomes the agency’s commitment to reach a maximum of 5% of payment delays in 2022 , including by monitoring a performance indicator on a monthly basis and other mitigating actions; observes that appropriations related to the current budget carried over from 2021 to 2022 are at a relatively high level of 15 ,20% or eur 25 ,7 million; calls on the agency to address this aspect in full compliance with the principle of annuality; ### 2. notes with concern that the observation from the court stressing that the agency faces challenges regarding late payments is still ongoing; shares the opinion of the court that this recurrent weakness exposes europol to reputational risks; notes the agency’s efforts made to reduce its payment delays; commends that in 2021 the late payment rate was 7 ,8% compared to 32 ,8% in 2020; welcomes the agency’s commitment to reach a maximum of 5% of payment delays in 2022 , including by monitoring a performance indicator on a monthly basis and other mitigating actions; observes that appropriations related to the current budget carried over from 2021 to 2022 are at a relatively high level of 15 ,20% or eur 25 ,7 million; calls on the agency to continue its efforts and address this aspect in full compliance with the principle of annuality;


### 4. notes that on 16 september 2022 , the edps requested that the court of justice of the european union annul two provisions of the revised europol regulation , namely articles 74a and 74b , as they seriously undermine legal certainty for individuals’ personal data and threaten the independence of the edps; reminds that articles 74a and 74b have the effect of legalising retroactively europol’s practice of processing large volumes of individuals’ personal data with no established link to criminal activity , which the edps found to be in breach of europol’s regulation; ### 4. notes that on 16 september 2022 , the edps requested that the court of justice of the european union annul two provisions of the revised europol regulation , namely articles 74a and 74b , as they seriously undermine legal certainty for individuals’ personal data and threaten the independence of the edps; reminds that articles 74a and 74b have the effect of legalising retroactively europol’s practice of processing large volumes of individuals’ personal data with no established link to criminal activity , which the edps found to be in breach of europol’s regulation; reiterates its utmost concerns regarding the impact on individuals’ fundamental rights of the facts revealed by the edps in the “big data challenge” inquiry , admonishment decision and order; deplores that the solution to the concerns raised by the edps has been to codify the continuity of europol’s activities instead of proving the mechanisms to ensure that fundamental rights and data protection are fully respected; expresses deep regret that the decision which include articles 74a and 74b in the new europol’s regulation has not been accompanied by enhanced safeguards for individuals and adequate accountability mechanisms for the agency; recalls with concern the allegations that europol contains at least 4 petabytes of personal data , which is equivalent to 3m cd-roms or a fifth of the entire contents of the us library of congress; underlines the concerns raised by data protection advocates regarding the volume of information held on europol’s systems , which according to them , amounts to mass surveillance and , therefore , similar practices compared to the us national security agency (nsa);