### j. whereas oil and gas exploration , combined with the large-scale exploitation of offshore renewable energy resources , may generate competition and sea space management conflicts that mainly affect fishing activities , in particular small-scale fisheries and coastal communities; ### j. whereas oil and gas exploration , combined with the large-scale exploitation of offshore renewable energy resources , may generate competition , pollution and sea space management conflicts that mainly affect fishing activities , in particular small-scale fisheries and coastal communities; whereas the paris agreement's goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 , preferably to 1.5 degrees celsius , compared to pre-industrial levels;


### k. whereas a proposal for legally binding nature restoration targets needs to be drawn up under the eu biodiversity strategy for 2030 in line with the objective of protecting 30% of the eu maritime area , of which 10% should be subject to strict conservation measures; ### k. whereas a proposal for legally binding nature restoration targets needs to be drawn up under the eu biodiversity strategy for 2030 in line with the objective of protecting 30% of the eu maritime area , of which 10% should be subject to strict conservation measures; whereas these restoration targets must be additional to existing obligations under the relevant eu directives (such as the habitats directive , the birds directive , the water framework directive and the marine strategy framework directive);


### m. whereas it is necessary to have a global vision for the management and conservation of marine resources; ### m. whereas it is necessary to have a global vision and framework for the management and conservation of marine resources;


### n. whereas , when it comes to diversifying consumption , access to information about nutritional values , provenance or place of production is fundamental to consumer behaviour; ### n. whereas , when it comes to diversifying consumption , access to information about nutritional values , provenance and place of production is fundamental to consumer behaviour;


### 6. urges the eu to develop a human rights-based approach towards ocean governance and the blue economy by supporting food sovereignty for local fishing communities; ### 6. urges the eu to develop a human rights-based approach towards ocean governance and the blue economy by supporting food sovereignty and economic development for local fishing communities;


### 7. welcomes the objective of protecting 30 % of the world’s oceans by 2030 , but warns that it should not be done at the expense of indigenous peoples and local communities; ### 7. welcomes the objective of protecting 30 % of the world’s oceans by 2030 , but warns that it should not be done at the expense of indigenous peoples and local communities whose tenure , access and resource rights to ocean should be protected , as embedded in fao voluntary guidelines of tenure , land and forests and for securing sustainable small scale fisheries , the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples , and free , prior and informed consent; as set out in the ilo convention 169; to this end , calls for the creation of robust human rights safeguards , accountability and grievance mechanism;


### 8. recalls that a growing body of research shows that objectives on biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are better achieved when local communities have direct control over the management of the resources on which they rely; highlights the risks of ocean grabbing linked to maritime spatial planning; ### 8. recalls that a growing body of research , notably ipcc special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate , shows that objectives on biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation are better achieved when local communities have direct control over the management of the resources on which they rely; highlights the risks of ocean grabbing linked to maritime spatial planning; accordingly , stresses the need to securing small-scale fisheries and the responsible governance of tenure; as well as to hold accountable eu “blue businesses” beneficiaries if their activities violate human rights;


### 9. recalls that illegal , unregulated and unreported fishing damages food security and the livelihoods of people in coastal countries; stresses the need to limit flags of convenience and re-flagging and to address transshipment at sea; ### 9. recalls that illegal , unregulated and unreported fishing , facilitated by the practice of flying a flag of convenience , damages food security and the livelihoods of people in coastal countries; while creating fertile ground for piracy; calls for a strong system , of deterrent sanctions and a multi-pronged approach to fight iuu fishing; stresses the need to limit flags of convenience and re-flagging and to address transshipment at sea , as important tools to close iuu loopholes; more broadly , calls on the eu to strengthen anti-corruption capacity building; fostering national interagency cooperation and increasing international cooperation; improving oversight of fishery agents; and supporting regional monitoring , control and surveillance centres and task forces;


### 10. calls for the eu to act on the detrimental impacts of fishing techniques such as bottom-contacting gears or fish aggregating devices by limiting their use. ### 10. calls for the eu to act on the detrimental impacts of fishing techniques such as bottom-contacting gears or fish aggregating devices on climate , seabeds and bycatch by limiting their use; in particular , calls on the eu to prohibit the use of bottom-trawling in all marine protected areas;


### 1. stresses that lockdown has had a considerable impact on mobility demand and the choice of transport mode , especially in urban areas; notes that the social distancing introduced as part of sanitary measures in the eu has led citizens to take up mobility options other than public transport in order to avoid gatherings of people; ### 1. stresses that the covid-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on mobility demand and the choice of transport mode , particularly towards cycling , especially in urban areas; notes that the social distancing introduced as part of sanitary measures in the eu has led citizens to take up mobility options other than public transport in order to avoid gatherings of people; is concerned that the temporary increase in the use of private car in this particular context can have long-standing detrimental impacts in terms of emissions and congestion , unless proactive policies are put in place to foster the return and further uptake of public transport and active mobility means;


### 2. stresses the need for local authorities to reengineer public transport in order to ensure safe , healthy and environmentally sustainable commuting options and to complement public transport with on-demand and shared transport services; ### 2. recognises that public transport is the backbone of sustainable urban mobility; therefore stresses the need for local authorities to continuously support actions within public transport in order to ensure safe , healthy and environmentally sustainable commuting options and making it an efficient , accessible and affordable alternative to private car use; calls furthermore on member states and local authorities to firstly increase the outreach and frequency of public transport and equip it with additional integrated digital infrastructure , making it more compatible with on-demand management such as e-bikes and e-scooters as well as shared transport services and collaborative innovation platforms;


### 3. calls for a revision of the commission guidelines on developing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans to include a new objective to improve the resilience of mobility systems in case of rapid fluctuations in mobility demand; ### 3. calls for a revision of the commission guidelines on developing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans (sumps) to include a new objective to improve the resilience of mobility systems in case of rapid fluctuations in mobility demand; notes that demand management and land-use planning can lower traffic volumes; stresses that facilitating active mobility and guaranteeing protection of active road users should become an integral part of urban mobility and infrastructure design , which should be included within sumps , where the commission already recommends including road safety as a horizontal objective;


### 4. recognises that urban logistics are an essential public service; calls on local authorities to develop dedicated sustainable urban logistics plans that integrate freight into the planning of more dynamic and flexible uses of curb space; ### 4. recognises that urban logistics are an essential public service; notes the increased demand in home deliveries , also by cars , vans and powered two-wheeled vehicles such as mopeds , as a consequence of the covid-19 pandemic , adding to congestion , increased emissions and pollution; calls on local authorities to develop dedicated sustainable urban logistics plans that integrate freight into the planning of more dynamic and flexible uses of curb space; underlines that cargo bikes have huge potential for transporting goods in urban areas including last-mile logistics , and can play an important role in reducing congestion , emissions and pollution; hence , urges eu support fore-bikes and cargo bikes; considers it crucial to establish regular safety assessments in order to improve the standards of these bikes and the cycling infrastructure;


### 5. calls on the member states and local authorities to reassess their investments in urban mobility and to give priority to digital infrastructure that will improve the general experience of all passengers and be adapted to the post-covid-19 needs of transport workers; ### 5. calls on the member states and local authorities to prioritise and increase their investments in sustainable urban mobility and to give priority to investments in safe and active mobility infrastructure in order to accelerate the rethinking of space and transport modes , to invest in zero-emission vehicle procurement for public transport , maintain and upgrade its infrastructure including sufficient quick charging stations for electric vehicles and light means of transport , as well as ensuring multimodal integration; reminds the importance of a robust digital infrastructure that will improve the general experience of all passengers and be adapted to the post-covid-19 needs of transport workers; calls furthermore on the commission to lead the transition by proposing tools , such as single integrated ticketing , which can increase the uptake of public transport; stresses that coordination between different key stakeholders and accessibility for all are considerable challenges in the digital era;


### 6. believes that the commission should ensure that access to eu funding programmes for urban mobility , such as the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund and the connecting europe facility , is conditional on existing or prospective sustainable urban mobility plans; ### 6. believes that the commission should ensure that access to eu funding programmes for urban mobility , such as the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund and the connecting europe facility , is conditional on existing or prospective sustainable urban mobility plans (sumps) which among others also ensure the highest standards of road safety and particularly protecting vulnerable road users; calls on the commission to consider ways of supporting cities in preparing their sumps according to the highest standards; calls furthermore on the commission to establish an indicator on the use of eu funds towards effectively improving urban road safety , and particularly ensuring the highest design standards to protect vulnerable road users and foster active mobility;


### 7. reiterates that sustainable development and the management of urban tourism need to be fully integrated into the wider urban agenda. ### 7. reiterates that sustainable development and the management of urban tourism need to be fully integrated into the wider urban agenda; notes that especially overtourism can have negative environmental and economic impacts such as increased pollution , loss of biodiversity , congestion , infrastructure maintenance costs and rising prices , particularly in housing , as documented in the tran study ‘overtourism: impact and possible policy responses’1a; therefore calls on the member states to invest in funding to support the shift towards more sustainable , innovative , resilient and high-quality tourism products and services and further contribute to sustainability , out-of-season travel and the geographical dispersion of tourism flows;


### 4. regrets that the absorption rate of european structural and investment funds , which increased from 12% in 2019 to 15% in 2020 , is slower than expected with 45 % (eur 209 billion) remaining to be absorbed; ### 4. regrets that , in spite of the change in esif eligibility rules for covid-19-related expenditure , and of the introduction of the possibility of 100 % eu financing (crii and crii+) , the absorption rate of european structural and investment funds , which increased from 12% in 2019 to 15% in 2020 , is slower than expected , with 45 % (eur 209 billion) remaining to be absorbed and that this amount constitutes the main part of the €303 billion of outstanding commitments at the end of 2020;


### 4. regrets that the residual error rate has increased by comparison to the previous year (2 ,69 % in 2020 as compared to 2 ,65 % in 2019)for grants under direct management of the directorate-general for justice and consumers (dg just); notes that the main cause of error is the lack of supporting documents which has even worsened in 2020 by the fact that due to the covid-19 crisis the audits had to be performed remotely without access to the bookkeeping of the beneficiaries; calls on the commission to address this issue and make use of digital tools that allow remote access to bookkeeping of beneficiaries; welcomes the corrective action plan outlined by dg just; recalls the importance of monitoring visits for ensuring sound financial management; ### 4. regrets that the residual error rate has increased by comparison to the previous year (2 ,69 % in 2020 as compared to 2 ,65 % in 2019)for grants under direct management of the directorate-general for justice and consumers (dg just); notes that the main cause of error is the lack of supporting documents which has even worsened in 2020; reminds that due to the covid-19 crisis the audits had to be performed remotely without access to the bookkeeping of the beneficiaries; calls on the commission to address this issue and make use of digital tools that allow remote access to bookkeeping of beneficiaries; welcomes the corrective action plan outlined by dg just; recalls the importance of monitoring visits for ensuring sound financial management and calls on the commission to step up efforts in that direction;


### 4. is concerned that the amount of outstanding commitments (ral) at the end of 2020 reached a new record high of eur 303 ,2 billion; acknowledges that a certain level of outstanding commitments is a natural consequence of the union budget system with commitment appropriations and payment appropriations but underlines that an amount of outstanding commitments , which equals two full years of payment appropriations may constitute a risk for the smooth operation of the budget in the future; ### 4. stresses the serious risk that the amount of outstanding commitments (ral) continued to rise at the end of 2020 reached a new record high of eur 303 ,2 billion; acknowledges that a certain level of outstanding commitments is a natural consequence of the union budget system with commitment appropriations and payment appropriations but underlines that an amount of outstanding commitments , which equals two full years of payment appropriations constitute a risk for the smooth operation of the budget in the future; regards the regular annual increase of outstanding commitments , in the light of upcoming nextgenerationeu instrument and much increased eu spending a matter of priority for the commission to prepare a detailed plan of actions on bringing the amount of outstanding commitments down; calls on the commission to present such a plan to the discharge authority;


### 5. welcomes the fact that , in 2020 , the 2019 multi annual call for proposals under the connecting europe facility (cef) was successfully completed , selecting 125 projects with an overall contribution of more than eur 2 billion; ### 5. welcomes the fact that , in 2020 , the 2019 multi annual call for proposals under the connecting europe facility (cef) was successfully completed , selecting 125 projects with an overall contribution of more than eur 2 billion; underlines the importance of investing in sustainable transport networks to enable the necessary faster trend in the shift towards more sustainable modes of transport; underlines the target of at least 60% of the cef2 related expenditure to be unambiguously contributing in reaching the union climate targets;


### 5. takes note that the eu will be able to spend significantly more than in the previous programming period , with an overall allocation of eur 1 824 billion from nextgenerationeu and the mff; urges the commission to limit the risk of delayed start to the implementation of shared managed funds and ensure the sound financial management in the use of funds , including the respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights. ### 5. takes note that the eu will be able to spend significantly more than in the previous programming period , with an overall allocation of eur 1 824 billion from nextgenerationeu and the mff; calls , in this regard , on the commission to further assess the control systems described by the member states in their final recovery and resilience plans; notes with concern the delayed start to the implementation of shared managed funds: urges the commission to ensure the sound financial management in the use of funds , including the respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights , through the use of already existing instruments-such as the european rule of law mechanism-to their full extent , not shying away from its prerogatives and duties as guardian of the eu treaties.


### 5. regrets that the cumulative absorption rate from the european structural and investment funds (esif) at the end of 2020 continues to be approximately 7 % lower than under the previous 2007-2013 mff; encourages the commission to intensify its work with members states including through technical assistance in order to increase the ability of member states to make use of the funds allocated to them and to intensify the effort to increase the absorption rate of esif from both the 2013-2020 mff and the new 2021-2027 mff in order to avoid a further increase of total outstanding commitments , without compromising the quality of projects and the efforts made to avoid misuse and fraud of union funds; asks the commission to relaunch the taskforce for better implementation (tfbi) to increase the absorption rate and to develop best practices among the member states; ### 5. regrets that despite the gained experience from the previous mff and the help and cooperation provided by the commission through the technical assistance the cumulative absorption rate from the european structural and investment funds (esif) at the end of 2020 continues to be approximately 7% lower than under the previous 2007-2013 mff; encourages the commission to continue its work with members states including through technical assistance in order to increase the ability of member states to make use of the funds allocated to them and to intensify the effort to increase the absorption rate of esif without compromising the quality of projects and the efforts made to avoid misuse and fraud of union funds; asks the commission to relaunch the taskforce for better implementation (tfbi) to increase the absorption rate and to develop best practices among the member states;


### 5. stresses that choices of aid modalities should always be based on realistic assessments of the likely efficiency of possible options , supported by evidence; points to the salience of this in the rapidly expanding area of private sector cooperation , where the evidence base is limited and should carefully be broadened and deepened in order to facilitate optimal use of official development assistance (oda); ### 5. stresses that choices of aid modalities should always be based on realistic and independent assessments of the likely efficiency of possible options , supported by evidence and made public; points to the salience of this in the rapidly expanding area of private sector cooperation ,where the evidence base is limited and should carefully be broadened and deepened in order to facilitate optimal use of official development assistance (oda);


### 6. regrets the low implementation rate of cef during the 2014-2020 period: calls on member states to significantly speed up investments , and on the commission to step up its monitoring in view of the urgent need for infrastructure investment in order to facilitate a swift recovery from the covid-19 crisis; is concerned that a significant under-execution of payments for transport infrastructure financed by the cohesion fund contribution to cef for 2021 is expected , and that implementation delays and decommitment of funds might occur; ### 6. regrets the low implementation rate of cef during the 2014-2020 period: calls on member states to significantly speed up investments , and on the commission to step up its monitoring in view of the urgent need for infrastructure investment in order to facilitate a swift recovery from the covid-19 crisis and to lay the groundwork for a transition to more sustainable transport; is concerned that a significant under-execution of payments for transport infrastructure financed by the cohesion fund contribution to cef for 2021 is expected , and that implementation delays and decommitment of funds might occur;


### 7. stresses the need to enlarge the areas where the early detection and exclusion system (edes) is used beyond direct management and encourages the commission to use it for all union funds including funds under shared management: notes that , the edes has to be used systematically to ensure that companies and beneficial owners who have been convicted in relation to fraud , corruption or other serious economic criminal activities cannot benefit from union funds; ### 7. stresses the need to enlarge the areas where the early detection and exclusion system (edes) is used beyond direct management and requests the commission to use it for all union funds including funds under shared management: notes that , the edes has to be used systematically to ensure that companies and beneficial owners who have been convicted in relation to fraud , corruption or other serious economic criminal activities cannot benefit from union funds;


### 8. stresses that the covid-19 pandemic placed transport and tourism in union under an unprecedented pressure and welcomes the commission’s efforts to provide relief to the sectors and financing using the coronavirus response investment initiatives (crii and crii+) , cef , rrf , cohesion fund , investeu , erdf; ### 8. stresses that the covid-19 pandemic placed transport and tourism in union under an unprecedented pressure and welcomes the commission’s efforts to provide relief to the sectors and financing using the coronavirus response investment initiatives (crii and crii+) , cef , rrf , cohesion fund , investeu , erdf; stresses that these funds should be used to rebuild the sectors in a truly sustainable form , adapted to the circumstances of a future-looking climate-neutral european economy;


### 2. acknowledges that high-risk expenditures are subject to complex rules and eligibility conditions; notes that the estimated level of error decreased from 4 ,9% in 2019 to 4 ,0% in 2020 and that six possible fraud cases were reported to olaf in comparison to 2019’s nine; recalls that the way funds are disbursed has an impact on the risk of errors and welcomes efforts to simplify requirements for project managers and management authorities under the 2021-2027 programming period; ### 2. acknowledges that high-risk expenditures are subject to complex rules and eligibility conditions; notes that the estimated level of error decreased from 4 ,9% in 2019 to 4 ,0% in 2020 and that six possible fraud cases , which were reported to olaf in comparison to 2019’s nine , most frequently concerned suspicions of artificial creation of the necessary conditions for eu financing , declaration of costs not meeting the eligibility criteria , use of the grant for purposes other than allowed or procurement irregularities; recalls that the way funds are disbursed has an impact on the risk of errors and welcomes efforts to simplify requirements for project managers and management authorities under the 2021-2027 programming period;


### 2. reiterates its deep concerns regarding the situation concerning the rule of law in a number of member states , which is deeply worrying in its own right and may ultimately lead to serious losses for the union budget and underlines its requests to the commission to use all available tools to limit the risk of such losses. this should include the immediate and full application of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget; ### 2. reiterates its deep concerns regarding the situation concerning the rule of law in a number of member states , which is deeply worrying in its own right and ultimately leads to serious losses for the union budget; regards commission’s decision to refrain from triggering article 6(1) of regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget , despite conditions to do so have been fulfilled , as financially irresponsible and politically opportune; notes in this regard the latest rulings by the court of justice in cases c-156/21 and c-157/21 which confirmed full validity of this regulation;


### 9. notes with concern that the estimated overall level of error in subheading 1b ‘economic , social and territorial cohesion’ stood at 3.5 % in 2020; underlines that despite the slight decrease in comparison with the previous years , this figure is still largely above the 2 % materiality threshold and the estimated level of error in expenditure for the union budget as a whole (2.7 %); ### 9. notes with concern that the estimated overall level of error in subheading 1b ‘economic , social and territorial cohesion’ stood at 3.5 % in 2020; underlines that despite the slight decrease in comparison with the previous years , this figure is still largely above the 2 % materiality threshold and the estimated level of error in expenditure for the union budget as a whole (2.7 %); calls for urgent action to decrease the error rate in the future , and especially for the new funding period;


### 10. asks the commission to modify the spending rule n+3 years to the previous rule n+2 years in order to increase the budget execution and reduce the outstanding commitments; ### 10. requests the commission to modify the spending rule n+3 years to the previous rule n+2 years in order to increase the budget execution and reduce the outstanding commitments;


### 12. reiterates the need to simplify rules and procedures , develop compulsory training sessions and practical information for applicants , in particular new applicants , and improve the assistance and guidelines for smes , spin-offs , start-ups , administration and payment agencies and all others relevant stakeholders; ### 12. reiterates the need to better balance the simplification of rules and procedures with increased controls over the most repeated areas of irregular spending , develop compulsory training sessions and practical information for applicants , in particular new applicants , and improve the assistance and guidelines for smes , spin-offs , start-ups , administration and payment agencies and all others relevant stakeholders;


### 1. notes that , the estimated level of error in spending on ‘economic , social and territorial cohesion’ decreased from 4 ,4% in 2019 to 3 ,5% in 2020; welcomes the continuous improvement , but is disappointed that it has not proven possible to decrease the error rate below 2%; ### 1. notes that , the estimated level of error in spending on ‘economic , social and territorial cohesion’ decreased from 4 ,4% in 2019 to 3 ,5% in 2020; welcomes the continuous improvement , but is disappointed that it has not proven possible to decrease the error rate below 2%; stresses that most of the irregularities identified by audit authorities and the commission concern the same main categories: ineligible expenditure , public procurement , audit trail and state aid;


### 1. notes that for expenditure specifically for heading iii (security and citizenship) the court of auditors (the ‘court’) chose to examine a sample of 27 transactions designed to contribute to the court's overall statement of assurance; deeply regrets that the court did not estimate the error rate for heading iii as the audit scope was not designed to be representative for this heading; regrets this choice by the court despite multiple calls from parliament to calculate the estimated level of error; deplores the fact that eight out the 27 transactions examined by the court contained errors among which four contained quantifiable errors which had a financial impact on the amounts charged to the union budget; highlights that such cases may have an important negative reputational impact; urges the commission to address that situation and report to the discharge authority about the progress achieved; ### 1. notes that for expenditure specifically for heading iii (security and citizenship) the court of auditors (the ‘court’) chose to examine a sample of 27 transactions designed to contribute to the court's overall statement of assurance; stresses that the court also found four cases of non-compliance with legal and financial provisions , but without a financial impact on the union budget; agrees with the court that failure to abide by the rules can undermine the sound financial management of union spending and , potentially , affect the eligibility of the costs claimed; regrets that the court did not estimate the error rate for heading iii as the audit scope was not designed to be representative for this heading; recalls the multiple calls from parliament to calculate the estimated level of error; deplores the fact that eight out the 27 transactions examined by the court contained errors among which four contained quantifiable errors which had a financial impact on the amounts charged to the union budget; highlights that such cases may have an important negative reputational impact; urges the commission to address that situation and report to the discharge authority about the progress achieved;


### 1. grants the commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the european union for the financial year 2020; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the european union for the financial year 2020;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the european union for the financial year 2020; ### 1. postpones the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the european union for the financial year 2020;


### 1. notes that the replacement of the development cooperation instrument with the global europe instrument coincides with a dramatic reversal of the progress towards the sustainable development goals and with rapid aggravation of the global climate crisis; insists that in the implementation of the global europe instrument , maximum efficiency in the response to these incomparably important challenges must be sought; ### 1. notes that the replacement of the development cooperation instrument with the global europe instrument coincides with a dramatic reversal of the progress towards the sustainable development goals and with rapid aggravation of the global climate and biodiversity crises; insists that in the implementation of the global europe instrument , maximum efficiency in the response to these incomparably important challenges must be sought; reiterates the importance of properly implementing the horizontal targets set in the global europe regulation; expects to see the program-level targets published together with the draft budget 2023 as well as any legislative changes required in the programs effected to ensure the targets will be met;


### 19. regrets that the court for the year 2020 has again issued an adverse opinion on the legality and regularity of the expenditure side of the budget and at the same time acknowledges that the level of error has remained stable at 2 ,7 % in 2020 , which is the same as for the year 2019; ### 19. regrets that the court for the year 2020 has again issued an adverse opinion on the legality and regularity of the expenditure side of the budget and at the same time stresses that the level of error at 2 ,7% in 2020 , which is the same as for the year 2019 , in court’s own words represents the minimal level of error due to the fact that the court was not able to perform any on-the-spot checks due to the covid-19 restrictions;


### 15. calls on the commission to continue promoting gender balance and a gender budgeting approach in the allocated funds; calls on the commission to urgently develop a gender mainstreaming methodology in order to integrate a gender equality perspective in all policy areas; ### 15. calls on the commission to continue promoting gender balance and a gender budgeting approach in all areas of eu spending; calls on the commission to urgently develop a gender mainstreaming methodology in close cooperation with the parliament in order to integrate a gender equality perspective in all policy areas;


### 16. reiterates the need to step up the efforts in the fight against fraud both at union and member state level , in close cooperation with the eppo and olaf; stresses the role of the eppo in the investigation and prosecution of fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union; recalls the importance of providing eppo and olaf with sufficient financial and human resources; ### 16. reiterates the need to step up the efforts in the fight against fraud both at union and member state level , in close cooperation with the eppo and olaf; appreciates the remarkable efforts and stresses the role of the eppo in the investigation and prosecution of fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union; recalls the importance of providing eppo and olaf with sufficient financial and human resources;


### 21. notes that the court audited 728 transactions in order to establish the estimated level of error , which was found to be 4 ,0 % for high-risk expenditure , which is above the materiality threshold , while the estimated level of error is below the materiality threshold for low-risk expenditure; ### 21. notes with concern that based on audited 728 transactions checked by the court , estimated level of error for high-risk expenditure continues to be well above the materiality threshold at 4 ,0 % while the estimated level of error is below the materiality threshold for low-risk expenditure;


### 22. notes that the union balance sheet shows that the total liabilities at the end of 2020 were eur 313.5 billion , an increase of eur 62 ,0 billion or 24 ,7% compared to the previous year (eur 251.5 billion); ### 22. notes with growing concern that the union balance sheet shows that the total liabilities at the end of 2020 were eur 313.5 billion , an increase of eur 62 ,0 billion or 24 ,7% compared to the previous year (eur 251.5 billion);


### 25. notes that the annual absorption rate for efsi funds in 2020 was 15 % , which is the same as the final year of the previous 2007-2013 mff but that the cumulative absorption rate is still only 55 % , which is 7 % lower than at the end of 2013. notes that this implies that 45 % of the total commitments under the efsi funds for the period 2014-2020 equal to eur 209 billion has still not been paid out and constitutes the main part of the total outstanding commitments (ral) of eur 303 billion; ### 25. notes with a concern that there seems to be little progress in the cumulative absorption rate for efsi funds , which is still only 55 % (7 % lower than at the end of the last year of the previous mff) , although the annual absorption rate in2020 was the same as the final year of the previous 2007-2013 mff (15 %). notes that this implies that 45 % of the total commitments under the efsi funds for the period 2014-2020 equal to eur 209 billion has still not been paid out and constitutes the main part of the total outstanding commitments (ral) of eur 303billion;


### 29. regrets that the covid-19 pandemic made it much more difficult to carry out on-the-spot checks and audits , which implies that the estimated error rates for 2020 should be considered as minimum rates; ### 29. regrets that the covid-19 pandemic made it much more difficult to carry out on-the-spot checks and audits , which implies that the estimated error rates for 2020 should be considered as minimum rates; underlines the need for more in-person audit visits in the coming period to ensure sound audit management;


### a. ensure the protection of the union budget by making general and systematic use of digital and automatised systems for reporting , monitoring and audit; ### a. ensure the protection of the union budget by making general and systematic use of digital and interoperable systems for reporting , monitoring and audit;


### g. increase the administrative capacity of the commission in relation to the nextgenerationeu instrument in order to protect union finances; ### g. increase the administrative capacity of the commission and propose adequate budget lines for the court , eppo and olaf in relation to the new upcoming tasks related to the nextgenerationeu instrument in order to protect union finances;


### 36. underlines that auditing the performance of the union budget is equally as important as compliance auditing in order to get a comprehensive view of the legality of spending as well as the efficiency and economy of the spending; ### 36. underlines that auditing the performance of the union budget is equally as important as compliance auditing in order to get a comprehensive view of the legality of spending as well as the effectiveness , efficiency and economy of the spending; points to the numerous recommendations issued by the court as well as the discharge authority that the commission should pay much more attention to assessing the results , outcomes and impacts of its policies and programs (effectiveness) and don’t stop at presenting sheer numbers of funds spend or people involved in individual programs (efficiency);


### 44. notes with concern that the court found that in 2020 , the commission closed its verification cycle in respect of gni data for own resources from the year 2010 , a 10 year gap; highlights that as a result of the verification cycle closure , the commission set a large number of gni reservations in respect of specific compilation procedures in the member states that called for improvement; remarks that this significantly increases budgetary uncertainty in the national budgets in relation to the gni-based contribution; is concerned by the court finding that the impact of globalisation on gni is not properly addressed; ### 44. notes with great concern that the court found that in 2020 , the commission closed its verification cycle in respect of gni data for own resources from the year 2010 , a 10 year gap; highlights that as a result of the verification cycle closure , the commission set a large number of gni reservations in respect of specific compilation procedures in the member states that called for improvement; remarks that this significantly increases budgetary uncertainty in the national budgets in relation to the gni-based contribution; is concerned by the court finding that the impact of globalisation on gni is not properly addressed and the eu revenue could be affected as a result;


### 65. expresses its concern that the number and impact of the errors detected demonstrate that the controls in place do not yet sufficiently mitigate the high inherent risk of error in this area; is concerned that this concerns , in particular , managing authorities whose verifications are ineffective in preventing or detecting irregularities in expenditure declared by beneficiaries; notes with concern that the court also considers that other errors are the result of decisions taken by managing authorities themselves; ### 65. expresses its strong concern that the number and impact of the errors detected demonstrate that the controls in place do not yet sufficiently mitigate the high inherent risk of error in this area; is concerned that this concerns , in particular , managing authorities whose verifications are ineffective in preventing or detecting irregularities in expenditure declared by beneficiaries; notes with concern that the court also considers that other errors are the result of decisions taken by managing authorities themselves;


### c. make the use of it tools such as edes or arachne systematic for all union funds including shared management and ensure better use of new technology in order to increase controls and protect the union budget against fraud and misuses of funds; ### c. make the use of it tools such as edes or arachne systematic and mandatory for all union funds including shared management and ensure better use of new technology in order to increase controls and protect the union budget against fraud and misuses of funds;


### 83. acknowledges that dg agri has calculated the risk at payment to be around 1 ,9% for cap spending as a whole in 2020; notes that the court estimates the level of error at 2% , which represents an increase of 0 ,1% compared to 2019; regrets that the level of error in spending on ‘natural resources’ is close to materiality; ### 83. acknowledges that dg agri has calculated the risk at payment to be around 1 ,9% for cap spending as a whole in 2020; notes with concern that the court estimates the level of error at 2% , which represents an increase of 0 ,1% compared to 2019; regrets that the level of error in spending on ‘natural resources’ is close to materiality;


### 106. notes with concern that most indicators are either not on track or their progress is unclear; underlines that the sector approach was a strategic choice in order to improve ipa ii’s performance; regrets that it could not be applied consistently; regrets that indirect management by beneficiary countries sometimes had an adverse effect on operational efficiency; ### 106. notes with great concern that most indicators are either not on track or their progress is unclear; underlines that the sector approach was a strategic choice in order to improve ipa ii’s performance; regrets that it could not be applied consistently; regrets that indirect management by beneficiary countries sometimes had an adverse effect on operational efficiency;


### c. whereas the share of road deaths of vulnerable road users is increasing , as car users have been the main beneficiaries of improved vehicle safety and other road safety measures; whereas the safety of cyclists and pedestrians must be urgently addressed; ### c. whereas the share of road deaths of vulnerable road users is increasing , as car users have been the main beneficiaries of improved vehicle safety and other road safety measures; whereas the safety of cyclists and pedestrians must be urgently addressed; whereas a modal shift towards sustainable public transport modes and active mobility is an important tool to reduce road deaths and serious injuries;


### 1. welcomes the fact that the eu has reaffirmed in the 2021-2030 eu road safety policy framework its long-term vision to get close to zero deaths by 2050 , known as vision zero , and its medium-term goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50 % by 2030; highlights that these eu goals and targets relating to road safety should be underpinned by a coordinated , well-planned , systematic and well-financed road safety approach at eu , national and local level; ### 1. welcomes the fact that the eu has reaffirmed in the 2021-2030 eu road safety policy framework its long-term vision to get close to zero deaths by 2050 , known as vision zero , and its medium-term goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50 % by 2030; highlights that these eu goals and targets relating to road safety should be underpinned by a coordinated , well-planned , systematic and well-financed road safety approach at eu , national and local level; stresses however that deaths and injuries on our roads are unacceptable and preventable and that therefore the eu should aim to increase its level of ambition and aim to reduce deaths and serious injuries by at least 60% by 2030;


### 2. welcomes in this regard the adoption of the safe system approach at eu level , based on a performance framework and timed targets for the reduction of casualties and serious injuries; welcomes the setting up of key performance indicators (kpis) established in cooperation with member states to enable a more focused and targeted analysis of the member states’ performances and to identify shortcomings; calls on the commission to set outcome targets by 2023; underlines the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the eu and the members states in this regard and urges all members states to fully commit to this exercise and agree on a harmonised methodology for kpis that will allow member states to be compared; ### 2. welcomes in this regard the adoption of the safe system approach at eu level , based on a performance framework and timed targets for the reduction of casualties and serious injuries; welcomes the setting up of key performance indicators (kpis) established in cooperation with member states to enable a more focused and targeted analysis of the member states’ performances and to identify shortcomings; calls on the commission to set outcome targets by 2023; underlines the importance of the ongoing cooperation between the eu and the members states in this regard and urges all members states to fully commit to this exercise and agree on a harmonised methodology for kpis that will allow member states to be compared; believes however that there is room for improvement in these kpis and urges the commission to improve and consider extending these indicators as soon as possible and updating them in its road safety action plan; believes the kpi for protective equipment should be complemented by a kpi that collects exposure data according to the modal share travelling distance and time for all road users (pedestrians , cyclists , powered two-wheelers , cars , vans , heavy duty vehicles) and by road types , in order to better understand the different related risk ratios and dangers;


### 4. calls on the member states and the commission to prioritise investments with the greatest benefit in terms of road safety , including investments in maintaining existing infrastructure and in the construction of new infrastructure; welcomes , in this regard , the launch of the safer transport platform initiative and calls on all interested parties to consider its use; ### 4. calls on the member states and the commission to prioritise investments with the greatest benefit in terms of road safety , including investments in maintaining existing infrastructure and upgrading it in view of adequately protecting vulnerable road users; acknowledges the importance of a modal shift towards active and sustainable public transport modes to improve road safety; welcomes , in this regard , the launch of the safer transport platform initiative , which explicitly calls for projects with good impacts on accident mitigation , including traffic calming measures and better and safer facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and calls on all interested parties to consider its use;


### 5. highlights that a proactive assessment of the eu road network will be a useful tool to assess the in-built safety of roads and to target investment; welcomes , in this regard , the risk mapping and safety rating of motorways and primary roads introduced in the recently revised eu infrastructure safety rules4 and calls on the member states to designate as many primary roads in their territory as possible to increase the road safety potential of the new directive; calls on the commission and the member states to agree as soon as possible on a methodology to carry out systematic network-wide road assessments as mandated in the revision of the above-mentioned act; calls on the commission and the member states to speed up the work on the specifications at eu level for the performance of road signs and markings in order to prepare the way for a higher level of automation in vehicles; ### 5. highlights that a proactive assessment of the eu road network will be a useful tool to assess the in-built safety of roads and to target investment; welcomes , in this regard , the risk mapping and safety rating of motorways and primary roads introduced in the recently revised eu infrastructure safety rules4 and calls on the member states to designate as many primary roads in their territory as possible to increase the road safety potential of the new directive; calls on the commission and the member states to agree as soon as possible on a methodology to carry out systematic network-wide road assessments , including elements of roads relevant for the safety of vulnerable road users as mandated in the revision of the above-mentioned act; calls on the commission and the member states to speed up the work on the specifications at eu level for the performance of road signs and markings in order to prepare the way for a higher level of automation in vehicles; and on the quality requirements for walking and cycling infrastructure so as to tackle the unsatisfactory level of safety for active road users;


### 6. calls for measures to further strengthen road safety in urban nodes and improve operational safety throughout the life cycle of critical infrastructure in the forthcoming revision of the ten-t regulation; calls on the commission to set out therein the bases for future investment decisions relating to road safety; ### 6. calls for measures to further strengthen road safety in urban nodes and improve operational safety throughout the life cycle of critical infrastructure in the forthcoming revision of the ten-t regulation; calls furthermore for the integration of a european cycle route network into the ten-t , on the basis of eurovelo , so as to make cycling infrastructure safer and better connected; stresses the importance of ensuring continuous walking and cycling paths systematically within ten-t projects and calls on the commission to guarantee that existing and new ten-t infrastructure does not create barriers for active mobility; calls on the commission to set out therein the bases for future investment decisions relating to road safety;


### 7. welcomes the recent revision of the general safety regulation , which will make new advanced safety features in vehicles such as intelligent speed assistance and emergency lane keeping systems mandatory in the eu as from 2022 , with the potential to save around 7 300 lives and avoid 38 900 serious injuries by 2030; calls on the commission to adopt ambitious and timely secondary legislation , to evaluate future developments and to review the regulation where appropriate in order to keep pace with technical developments; ### 7. welcomes the recent revision of the general safety regulation , which will make new advanced safety features in vehicles such as intelligent speed assistance and emergency lane keeping systems mandatory in the eu as from 2022 , with the potential to save around 7 300 lives and avoid 38 900 serious injuries by 2030; calls on the commission to adopt ambitious and timely secondary legislation , including requiring a high level of performance of intelligent speed assistance (isa) systems to be fitted in all new vehicles; finally calls on the commission to evaluate future developments and to review the regulation where appropriate in order to keep pace with technical developments , including the consideration of requiring overridable isa systems on motorcycles and non-overridable isa systems for cars , vans , trucks and buses;


### 8. urges the commission , in line with the tran implementation report on the road safety aspects of the roadworthiness package , to take due account of the technical progress in vehicle safety features provided for in new general safety regulation and to include advanced safety systems in the scope of the next revision of the roadworthiness package to ensure they are checked during periodical technical inspections; ### 8. urges the commission , in line with the tran implementation report on the road safety aspects of the roadworthiness package , to take due account of the technical progress in vehicle safety features provided for in new general safety regulation and to include advanced safety systems in the scope of the next revision of the roadworthiness package to ensure they are checked during periodical technical inspections; calls for higher requirements in terms of self-diagnosis of the vehicle , to prevent that a malfunctioning of a advance driving assistance system intended for enhanced safety eventually becomes a hazard;


### 9. calls on the commission to propose a new harmonised regulatory framework for automated cars in order to ensure , by means of comprehensive tests , including real driving conditions , that automated cars will operate in an absolutely safe manner for their drivers and other road users , in particular concerning their interaction with conventional vehicles and vulnerable road users; ### 9. calls on the commission to propose a new harmonised regulatory framework for automated cars in order to ensure , by means of comprehensive tests , including real driving conditions , that automated cars will operate in an absolutely safe manner for their drivers and other road users , in particular concerning their interaction with conventional vehicles and vulnerable road users; calls on the commission to place the role of the driver , as well as interaction between the driver and the automated driving systems , in a central place when preparing technical requirements;


### 10. notes that new personal mobility devices also raise a number of serious concerns related not only to the safety of the devices themselves , but also to their safe use in traffic; regrets that only a few member states have introduced legislation on this issue and that the lack of harmonisation in the eu can create confusion and make it difficult for visitors to abide by local rules; calls on the commission to consider a type approval framework for these new mobility devices and to issue guidelines for members states on traffic rules for the use of such devices; ### 10. notes that new personal mobility devices also raise a number of serious concerns related not only to the safety of the devices themselves , but also to their safe use in traffic; regrets that only a few member states have introduced legislation on this issue and that the lack of harmonisation in the eu can create confusion and make it difficult for visitors to abide by local rules; calls on the commission to consider a coherent and appropriate regulatory framework for these new mobility devices and to issue guidelines for members states on traffic rules for the use of such devices;


### 11. notes that according to a commission study , alcohol is estimated to be involved in around 25 % of all road fatalities , while drugs are involved in 15 % of road fatalities5 ; notes that the eu recommendation on permitted blood alcohol content dates from 2001; calls the commission to include a zero-tolerance drink-driving limit in its recommendations , and to introduce an eu recommendation for zero tolerance regarding illicit psychoactive drugs and standards on roadside drug-driving enforcement; calls on the commission to also include in the revised recommendations guidance on the fitting of alcohol interlock devices , with a special focus on repeat offenders , high-level first-time offenders and all professional drivers; ### 11. notes that according to a commission study , alcohol is estimated to be involved in around 25 % of all road fatalities , while drugs are involved in 15 % of road fatalities5; notes that the eu recommendation on permitted blood alcohol content dates from 2001; notes that young people in general have a lower tolerance level for alcohol and drugs compared to older drivers , while they are more likely to have taken multiple drug combinations or alcohol with drugs; calls the commission to propose a directive on a zero tolerance level for all road users regarding alcohol and illicit psychoactive drugs , as well as standards on roadside drug-driving enforcement; calls on the commission to also include in the revised recommendations guidance on the fitting of alcohol interlock devices , with a special focus on repeat offenders , high-level first-time offenders and all professional drivers;


### 12. notes that speeding is a key factor in around 30 % of fatal road crashes and an aggravating factor in most crashes; calls on the commission to come up with a recommendation to apply safe speed limits in line with the safe system approach for all road types , such as maximum speeds of 30km/h in residential areas and areas where there are high numbers of cyclists and pedestrians , or where there could be potential to increase cycling and walking levels , and to assess the feasibility of limiting the maximum top speed of all new vehicles as an effective way of reducing road casualties , as well as air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions; ### 12. notes that speeding is a key factor in around 30 % of fatal road crashes and an aggravating factor in most crashes; calls on the commission to bring forward again a proposal for a directive on speed limits1a , conducting an up-to-date impact assessment envisaging the widespread inclusion of measures in line with the safe system approach for all road types , such as maximum default speeds of 30 km/h in urban areas , as well as encouraging lower speeds of 15 km/h for residential areas predominantly for pedestrians and cyclists and around schools , of maximum 70 km/h on undivided rural roads and a dynamic top speed of maximum 120 km/h or less on motorways and ten-t , with significantly lower speeds when climatic conditions or other atmospheric reasons affect visibility; calls on the commission to come up as well with a new legislative proposal limiting the maximum top speed of all new vehicles as an effective way of reducing road casualties , as well as co2 emissions and air pollutants;


### 14. recalls that the driving licence directive established a harmonised eu licence model and introduced minimum requirements for obtaining licences; notes that the directive will need to be kept up-to-date regarding new technological developments in vehicle and infrastructure technology and vehicle automation; calls on the commission to consider introducing a graduated licencing system that encourages novice drivers to gain more experience while limiting certain high-risk activities such as driving at night and with passengers; notes with concern that cases of irregular issuing of driving licences have been reported in several member states and calls on the commission to monitor this issue; ### 14. recalls that the driving licence directive established a harmonised eu licence model and introduced minimum requirements for obtaining licences; notes that the directive will need to be kept up-to-date regarding new technological developments in vehicle and infrastructure technology and vehicle automation; calls on the commission to consider introducing a graduated licencing system that encourages novice drivers to gain more experience while limiting certain high-risk activities such as driving at night and with passengers; calls furthermore on the commission to consider making theoretical and practical training as well as practical test mandatory for obtaining a driving licence for mopeds; notes with concern that cases of irregular issuing of driving licences have been reported in several member states and calls on the commission to monitor this issue;


### 15. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has led to the expansion of the home delivery sector and specifically the use of vans , powered two-wheelers and bicycles; calls on the commission to consider introducing a requirement for van drivers to undergo professional driver training and proposing a regulation on working hours and rest periods for van drivers; calls on the commission to assess the introduction of a recommendation on the safety of delivery personnel , including requirements for employers and companies to ensure the provision and use of safety equipment and safe vehicles; ### 15. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has led to the expansion of the home delivery sector and specifically the use of vans , powered two-wheelers and bicycles; calls on the commission to consider introducing a requirement for van drivers to undergo professional driver training and proposing a regulation on working hours and rest periods for van drivers; calls on the commission to come up with a recommendation on the safety of delivery personnel , including requirements for employers and companies to ensure the provision and use of safety equipment and safe vehicles;


### 16. highlights the importance of fast and effective post-crash care in significantly reducing the consequences of injury; calls on the member states , in this context , to establish closer collaboration between their road safety authorities and the health sector , to make it mandatory to build emergency lanes and to enforce their correct use to speed up rescue operations; calls on the commission to consider making first aid training compulsory in the future revision of the driving licence directive; ### 16. highlights the importance of effective post-crash response in significantly reducing the consequences of injury through timely and high-quality first-aid , medical care and rehabilitation and mental , social and legal support for victims , survivors and families; calls on the member states , in this context , to establish closer collaboration between their road safety authorities and the health sector , to make it mandatory to build emergency lanes and to enforce their correct use to speedup rescue operations; calls on the commission to consider making first aid training compulsory in the future revision of the driving licence directive; calls on the commission to consider making thorough crash analysis compulsory to identify causes and measures to prevent recurrence;


### 18. highlights that external factors and emerging societal trends present unprecedented challenges to road safety under the eu strategy to 2030 and beyond; notes that the eu should pave the way for connected and automated vehicles to be rolled out in due time and should assess the possible risks of combining such vehicles with traditional vehicles in mixed traffic and vulnerable road users; ### 18. highlights that external factors and emerging societal trends present unprecedented challenges to road safety under the eu strategy to 2030 and beyond; notes that the eu should closely assess the consequences for safety , the environment , and consumer rights with the deployment of connected and automated vehicles and should assess the possible risks of combining such vehicles with traditional vehicles in mixed traffic and vulnerable road users;


### 19. points out that data will play a key role in improving road safety; recalls that in-vehicle data are extremely valuable for traffic management , roadworthiness tests and the investigation of crashes; calls on the commission to set up a framework to access in-vehicle data beyond the repair market in compliance with the general data protection regulation , solely for the purpose of accident research and roadworthiness tests; ### 19. points out that data will play a key role in improving road safety; recalls that in-vehicle data are extremely valuable for traffic management , roadworthiness tests and the crash analysis; calls on the commission to set up a framework to access in-vehicle data beyond the repair market in compliance with the general data protection regulation , solely for the purpose of accident research , prevention of repeated offences regarding speeding behaviour and roadworthiness tests;


### 20. calls on the commission , in view of the upcoming revision of the urban mobility package , to promote synergies between safety and sustainability measures in urban areas; calls , in this regard , for the reprioritisation of transport infrastructure in dense urban areas away from individual motorised transport towards public transport and sustainable , safer and healthier transport modes such as walking and cycling; ### 20. calls on the commission , in view of the upcoming revision of the urban mobility package , to promote synergies between safety and sustainability measures in urban areas; calls , in this regard , for the reprioritisation of transport infrastructure in urban areas away from individual motorised transport towards public transport and sustainable , safer and healthier transport modes such as walking and cycling; notes that demand management and land-use planning can lower traffic volumes; stresses that facilitating walking and cycling should become an integral part of urban mobility and infrastructure design , which should be included within sustainable urban mobility plans (sumps) , where the commission already recommends including road safety as a horizontal objective; calls furthermore on the commission to establish an indicator on the use of eu funds towards effectively improving urban road safety , and particularly ensuring the highest design standards to protect vulnerable road users and foster active mobility , not only for reporting purposes but also in view of making sumps a condition to receive eu funding for urban road infrastructure; finally , calls on the commission to better integrate the eu road safety targets and actions within the guidelines of the sumps by monitoring and promoting of best practise;


### 21. stresses the importance of engaging civil society in achieving vision zero; welcomes the launch of the eu urban road safety award , as part of european mobility week and the revamping of the european road safety charter , the largest civil society platform on road safety; calls on the commission to organise a ‘european year of road safety’ initiative in the coming years , as part of the 2021-2030 eu road safety policy framework; ### 21. stresses the importance of engaging civil society in achieving vision zero; in this regard , stresses the importance of involving children in the preparation of plans and strategies relating to road safety and the use of public spaces; welcomes the launch of the eu urban road safety award , as part of european mobility week and the revamping of the european road safety charter , the largest civil society platform on road safety; calls on the commission to organise a ‘european year of road safety’ initiative in the coming years , as part of the 2021-2030 eu road safety policy framework; advocates furthermore , in the context of 2022 as the european year of greener cities , for the launching , the funding and monitoring of a safer city label , based on the criteria of the highest standards of road safety for all users , lower speed limits and more liveable public spaces , including better air quality and reduced co2 emissions;


### 22. is of the view that in order to properly implement the next steps in the eu road safety policy under the overarching sustainable and smart mobility strategy , some new capacities are needed in the field of road safety , in particular with respect to the coordination , monitoring and evaluation functions and technical support for the overall strategy; calls on the commission in this regard to explore options to further support safe road transport under an existing agency or another body; ### 22. is of the view that in order to properly implement the next steps in the eu road safety policy under the overarching sustainable and smart mobility strategy , some new capacities are needed in the field of road safety , in particular with respect to the coordination , monitoring and evaluation functions and technical support for the overall strategy; calls on the commission in this regard to further support safe road transport by setting up an eu agency for road safety with the responsibility to coordinate and speed up eu’s actions in road safety by for instance collecting and analysing accident data and exposure data for all roads and users , labelling unsafe roads , road equipment and vehicles , identifying unsafe behaviours , encouraging best practice , including by information campaigns across the union and developing new safety standards for vehicles as well as overseeing and coordinating eu’s input to the unece process;


### 3. regrets that the cancelled payment appropriations amounted to almost 5 % (mainly due to the covid-19 crisis) while the implementation rate for current-year appropriations was 89 ,3 %; ### 3. notes that the cancelled payment appropriations amounted to almost 5 % (mainly due to the covid-19 crisis) while the implementation rate for current-year appropriations was 89 ,3 %;


### 6. welcomes that , following a successful start in 2019 , the agency has continued to perform its role of eu authority responsible for issuing authorisations for placing railway vehicles on the market , single safety certificates for railway undertakings and ertms trackside approvals , as stated in the legal framework of the 4th railway package; ### 6. welcomes that , following a successful start in 2019 , the agency has continued to perform its role of eu single authority responsible for issuing authorisations for placing railway vehicles on the market , single safety certificates for railway undertakings and ertms trackside approvals , as stated in the legal framework of the 4th railway package; stresses that this has entailed a considerable increase of workload within the agency , beyond the forecasted level for 2020; points out that a number of the important tasks also mandated to the agency have not been resourced yet , in particular concerning nsa monitoring , nobo monitoring , cleaning up of national rules , registers [evr , rinf2 development] , and the one-stop-shop’s complete development; notes that these account for a workload gap of approximately 18 ftes as estimated by the agency; concludes therefore that the agency urgently needs a considerable increase in funding , well beyond previous estimates based on assessments made before the new duties and related tasks were fully assumed;


### 8. recalls that the agency has the smallest budget among the transport agencies despite the outstanding environmental performance and other benefits of rail transport; stresses in particular that the agency should not be put in a position where it feels compelled to request additional support from the commission , due to inadequate financial means , especially at a time when railways are a policy priority of the european union; calls for an increase of the budget of the agency in order to provide it with the necessary means to enable it to act as an efficient authority and to fulfil its tasks , particularly those with regard to increasing competitiveness , improving safety and cross-border interoperability; ### 8. recalls that the agency has the smallest budget among the transport agencies despite the outstanding environmental performance and other benefits of rail transport contributing to the attainment of the european green deal objectives and the climate law targets; stresses in particular that the agency should not be put in a position where it feels compelled to request additional support from the commission , due to inadequate financial means , especially at a time when railways are a policy priority of the european union , particularly within the sustainable and smart mobility strategy and as demonstrated by the designation of 2021 as the european year of rail; calls for an increase of the budget of the agency in order to provide it with the necessary means to enable it to act as an efficient authority and to fulfil its tasks , particularly those with regard to increasing competitiveness , improving safety , cross-border interoperability and particularly its enhanced role and responsibilities on the timely ertms deployment;


### a. whereas the eu transport sector is essential for the union’s economic , social and environmental development , for its sustainability and for ensuring the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the eu , with particular attention for peripheral , rural , insular and outermost regions and other disadvantaged geographical areas; ### a. whereas the eu transport sector is essential for the union’s economic development and social cohesion , ensuring the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the eu , with particular attention for peripheral , rural , insular and outermost regions and other disadvantaged geographical areas; whereas at the same time it also has environmental and climate impacts and more awareness has been raised on the importance of its sustainability;


### b. whereas transport will be key to achieving climate neutrality by 2050; whereas sufficient investment is needed to advance towards the digital and green transition in the sector and to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility in line with the goals of the green deal; ### b. whereas transport will be key to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 , including meeting all the intermediate emissions reduction targets as set by the european climate law , starting with 60% in 2030; whereas sufficient targeted investment is needed to advance towards the digital and green transition in the sector and to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility in line with the goals of the green deal;


### c. whereas tourism is an essential sector for the eu economy , and its fourth largest export industry , and plays an important role for the eu economy , competitiveness , employment and the promotion of social well-being; ### c. whereas tourism is an essential sector for the eu economy , and its fourth largest export industry , and plays an important role for the eu economy , competitiveness , employment and the promotion of social well-being; whereas if not properly addressed it can also be an important source of emissions and environmental degradation; whereas it is still very much based on a seasonal , and unfortunately often precarious , job market;


### — having regard to the interinstitutional agreement of 16 december 2020 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , as well as on new own resources , including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources5 , ### — having regard to the interinstitutional agreement of 16 december 2020 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , including the climate , biodiversity and gender-related provisions , as well as on new own resources , including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources5 ,


### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining the european economy , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities; ### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to transforming the european economy via accelerating the european green deal and the digital transition in a socially just way , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial , gender and generational disparities and inequalities in line with the paris climate agreement and the european green deal objectives and biodiversity goals;


### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining the european economy , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities; ### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook expectation that none of the member states is to return in 2022 to the growth path projected before the crisis1a , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to boosting european economy , leveraging sustainable investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities;


### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining the european economy , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities; ### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining the european economy , leveraging sustainable investments and supporting job creation and lifelong learning throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , digital territorial and generational disparities;


### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining the european economy , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities; ### 1. believes that , given the particular uncertainty about the economic outlook , which is not expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level in 2022 , and the imperative need for a quick , united and inclusive recovery from the economic and social damage caused by the covid-19 pandemic , the 2022 union budget should play an even more pivotal role in ensuring a positive and tangible impact on citizens’ lives and contributing to sustaining a resilient european economy , leveraging investments and supporting job creation throughout the union , as well as facilitating the reduction of economic , social , territorial and generational disparities;


### 1. stresses that 2022 will be a year of social and economic recovery for europe; emphasises that europe’s recovery will need to foster europe’s twin-transition; believes therefore that funding for digital and energy related investments play a key role in the recovery; ### 1. stresses that 2022 should be the year for boosting a quick recovery for a socially , ecologically and economically resilient europe; emphasises that europe’s recovery will need to foster europe’s transition towards climate neutrality at the latest by 2040 and the achievement of the revised 2030 union’s energy and climate targets; in this regards , believes that funding and investments in the policy areas falling under itre competence(digital , energy , industry , research and innovation) will playa key role;


### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment , foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union; ### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment particularly among women and young people , fight against inequalities , foster the digital and green transitions , increase the resilience and preparedness of the european health systems , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens while protecting the financial interests of the union and ensuring the respect for fundamental rights and respect of the rule of law; considers that these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union;


### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment , foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union; ### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process in particular , the social and economic consequences of the pandemic , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle climate change , reduce unemployment , foster the european green deal and the digital transition , support the decarbonisation of the economy until 2050 at the latest , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe , healthy and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union;


### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment , foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union; ### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment , foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure safe and healthy environment and wellbeing of eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union in line with the european green deal and paris agreement;


### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost investments and tackle unemployment , foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union; ### 2. intends , therefore , to set up a forward-looking budget that will be instrumental in the recovery process , and will enable the union to boost sustainable investments and tackle unemployment , inequalities and impoverishment and foster the digital and green transitions , improve the life prospects of the young generation and address demographic challenges , and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for eu citizens; considers these priorities to be essential in order to uphold the recovery and build up the foundations for a more resilient union;


### 2. welcomes the additional €4bn (in 2018 prices) for horizon europe from competition fines , margins and decommitments , as agreed in the compromise on the mff , as well as the additional €5bn (in 2018 prices) from the next generation eu (ngeu); stresses that these additional commitments stemming from competition fines , margins and decommitments should be used to maintain the principle of budgetary continuity by stabilising variation in annual commitments , especially with regards to the increase of commitments from ngeu in the first years; considers it essential for the itre committee to be closely involved in the annual decisions on the structure of the horizon europe budget in order to ensure an optimal impact for europe’s researchers; ### 2. welcomes the additional€4bn (in 2018 prices) for horizon europe from competition fines , margins and decommitments , as agreed in the compromise on the mff , as well as the additional €5bn (in 2018 prices) from the next generation eu (ngeu); reminds that these additional commitments should be spent in accordance with the outcome of the final trilogue on horizon europe reached on 10th of december 2020 , and endorsed by itre 17th december 2020 including the joint statement of the three eu institutions on the re-use of decommitted funds in horizon europe; considers it essential for the itre committee to be closely involved in the annual decisions on the structure of the horizon europe budget in order to ensure an optimal impact on the eu’s ability to tackle pressing societal challenges such as climate change , the realisation climate neutral economy and the sustainable development goals , to secure eu's strategic leadership , and guarantee the spending of the budget to the benefit of its citizens and society and ultimately for europe's researchers;


### 3. recalls that smes remain the backbone of the european economy and continue to play a vital role in job and growth creation; underlines the importance of an adequately funded single market programme to boost competitiveness of small business with the development of digital and entrepreneurial skills; underscores , furthermore , the potential of the investeu programme in leveraging sustainable , innovative and social investments , but also in providing capital support to small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) negatively affected by the crisis; ### 3. recalls that smes remain the backbone of the european economy and continue to play a vital role in job and growth creation as well as in the uptake of r&d&i results; stresses however the need to shift the focus towards more resilient and more sustainable smes; underlines the importance of an adequately funded horizon europe , beyond the already agreed figures and with a particular focus on the climate , biodiversity and digital-related component , single market programme to boost competitiveness of small business with the development of digital and entrepreneurial skills; underscores , furthermore , the potential of the investeu programme in leveraging sustainable , innovative and social investments , but also in providing capital support to small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) negatively affected by the crisis;


### 3. recalls that smes remain the backbone of the european economy and continue to play a vital role in job and growth creation; underlines the importance of an adequately funded single market programme to boost competitiveness of small business with the development of digital and entrepreneurial skills; underscores , furthermore , the potential of the investeu programme in leveraging sustainable , innovative and social investments , but also in providing capital support to small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) negatively affected by the crisis; ### 3. recalls that smes , including start-ups , remain the backbone of the european economy and continue to play a vital role in job and growth creation; underlines the importance of an adequately funded single market programme to boost competitiveness of small business with the development of digital and entrepreneurial skills and simplification of administrative burdens; underscores , furthermore , the potential of the investeu programme in leveraging sustainable , innovative and social investments , but also in providing capital support to small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) negatively affected by the crisis;


### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges; ### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges , underlines the importance of fostering collaboration between the academia and industry; considers that unused research resources , in particular those from the previous mff , should be re-invested in their entirety and calls on the commission make full use of article 15(3) of the financial regulation in 2022;


### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges; ### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges; reminds that horizon europe is a flagship programme of the european union and therefore needs to be strengthened in the upcoming year; underlines that the covid19 pandemic has shown the importance of european research on pharmaceutical products and vaccines.


### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges; ### 4. emphasises the continued need to massively boost investments in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the european green deal and the digital transition and to complete the decarbonisation of the economy until 2050 at the latest; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes and startups with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges;


### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes with adequate support in research and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges; ### 4. emphasises the continued need to invest in research , development and innovation , in particular for the eu to be a driving force in the green and digital transitions; underlines , in that respect , the particular merits of horizon europe , and considers essential to provide smes , including start-ups , with adequate support in research , development and innovation so that they can actively take part in these immense challenges;


### 4. underlines the importance to ensure sufficient funding to contribute to the twin transition towards climate-neutrality by 2050 and in order to shape europe’s digital decade; notes in this regards the key role of funds for horizon europe , connecting europe facility (cef) , in particular cef- energy and cef digital , the space programme , the digital europe programme as well as the just transition fund which should be combined with ngeu funding where possible; ### 4. stresses , that the digital , social and ecologic transition go hand in hand and have to be considered in a coherent approach in order to reach the maximum impact in the fight against climate change and the way towards a more sustainable economy and society; underlines the importance to ensure sufficient funding to contribute to the ecological and sustainably digital transitions towards climate-neutrality by 2040 and in order to shape europe’s digital decade; notes in this regards the key role of funds for horizon europe , connecting europe facility (cef) , in particular cef- energy and cef digital , the space programme , the digital europe programme as well as the just transition fund which should be combined with ngeu funding where possible;


### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones of the recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union; ### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones of the recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union; points to the important role of the just transition fund in supporting regions in their transition to a low-carbon economy while limiting the socio-economic consequences for the most vulnerable;


### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones of the recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union; ### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones sustainable and inclusive recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union;


### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones of the recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union; ### 5. strongly supports regional policy as the prime investment instrument of the eu budget that enables economic , social and territorial cohesion , and one of the cornerstones of the recovery; highlights its role in reaching eu strategic objectives such as employment , green and circular economy and innovation , and as a driving force of a more inclusive and sustainable union;