### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making and emphasises that the privileged position of csos in contact with citizens , and their expertise , confers on them a key role in civil dialogue; ### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making and emphasises that the privileged position of csos in contact with citizens , including marginalized or vulnerable groups , and their expertise , confers on them a key role in civil dialogue;


### 22. regrets that civil dialogue often remains an ad hoc process; calls on the member states to develop coherent policy frameworks that ensure structured , predictable and long-term processes , inclusive participation and systematic review; calls on the commission to provide recommendations based on the analysis of existing practices; ### 22. regrets that civil dialogue often remains an ad hoc process; calls on the member states to develop coherent policy frameworks that ensure structured , predictable and long-term processes , inclusive participation and systematic review systematic review , and to allocate appropriate means including for training relevant officials; calls on the commission to provide recommendations based on the analysis of existing practices;


### 23. welcomes the attribution to a commission vice-president of the responsibility to maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society; stresses that civil dialogue should be further operationalised; ### 23. welcomes the attribution to a commission vice-president of the responsibility to maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society; stresses that civil dialogue should be further operationalised; invites in particular the european commission to set up within each directorate general specific focal points for civil society to be in close contact with the vice-president and the coordination of the secretariat general; invites the european commission to set up a participatory status with civil society; considers it key that a wide variety of csos is given a prominent role via a transparent selection process in expert groups and advisory forums assisting the commission and that emphasis is put on csos speaking for vulnerable and underrepresented groups;


### 24. calls on the commission to leverage the definition of national programmes implementing eu funds and the implementation by member states of eu strategies and action plans to require member states to put in place effective civil dialogue mechanisms; ### 24. calls on the commission to leverage the definition of national programmes implementing eu funds and the implementation by member states of eu strategies and action plans to require member states to put in place effective cso participation and civil dialogue mechanisms;


### 1. takes note of the ecj ruling of 16 july 2020 , in which the court upheld the validity of decision 2010/87 on standard contractual clauses (sccs) deeming them an effective mechanism to ensure compliance with the level of protection provided in eu law; notes further that the court invalidated the commission decision 2016/1250 on the adequacy of the protection provided by the eu-us privacy shield; ### 1. takes note of the ecj ruling of 16 july 2020 , in which the court upheld the validity of decision 2010/87 on standard contractual clauses (sccs) deeming them an effective mechanism to ensure compliance with the level of protection provided in eu law , while requiring an assessment of the level of protection afforded for data transferred to a third country and of the relevant aspects of the legal system of that third country as regards any access by the public authorities to the personal data transferred; notes further that the court invalidated the commission decision 2016/1250 on the adequacy of the protection provided by the eu-us privacy shield;


### 3. notes that on 12 december 2019 , with the application of regulation (eu) 2018/1727 as its new legal basis , the agency officially became the european agency for criminal justice cooperation (eurojust) , and that throughout 2019 , the agency ensured that all major impact changes brought by the new legal framework were implemented in a timely manner; ### 3. notes that on 12 december 2019 , with the application of regulation (eu) 2018/1727 as its new legal basis , the agency officially became the european agency for criminal justice cooperation (eurojust); notes with appreciation that throughout 2019 , the agency ensured that all major impact changes brought by the new legal framework were implemented in a timely manner;


### 5. recalls that the agency’s casework has increased significantly over the years , not only in numbers , but also in complexity , and this increase is expected to continue in the coming years; stresses the essential role that the agency plays in the union security chain and that its budget should match its tasks and priorities in order to enable it to fulfil its mandate; notes that the first commission proposal of the 2020 budget indicates a significant shortfall compared to the agency’s projected needs; supports the agency’s advocacy to be provided with the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in the security chain; ### 5. highlights that during 2019 , assistance from the agency was required in 7 804 cross-border criminal investigations , an increase of 17% compared to 2018 , with 3 892 of those investigations being new cases opened in 2019 , an increase of 9% compared to 2018; recalls that the agency’s casework has increased significantly over the years , not only in numbers , but also in complexity , and this increase is expected to continue in the coming years; stresses the essential role that the agency plays in the union security chain and that its budget should match its tasks and priorities in order to enable it to fulfil its mandate; notes that the first commission proposal of the 2020 budget indicates a significant shortfall compared to the agency’s projected needs; supports the agency’s advocacy to be provided with the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in the security chain;


### 6. notes that the agency continues to develop strong operational cooperation with the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (europol) and with other justice and home affairs partners as well as with third countries; notes that the agency also cooperated with the european anti-fraud office and european union intellectual property office with regards to ongoing cases; notes that the agency also participated in joint procurement procedures with europol and the european medicines agency; ### 6. notes that the agency continues to develop strong operational cooperation with the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation (europol) and with other justice and home affairs partners as well as with third countries; notes that the agency also cooperated with the european anti-fraud office and european union intellectual property office with regards to ongoing cases; notes that the agency also participated in joint procurement procedures with europol and the european medicines agency; welcomes the fact that the agency started the preparatory work for implementing the relationship with the newly created the eppo , in anticipation of the eppo's operationalization;


### 8. notes that , in the course of 2019 , 12 staff members approached a confidential counsellor for advice resulting in the initiation of two informal procedures; notes that two alleged harassment cases without prior involvement of the confidential counsellors were reported in 2019 and that an inquiry will be concluded in 2020; ### 8. notes that , in the course of 2019 , 12 staff members approached a confidential counsellor for advice resulting in the initiation of two informal procedures; notes that two alleged harassment cases without prior involvement of the confidential counsellors were reported in 2019 and that an inquiry will be concluded in 2020; calls on the agency to report back to the discharge authority on the conclusions of those procedures by june 2021;


### 9. notes with regard to the follow-up of the court’s findings for the previous year , that the agency signed an it framework contract with a company that provided the same service under a previous framework contract , without prior publication of a contract notice during the negotiated procurement procedure; notes that all payments made under that framework contract and all related specific contracts are irregular and that a simplified procedure is only acceptable under specific circumstances which were not substantiated by the agency; notes that the agency acknowledged that the supporting documentation for the contract did not adequately substantiate the use of this procedure and that it is committed to ensure that any such future procedures would be more robustly justified; ### 9. notes with regard to the follow-up of the court’s findings for the previous year , that the agency signed an it framework contract with a company that provided the same service under a previous framework contract , without prior publication of a contract notice during the negotiated procurement procedure; notes that all payments made under that framework contract and all related specific contracts are irregular and that a simplified procedure is only acceptable under specific circumstances which were not substantiated by the agency; acknowledges from the agency's previous reply that the negotiated procedure was done on the basis of article 134 (f) of the rules of application of the commission delegated regulation (eu) 2015/2462 , which allow that procedure to be used where a change of supplier would result in incompatibility or disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance and hence the solution was considered the most cost-effective; notes however , that the agency acknowledged that the supporting documentation for the contract did not adequately substantiate the use of this procedure and that it is committed to ensure that any such future procedures would be more robustly justified; calls on the agency to ensure full compliance with public procurement rules and complete the outstanding court's observation;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2019 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency for the financial year 2019; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency for the financial year 2019;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019 / postpones the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019; ### 1. postpones the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019;


### 1. grants/refuses to grant the executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2019; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european border and coast guard agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2019;


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019 / points out that a proposal to close the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019 must be submitted at a subsequent part-session; ### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019;


### 2. notes from the court’s report that in 2019 the agency had financing agreements with cooperating countries for operational activities , representing 55 % of the agency’s budget; notes that the agency has taken steps to improve the ex ante verifications and has re-introduced ex post verifications on reimbursements in 2019; highlights the court’s emphasis that the reimbursement of equipment-related expenditure is still based on actual costs and that the project to move to unit-cost based reimbursements is still not completed; further notes from the court’s report that cooperating countries had not always presented cost claims supported by invoices , or by other evidence , duly substantiating the actual costs incurred in operations and that there were delays for providing supporting documents; at the same time , the court’s report stresses that the duty to submit accurate and timely supporting evidence together with the cost claims lies with the cooperating countries; notes from the agency’s reply that during ex post control the agency ascertained the questioned expenditure with bank statements and the beneficiary was notified that pro-forma invoices would no longer be accepted as supporting documents even if such invoices respected the applicable national regulatory framework; furthermore , delays in providing supporting documents were associated with the implementation of a simplified grant scheme for the deployment of officers , and the final payment procedure in 2019 was therefore much extended in order to ensure sound financial management; ### 2. notes from the court’s report that in 2019 the agency had financing agreements with cooperating countries for operational activities , representing 55 % of the agency’s budget; notes that the agency has taken steps to improve the ex ante verifications and has re-introduced ex post verifications on reimbursements in 2019; expresses concern over the court’s emphasis that the reimbursement of equipment-related expenditure is still based on actual costs and deeply deplores the fact that the project to move to unit-cost based reimbursements is still not completed; highlights that the procedure has not been completed in spite of this being a recurrent situation that had been addressed in the previous discharge procedure; notes with great concern from the court’s report that cooperating countries had not always presented cost claims supported by invoices , or by other evidence , duly substantiating the actual costs incurred in operations and that there were delays for providing supporting documents; at the same time , the court’s report stresses that the duty to submit accurate and timely supporting evidence together with the cost claims lies with the cooperating countries; notes from the agency’s reply that during ex post control the agency ascertained the questioned expenditure with bank statements and the beneficiary was notified that pro-forma invoices would no longer be accepted as supporting documents even if such invoices respected the applicable national regulatory framework; furthermore , delays in providing supporting documents were associated with the implementation of a simplified grant scheme for the deployment of officers , and the final payment procedure in 2019 was therefore much extended in order to ensure sound financial management; is deeply unsatisfied with the lack of commitment to addressing this situation from the side of the agency's leadership; calls on the agency to cease all remaining reimbursements for any cost claims not supported by invoices; urges the agency to finalise the move to unit-cost based reimbursements immediately and to fully apply all principles of sound financial management;


### 3. notes from the court’s report that the agency modified the contractual arrangements of reconstruction works carried out on the agency’s premises at a late stage of the project and introduced the possibility of a pre-financing for works still to be completed , although initially payments were to be made only when works were accepted , and as a result a key element of control was forfeited and the consumption of funds did not reflect the real progress of the works; notes from the agency’s reply that the pre-financing was a solution that enabled the reconstruction of the building to continue and that the agency's key control remained since the pre-financing was paid to the landlord , who could not make a payment to the contractor before a portion of completed works had been accepted by the agency and any unused funds were returned to the agency by the landlord , all of which was guaranteed by contractual safeguards; ### 3. notes from the court’s report that the agency modified the contractual arrangements of reconstruction works carried out on the agency’s premises at a late stage of the project and introduced the possibility of a pre-financing for works still to be completed , although initially payments were to be made only when works were accepted , notes with great concern that as a result a key element of control was forfeited and the consumption of funds did not reflect the real progress of the works; notes from the agency’s reply that the pre-financing was a solution that enabled the reconstruction of the building to continue and that the agency's key control remained since the pre-financing was paid to the landlord , who could not make a payment to the contractor before a portion of completed works had been accepted by the agency and any unused funds were returned to the agency by the landlord , all of which was guaranteed by contractual safeguards; calls on the agency to review its mechanisms concerning such payments and ensure compliance with the principles of sound financial management;


### 3. recalls that on 28 april 2021 parliament decided to postpone the decision on the 2019 discharge of the european border and coastguard agency (the ‘agency’); ### 3. recalls that on 28 april 2021 parliament decided to postpone the decision on the 2019 discharge of the european border and coastguard agency (the ‘agency’); calls on the agency to regularly report to the discharge authority on the actions taken towards and the timeline of the implementation of recommendations made in the postponement decision resolution; calls on the agency to present this roadmap on a quarterly basis , at the request of the discharge authority;


### 4. recalls the finding of the court of auditors (the ‘court’) regarding financing agreements that reimbursements were still based on actual costs instead of on unit costs , and the associated issues identified with supporting evidence; recalls that this issue was also identified in the discharge for 2018; notes from the agency’s follow-up report that the agency has piloted the unit cost approach for heavy equipment and an analysis was made on the use of unit costs for the deployment of human resources and light technical equipment; notes that the pilot projects for heavy equipment revealed that the unit cost approach would increase the total costs , as the financial consequences of unpredictable events such as weather conditions , repairs and days needed for transfer of the asset , that are now reimbursable on the basis of presented evidence , would need to be factored into the unit cost; calls on the court the examine the unit cost approach piloted by the agency and inform the discharge authority if this approach is indeed not suited for heavy equipment; ### 4. recalls the finding of the court of auditors (the ‘court’) regarding financing agreements that reimbursements were still based on actual costs instead of on unit costs , and the associated issues identified with supporting evidence; recalls that this issue was also identified in the discharge for 2018; welcomes from the agency’s follow-up report that the agency has piloted the unit cost approach for heavy equipment and an analysis was made on the use of unit costs for the deployment of human resources and light technical equipment; notes that the pilot projects for heavy equipment revealed that the unit cost approach would increase the total costs , as the financial consequences of unpredictable events such as weather conditions , repairs and days needed for transfer of the asset , that are now reimbursable on the basis of presented evidence , would need to be factored into the unit cost; calls on the court the examine the unit cost approach piloted by the agency and to regularly inform the discharge authority about the results obtained;


### 5. notes that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 of the european parliament and of the council2 was adopted on 13 november 2019 and entered into force on 4 december 2019 , with extended mandate and resources including the creation of the standing corps with executive powers; ### 5. notes that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 of the european parliament and of the council2 was adopted on 13 november 2019 and entered into force on 4 december 2019 , with extended mandate and resources including the creation of the standing corps with executive powers; believes that this empowerment of the agency is essential to perform its role of promoting , coordinating and developing european integrated border management while fully respecting fundamental rights; underlines that the strengthening of the agency's mandate and responsibilities needs to be accompanied by a corresponding increase in accountability and transparency and be conditional upon the agency’s commitment to union law;


### 5. notes that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 of the european parliament and of the council2 was adopted on 13 november 2019 and entered into force on 4 december 2019 , with extended mandate and resources including the creation of the standing corps with executive powers; ### 5. notes that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 of the european parliament and of the council2 was adopted on 13 november 2019 and entered into force on 4 december 2019 , with extended mandate and resources including the creation of the standing corps with executive powers , as well as , among others , extending the competences of the fundamental rights officer;


### 5. reiterates its call on the agency to review its mechanisms concerning the construction payments and to ensure compliance with the principles of sound financial management; ### 5. reiterates its call on the agency to review its mechanisms concerning the construction payments and to ensure compliance with the principles of sound financial management; welcomes , from the agency's reply , that a prevention mechanism of such payments has been implemented throughout the financial circuit; welcomes that financial verifiers have been instructed to reject such pre-financing payments and advised the authorising officers to reject them as well;


### 8. notes with regard to the court’s findings of the previous year that , although the agency moved to its current premises in 2014 , the agency still has no comprehensive business continuity plan approved by the management board; notes from the agency’s reply that an ad interim business continuity policy and business continuity plan is being developed and that the adoption of the business continuity plan is envisaged in 2020; ### 8. expresses great concern over the court’s findings of the previous year that , although the agency moved to its current premises in 2014 , the agency still has no comprehensive business continuity plan approved by the management board; notes from the agency’s reply that an ad interim business continuity policy and business continuity plan is being developed and that the adoption of the business continuity plan is envisaged in 2020; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority with regard to the adoption and implementation stages of the business continuity plan;


### 10. notes that the commission and the agency accepted or partially accepted , all recommendations of the court and calls on the budgetary authority to look into the possibility to put a part of the agency’s future budget appropriations in a reserve that can be made available when milestones in the implementation of the court’s recommendations are met; ### 10. notes that the commission and the agency accepted or partially accepted , all recommendations of the court and calls on the budgetary authority to look into the possibility to put a part of the agency’s future budget appropriations in a reserve that can be made available when milestones in the implementation of the court’s recommendations are met; calls on the agency to comprehensively and timely address and implement the court's recommendations and report to the discharge authority about the progress in the implementation of these recommendations;


### 11. notes that 2019 was the fourth year of the five-year growth plan following the adoption of regulation (eu) 2016/1624 of the european parliament and of the council3 that significantly increased the agency’s budget and staff; notes that the agency started shifting to a paperless , cloud-based e-recruitment system which is expected to be operational in the summer of 2020; notes furthermore that the agency faces challenges in attracting suitable external candidates and achieving a sound geographical balance mainly due to the low correction coefficient; stresses that agencies located in countries where a low correction coefficient is applied should receive further support from the commission in implementing complementary measures in order to make them more attractive to current and prospective staff; calls on the commission to assess the impact and viability of applying salary correction coefficients in the future; ### 11. notes that 2019 was the fourth year of the five-year growth plan following the adoption of regulation (eu) 2016/1624 of the european parliament and of the council3 that significantly increased the agency’s budget and staff; notes that the agency started shifting to a paperless , cloud-based e-recruitment system which was expected to be operational in the summer of 2020; notes furthermore that the agency faces challenges in attracting suitable external candidates and achieving a sound geographical balance mainly due to the low correction coefficient; underlines that the correction coefficients vary significantly from one member state to another , having a serious impact on the ability of agencies located in member states with lower correction coefficients to recruit and retain staff and expertise; stresses that agencies located in countries where a low correction coefficient is applied should receive further support from the commission in implementing complementary measures in order to make them more attractive to current and prospective staff; calls on the commission to assess the impact and viability of applying salary correction coefficients based on a regional rather than national assessment; highlights that usually the headquarters of agencies located in member states with lower correction coefficients are in capital cities where living and subsistence costs are significantly higher than in other parts of the countries;


### prevention and management of conflicts of interest and transparency ### prevention and management of conflicts of interest , ethics and transparency;


### 13. acknowledges the agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency , prevention and management of conflicts of interest , and whistleblower protection; notes that the whistleblowing policy was adopted on 18 july 2019 and entered into force on 1 august 2019; notes that not all management board member cvs and declarations of interest are published on the agency’s website; calls on the agency , with the aim of increasing transparency , to publish the cvs and declarations of interest for all members of its management board , the executive director , and the deputy executive director; ### 13. acknowledges the agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency , prevention and management of conflicts of interest , and whistleblower protection; notes that the whistleblowing policy was adopted on 18 july 2019 and entered into force on 1 august 2019; regrets that not all management board member cvs and declarations of interest are published on the agency’s website; urges the agency , with the aim of increasing transparency , to publish the cvs and declarations of interest for all members of its management board , the executive director , and the deputy executive director;


### 13. recalls the establishment of the frontex scrutiny working group by parliament’s committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs; notes that the frontex scrutiny working group published its report on the fact-finding investigation on frontex concerning alleged fundamental rights violations on 14 july 2021; notes that the frontex scrutiny working group found no proof of the agency’s involvement in alleged illegal pushbacks; ### 13. recalls the establishment of the frontex scrutiny working group by parliament’s committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs; notes that the frontex scrutiny working group published its report on the fact-finding investigation on frontex concerning alleged fundamental rights violations on 14 july 2021; notes that the frontex scrutiny working group found no proof of the agency’s involvement in alleged illegal pushbacks; notes however that the fswg concluded that the agency had been aware of cases of fundamental rights violations , but failed to address and investigate these violations promptly , vigilantly and effectively;


### 17. notes regarding follow-up from the court’s findings of the previous year that the agency does not have a “sensitive post” policy that would identify sensitive functions , keep them updated and define appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of vested interests; acknowledges from the agency's reply that a draft policy was finalised in 2019 but in view of a possible reassessment was suspended and will be considered for adoption in the third quarter of 2020; calls on the agency to adopt and implement the policy as soon as possible in order to comply with the agency’s internal control standards; ### 17. deplores the fact that regarding follow-up from the court’s findings of the previous year that the agency does not have a “sensitive post” policy that would identify sensitive functions , keep them updated and define appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of vested interests; acknowledges from the agency's reply that a draft policy was finalised in 2019 but in view of a possible reassessment was suspended and was to be considered for adoption in the third quarter of 2020; urges the agency to adopt and implement the policy as soon as possible in order to comply with the agency’s internal control standards; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority of the progress made in that field by june 2021;


### 6. notes the court’s special report 08/2021 entitled ‘frontex’s support to external border management: not sufficiently effective to date’; notes the court’s conclusion that the agency’s support to member states and schengen associated countries in fighting against illegal immigration and cross-border crime is not sufficiently effective and that the agency has not fully implemented its mandate under regulation (eu) 2016/16243 ; notes further that the court highlighted risks related to the agency’s mandate under regulation (eu) 2019/18964 ; ### 6. notes with concern the court’s special report 08/2021 entitled ‘frontex’s support to external border management: not sufficiently effective to date’; is concerned about the court’s conclusion that the agency’s support to member states and schengen associated countries in fighting against illegal immigration and cross-border crime is not sufficiently effective and that the agency has not fully implemented its mandate under regulation (eu) 2016/16243 ; notes further that the court highlighted risks related to the agency’s mandate under regulation (eu) 2019/18964 ;


### 7. notes the court’s conclusion that although a functional information exchange framework is in place to support the fight against illegal immigration , it did not function well enough to provide accurate , complete and up-to-date situational awareness of the union’s external borders; notes that the agency dispatches timely and relevant migration information about the situation at the external borders and provides information about specific events; notes , however , some drawbacks as far as external border control is concerned , such as the lack of information , technical standards for border control equipment , a common catalogue for cross-border crime reporting , and near-real-time information about the situation at the union’s air borders , and delays in updating the common integrated risk analysis model; ### 7. notes with concern the court’s conclusion that although a functional information exchange framework is in place to support the fight against illegal immigration , it did not function well enough to provide accurate , complete and up-to-date situational awareness of the union’s external borders; notes that the agency dispatches timely and relevant migration information about the situation at the external borders and provides information about specific events; notes , however , some drawbacks as far as external border control is concerned , such as the lack of information , technical standards for border control equipment , a common catalogue for cross-border crime reporting , and near-real-time information about the situation at the union’s air borders , and delays in updating the common integrated risk analysis model;


### 12. recalls the concerns of parliament on the meetings conducted in 2018 and 2019 by the agency with representatives of industries relevant for the agency’s work , with a majority of representatives not listed in the union transparency register; points to article 118 of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 that requires the agency to ensure transparency as regards lobbying by means of a transparency register and by disclosing all meetings with third-party stakeholders; notes the decision of the agency’s executive director on the transparency register of the agency of 5 may 2021; ### 12. recalls the concerns of parliament on the meetings conducted in 2018 and 2019 by the agency with representatives of industries relevant for the agency’s work , with a majority of representatives not listed in the union transparency register; points to article 118 of regulation (eu) 2019/1896 that requires the agency to ensure transparency as regards lobbying by means of a transparency register and by disclosing all meetings with third-party stakeholders; welcomes the decision of the agency’s executive director on the transparency register of the agency of 5 may 2021; calls on the agency to regularly report to the discharge authority about the implementation and use of this tool;


### 14. notes that the agency’s fundamental rights officer took office on 1 june 2021; notes the statements of the agency’s executive director that the recruitment of a first batch of 20 fundamental rights monitors is completed , with the fundamental rights monitors starting their training from 1 june 2021 , and that the appointment of a second batch of 20 fundamental rights monitors is ongoing; further notes the statement that of those 20 fundamental right monitors , five have been appointed at ad level and fifteen at ast level; reiterates that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 provides for the recruitment of at least 40 fundamental rights monitors and insists that the agency swiftly appoints the remaining 20 fundamental rights monitors; notes the agency’s statement that those remaining 20 fundamental rights monitors will be recruited from an established ad 7 reserve list , once additional ad7 posts have been allocated to the agency; ### 14. notes that the agency’s fundamental rights officer took office on 1 june 2021; regrets the prolonged delay that has affected this procedure; welcomes the statements of the agency’s executive director that the recruitment of a first batch of 20 fundamental rights monitors is completed , with the fundamental rights monitors starting their training from 1 june 2021 , and that the appointment of a second batch of 20 fundamental rights monitors is ongoing; further notes the statement that of those 20 fundamental right monitors , five have been appointed at ad level and fifteen at ast level; reiterates that regulation (eu) 2019/1896 provides for the recruitment of at least 40 fundamental rights monitors and insists that the agency swiftly appoints the remaining 20 fundamental rights monitors; notes the agency’s statement that those remaining 20 fundamental rights monitors will be recruited from an established ad 7 reserve list , once additional ad7 posts have been allocated to the agency; calls on the agency to take all necessary measures to ensure that all fundamental rights monitors are timely recruited , at the required ad level;


### 15. refers , for other observations of a cross-cutting nature accompanying its decision on discharge , to its resolution of 29 april 20216 on the performance , financial management and control of the agencies. ### 15. refers , for other observations of a cross-cutting nature accompanying its decision on discharge , to its resolution of 29 april 20216 on the performance , financial management and control of the agencies; calls on the agency to periodically to present and report to the discharge authority the state of implementation of a roadmap addressing the issues identified in the decision of 28 april 2021 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european border and coast guard agency for the financial year 2019;


### 1. takes note of the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; reiterates once again its view that the text of the regulation is clear and does not require any additional interpretation in order to be applied; ### 1. takes note of the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; reiterates once again its view that the text of the regulation is clear and does not require any additional interpretation in order to be applied; further stresses that the legislators have not conferred implementing or executive powers to the commission to precise the application of the regulation;


### 1. takes note of the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; reiterates once again its view that the text of the regulation is clear and does not require any additional interpretation in order to be applied; ### 1. regrets the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; reiterates once again its view that the text of the regulation is clear and does not require any additional interpretation in order to be applied;


### b. whereas the commission declared that it would develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; ### b. whereas the commission decided to abide by the non-binding european council conclusions of december 2020 and declared that it would develop guidelines for the application of the regulation;


### 2. highlights that guidelines are not legally binding; notes that the commission is deviating from its usual practice of drafting guidelines for the application of a legal act only in cases where the actual implementation of the act over a certain period of time shows the need for guidance; ### 2. highlights that guidelines are not legally binding and by no means could delay the application of the regulation already in force; notes that the commission is deviating from its usual practice of drafting guidelines for the application of a legal act only in cases where the actual implementation of the act over a certain period of time shows the need for guidance;


### 2. highlights that guidelines are not legally binding; notes that the commission is deviating from its usual practice of drafting guidelines for the application of a legal act only in cases where the actual implementation of the act over a certain period of time shows the need for guidance; ### 2. highlights that guidelines are not legally binding; deplores that the commission is deviating from its usual practice of drafting guidelines for the application of a legal act only in cases where the actual implementation of the act over a certain period of time shows the need for guidance;


### 4. urges the commission to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation and to investigate swiftly and thoroughly any potential breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the member states that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; reiterates that the situation in some member states already warrants immediate investigation under the regulation; ### 4. stresses that measures under the regulation are necessary in particular in cases where other procedures set out in union legislation would not allow the union budget to be protected more efficiently; therefore urges the commission to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation and to investigate swiftly and thoroughly any potential breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the member states that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; reiterates that the situation in some member states already warrants immediate investigation under the regulation , in particular member states already under the procedure of article 7 teu;


### 4. urges the commission to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation and to investigate swiftly and thoroughly any potential breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the member states that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; reiterates that the situation in some member states already warrants immediate investigation under the regulation; ### 4. deplores the time wasted by the commission since the entry into force of the regulation; urges the commission to act without any further delay in the application of the regulation and to investigate swiftly and thoroughly any potential breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the member states that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; reiterates that the situation in some member states already warrants immediate investigation under the regulation;


### 5. asks the commission to report to parliament on a quarterly or semi-annual basis regarding new and ongoing cases under investigation , starting as soon as possible with the first cases; ### 5. requests the commission to report to parliament on a quarterly or semi-annual basis regarding new and ongoing cases under investigation , starting as soon as possible with the first cases;


### 7. draws particular attention to the list of indicative breaches of the principles of the rule of law laid down in article 3 of the regulation; calls on the commission to investigate potential occurrences of the breaches included in that list in the member states , while pointing out that other practices or omissions by public authorities may also be relevant; ### 7. draws particular attention to the list of indicative breaches of the principles of the rule of law laid down in article 3 of the regulation; urges the commission to investigate potential occurrences of the breaches included in that list in the member states , while pointing out that other practices or omissions by public authorities may also be relevant;


### 8. recalls that identification of breaches of the principles of the rule of law requires objective , impartial , fair and thorough qualitative assessment by the commission , taking into account relevant information from available sources and recognised institutions; ### 8. recalls that identification of breaches of the principles of the rule of law requires objective , impartial , fair and thorough qualitative assessment by the commission , taking into account relevant information from available sources and recognised institutions; in particular , calls on the commission to take materials from eu bodies , such as the court of justice of the european union , the court of auditors , the commission’s annual rule of law report and eu justice scoreboard , the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) , or from international organisations , such as the council of europe;


### 8. recalls that identification of breaches of the principles of the rule of law requires objective , impartial , fair and thorough qualitative assessment by the commission , taking into account relevant information from available sources and recognised institutions; ### 8. recalls that identification of breaches of the principles of the rule of law requires objective , impartial , fair and thorough qualitative assessment by the commission , taking into account relevant information from available sources and recognised institutions , including information in the public domain and from fact-based investigative journalism;


### 11. recalls that measures under the regulation are necessary in particular in cases where other procedures set out in sector-specific or financial legislation would not allow the union budget to be protected more effectively; stresses that this does not mean that the regulation is to be considered as a ‘last resort’ , but rather that the commission can use a wide range of procedures to protect the union’s financial interests , to be chosen on a case-by-case basis depending on their efficiency and effectiveness; ### 11. recalls that measures under the regulation are necessary in particular in cases where other procedures set out in article 7 teu , in the common provision regulation (cpr) , in the financial regulation or in other sector-specific legislation would not allow the union budget to be protected more effectively; stresses that this does not mean that the regulation is to be considered as a ‘last resort’ , but rather that the commission can use a wide range of procedures to protect the union’s financial interests , to be chosen on a case-by-case basis depending on their efficiency and effectiveness;


### 12. points out that the regulation covers all union funds and applies to ‘systemic’ breaches as well as to cases of serious risk to the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union , which may be difficult to address by other union procedures that only apply to specific spending programmes and relate to effects on the budget that have already occurred; ### 12. points out that the regulation covers all union funds and applies to ‘systemic’ breaches as well as to cases of serious risk to the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union , which may be difficult to address by other union procedures that only apply to specific spending programmes and relate to effects on the budget that have already occurred; underlines that the regulation is the only eu legislation linking the respect of the rule of law to the eu budget; considers , therefore , that its unique provisions should be fully applied to ensure a complementary protection of the rule of law in addition to eu finances;


### 13. underlines that ‘systemic’ breaches , for instance those affecting the functioning of the justice system , the independence of judges or the neutrality of public authorities , have in general a clear indirect impact on the proper management , spending and control of union funds; ### 13. underlines that ‘systemic’ breaches , for instance those affecting the functioning of the justice system , the independence of judges and media or the neutrality of public authorities , have in general a clear and direct impact on the proper management , spending and control , including civilian oversight , of union funds;


### 13. underlines that ‘systemic’ breaches , for instance those affecting the functioning of the justice system , the independence of judges or the neutrality of public authorities , have in general a clear indirect impact on the proper management , spending and control of union funds; ### 13. underlines that ‘systemic’ breaches , for instance those affecting the functioning of the justice system , the independence of judges or the neutrality of public authorities , have in general a clear and direct impact on the proper management , spending and control of union funds;


### 14. recalls that article 6 of the regulation sets out all steps and a precise timeline for the adoption of measures under the regulation; underlines that the procedure for adopting and lifting measures respects the principles of objectivity , non-discrimination and equal treatment of member states and is to be conducted using a non-partisan and evidence-based approach; ### 14. recalls that articles 6 and 7 of the regulation sets out all steps and a precise timeline for the adoption and lifting of measures under the regulation; underlines that the procedure for adopting and lifting measures respects the principles of objectivity , non-discrimination and equal treatment of member states and is to be conducted using a non-partisan and evidence-based approach;


### 15. recalls that the council is bound to act upon any proposal of the commission to adopt appropriate measures under the regulation within a period of one month , which may be extended by a maximum of two additional months in exceptional circumstances; ### 15. recalls that the council is bound to act upon any proposal of the commission to adopt appropriate measures under the regulation within a period of one month , which may be extended by a maximum of two additional months in exceptional circumstances; considers that the commission should ensure that these time references are fully respected for a timely decision;


### 20. calls on the commission to analyse all information at its disposal and do its utmost to ensure that any amount due from government entities or member states is in fact paid to final recipients or beneficiaries , which may entail recovering payments that have been made or making financial corrections by reducing union support to programmes in line with applicable sector-specific and financial rules; ### 20. calls on the commission to analyse all information at its disposal and do its utmost to ensure that any amount due from government entities or member states is in fact paid to final recipients or beneficiaries , which may entail recovering payments that have been made or making financial corrections by reducing union support to programmes in line with applicable sector-specific and financial rules; asks the commission to further clarify which other sources of funding could be used by member states to ensure that they respect their obligations to final recipients or beneficiaries , when eu funds are suspended; asks the commission to present its view on the management of a suspended eu fund in a concerned member state;


### 5. acknowledges that regulating the acquisition of nationality is primarily a member state competence but stresses that that competence needs to be exercised in good faith , in a spirit of mutual respect , transparently , in accordance with the principle of sincere cooperation and in full respect of union law15 ; considers that where member states do not act in full compliance with those standards and principles , a legal ground for union action arises; considers that a union competence could also arise on the basis of article 21(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) with respect to certain aspects of member state nationality law16 ; ### 5. acknowledges that regulating the acquisition of nationality is primarily a member state competence but stresses that that competence needs to be exercised in good faith , in a spirit of mutual respect , transparently , with due diligence and proper scrutiny , in accordance with the principle of sincere cooperation and in full respect of union law15 ; considers that where member states do not act in full compliance with those standards and principles , a legal ground for union action arises; considers that a union competence could also arise on the basis of article 21(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) with respect to certain aspects of member state nationality law16 ;


### increased due diligence and rigorous background checks; ### increased due diligence and rigorous background checks of the applicant and the sources of their funds;


### the regulation and limitation of the activities of intermediaries; ### the regulation , proper certification and scrutiny as well as limitation of the activities of intermediaries;


### obligations on member states to report to the commission regarding their rbi schemes and applications thereunder; ### harmonised rules and obligations on member states to report to the commission regarding their rbi schemes and applications thereunder;


### minimum physical residence requirements as a condition for acquiring residence under rbi schemes; ### minimum physical residence requirements and minimum active involvement in the investment as conditions for acquiring residence under rbi schemes;


### — the regulation should contain union-level standards and procedures for increased due diligence and rigorous background checks for applicants. a proposal for a regulation is more than warranted , especially in light of the fact that the group of experts on investor citizenship and residence schemes never made any progress as regards those elements. in particular , all applicants must be structurally crosschecked against all relevant national , union (sis , vis , ecris-tcn , etias) and international (interpol) databases by the member state authorities. there should also be an independent verification of documents submitted , a full background check of all police records and involvement in previous and current civil and criminal litigation , in-person interviews with the applicants and a thorough verification of how the applicant’s wealth was accumulated and its relation to the reported income. ### — the regulation should contain union-level standards and procedures for increased due diligence and rigorous background checks for applicants and their source of wealth. a proposal for a regulation is more than warranted , especially in light of the fact that the group of experts on investor citizenship and residence schemes never made any progress as regards those elements. in particular , all applicants must be structurally crosschecked against all relevant national , union (sis , vis , ecris-tcn , etias) and international (interpol) databases by the member state authorities. there should also be an independent verification of documents submitted , a full background check of all police records and involvement in previous and current civil and criminal litigation , in-person interviews with the applicants and a thorough verification of how the applicant’s wealth was accumulated and its relation to the reported income.


### 1. considers that the very concept of schengen cooperation , that of ensuring the absence of controls at internal borders , has been further challenged by the covid-19 pandemic , which has been added to the grounds invoked since 2015 for the persistent retention of internal border controls by some member states; reiterates its condemnation of the maintenance of internal border checks and its view that many of the prolongations are not in line with the rules pertaining to their extension , necessity or proportionality , and are therefore unlawful; ### 1. considers that the very concept of schengen cooperation , that of ensuring the absence of controls at internal borders and guaranteeing the freedom of movement , has been further challenged by the covid-19 pandemic , which has been added to the grounds invoked since 2015 for the persistent retention of internal border controls by some member states; reiterates its condemnation of the maintenance of internal border checks and its view that many of the prolongations are not in line with the rules pertaining to their extension , necessity or proportionality , and are therefore unlawful;


### 6. notes that the agency has ongoing legal procedures regarding alleged violations of the staff regulations of officials of the european union and the conditions of employment of other servants of the union , laid down in council regulation (eec , euratom , ecsc) no 259/682 , and the right to good administration; notes that two cases3 were dismissed as unfounded and that the other two cases4 , wherein the general court ruled in favour of the agency at the first instance5 , are at the appeal stage; ### 6. notes with regret that the agency has ongoing legal procedures regarding alleged violations of the staff regulations of officials of the european union and the conditions of employment of other servants of the union , laid down in council regulation (eec , euratom , ecsc) no 259/682 , and the right to good administration; notes that two cases3 were dismissed as unfounded and that the other two cases4 , wherein the general court ruled in favour of the agency at the first instance5 , are at the appeal stage; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the progress of the proceedings and on the measures it envisages to implement , if applicable following a final court decision;


### 7. notes that e-procurement tools have been introduced , with the exception of e-submission; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in that regard; ### 7. welcomes the fact that e-procurement tools have been introduced , notes however that the agency still has not implemented e-submission; calls on the agency to fully implement all stages of e-procurement and to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in that regard;


### prevention and management of conflicts of interest and transparency ### prevention and management of conflicts of interest , ethics and transparency


### 9. welcomes the agency’s existing measures and its ongoing efforts in relation to securing transparency , in relation to the prevention and management of conflicts of interest and in relation to whistleblower protection; notes that there were a number of cases of potential and perceived conflicts of interest that were assessed and mitigated and that none were reported in 2019; notes with appreciation that the cvs and declarations of interest of almost all members of the management board and senior management have been published on the agency’s website; calls on the agency to publish the remaining cvs and declarations of interests and welcomes the measures already taken to mitigate the risk; ### 9. welcomes the agency’s existing measures and its ongoing efforts in relation to securing transparency , in relation to the prevention and management of conflicts of interest and in relation to whistleblower protection; notes that there were a number of cases of potential and perceived conflicts of interest that were assessed and mitigated and that none were reported in 2019; notes that the cvs and declarations of interest of almost all members of the management board and senior management have been published on the agency’s website; calls on the agency to publish the remaining cvs and declarations of interests and welcomes the measures already taken to mitigate the risk;


### a. whereas gender equality is a core value of the eu and must be mainstreamed in all eu policies , activities and programmes; whereas the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in the treaties and in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; ### a. whereas gender equality is a core value of the eu enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union and must be mainstreamed in all eu policies , activities and programmes; whereas the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in the treaties and in articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and should be fully respected; whereas the right to the integrity of the person is paramount under article 3 of the charter; whereas gender-based violence in all its forms , including sexual harassment is a severe form of gender inequality , discrimination and a violation of human rights , whereas it constitutes a serious obstacle to the participation of women , girls and other victims in all spheres of private and public life making them unable to fully enjoy their rights and fundamental freedoms; whereas the eradication of gender-based violence is a prerequisite to achieve real gender equality;


### b. whereas sexual harassment is a form of gender-based violence and an extreme form of gender-based discrimination which affects women and girls disproportionally; whereas harassment is often linked to other forms of discrimination in addition to gender-based discrimination and has to be addressed with an intersectional approach and from all its angles; ### b. whereas sexual harassment is defined in eu law as “any form of unwanted verbal , non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurs , with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person , in particular when creating an intimidating , hostile , degrading , humiliating or offensive environment”; whereas sexual harassment is a form of gender-based violence and an extreme form of gender-based discrimination which affects women and girls disproportionally; whereas harassment is often linked to other forms of discrimination in addition to gender-based discrimination and has to be addressed with an intersectional approach and from all its angles; whereas sexual harassment is a consequence of gender based stereotypes and sexism rooted in the unequal distribution of power between women and men; whereas it can occur in many different social settings such as at home , at the workplace , in educational system , but also in the public space;


### c. whereas the proportion of women who have ever worked and have experienced any unwanted behaviour with a sexual connotation in the workplace varies between member states , ranging from 11 % to 41 %7 ; ### c. whereas at workplace , which is often far from being a safe and respectful environment , more than one in five people have experienced violence and harassment , whether physical , psychological or sexual; whereas both harassers and victims may be of any sex or gender , women , girls , lgbtqia+ persons and other vulnerable groups are disproportionally affected7a; whereas the proportion of women who have ever worked and have experienced any unwanted behaviour with a sexual connotation in the workplace varies between member states , ranging from 11 % to 41 %7; whereas the risk of experiencing harassment at work is particularly pronounced across certain groups such as youth , migrant , and wage and salaried women and men; whereas young women are twice as likely as young men to have experienced sexual violence and harassment , and migrant women were almost twice as likely as non-migrant women to report sexual violence and harassment; whereas nearly five persons in ten facing gender-based discrimination including intersectional discrimination have also faced harassment at work compared to two in ten of those who have not been discriminated against on the basis of gender7b; whereas in the majority of cases the sexual harassment takes place at workplace between colleagues; whereas many women have experienced unwanted behaviour , including sexual harassment , with their male hierarchy; whereas the percentage of women who have reported such an experience during their lifetime is very low; whereas victims of harrasment are also men and account for 10% of victims of sexual harassment;


### d. whereas harassment is widespread but under-reported; whereas harassment in the workplace has serious consequences for the physical and psychological health and well-being of employees and therefore its prevention and treatment should be a priority for every employer; ### d. whereas harassment is widespread but under-reported; whereas one of the reasons for underreporting of sexual harassment is a lack of awareness , sometimes based on a low understanding of the gravity of the issue , knowledge of channels for victim support , but also a fear of victimisation and job loss; whereas women victims seem more likely to share such harmful experience than men because of the stigma and gender stereotypes; whereas all forms of harassment in the workplace have serious consequences for the physical and psychological health and well-being of employees and therefore its prevention and treatment should be a priority for every employer in order to ensure a safe working environment;


### e. whereas the progress made in addressing the issue of sexual harassment after the metoo movement is not sufficient and there is still a lot to be done within the european institutions and beyond; whereas the european institutions have started to adapt their internal rules and procedures in order to better identify , counter and sanction harassment; whereas the implementation of prevention mechanisms has given rise to a certain degree of reluctance resulting not only from ignorance of the phenomenon of harassment but also from the lack of clarity of the existing legal rules; ### e. whereas in october 2022 the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the social movement metoo , encouraging women and other victims of sexual harassment to speak up , with the aim of raising awareness about the widespread violence; whereas since that time , the movement encouraged victims worldwide to speak up in different spheres , including in politics; whereas unfortunately the european parliament is neither a perfectly safe working place and there are cases of sexual and other harassment within our house of democracy; whereas the european parliament immediately condemned the sexual harassment in its first resolution of october 2017 , then reinforced its position in 2019 and in 20218a; whereas the progress made in addressing the issue of sexual harassment after the metoo movement is not sufficient and there is still a lot to be done within the european institutions and beyond; whereas the european institutions have started to adapt their internal rules and procedures in order to better identify , counter and sanction harassment; whereas the implementation of prevention mechanisms has given rise to a certain degree of reluctance resulting not only from ignorance of the phenomenon of harassment but also from the lack of clarity of the existing legal rules;


### f. whereas in its previous resolutions , parliament called for the introduction of several concrete measures introducing a zero-tolerance approach but , several years on , only some of them have been fully implemented and more needs to be done; ### f. whereas in its previous resolutions , parliament called for the introduction of several concrete measures introducing a zero-tolerance approach but , several years on , only some of them have been fully implemented and more needs to be done; whereas in its opinion the legal service of the parliament stated that the introduction of mandatory harassment prevention training would not affect the exercise of their free and independent mandate;


### f. whereas in its previous resolutions , parliament called for the introduction of several concrete measures introducing a zero-tolerance approach but , several years on , only some of them have been fully implemented and more needs to be done; ### f. whereas in its previous resolutions , parliament called for the introduction of several concrete measures introducing a zero-tolerance approach but , several years on , only some of them have been fully implemented and more needs to be done; whereas research shows harassment training must be complemented by bystander training , and delivers better results when directed at management level and staff;


### g. whereas the european institutions in general and the european parliament in particular , as a legislator , should set an example for all employers; whereas members of the european parliament , both as the directly elected representatives of eu citizens and as legislators , have a special responsibility to carry out their duties respecting the highest standards and eu law; ### g. whereas the european institutions in general and the european parliament in particular , as a legislator and employer , should set an example for all employers; whereas members of the european parliament , both as the directly elected representatives of eu citizens and as legislators , have a special responsibility to carry out their duties respecting the highest standards and eu law;


### 1. reaffirms the eu’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence and welcomes the proposal for a directive on combating violence (com(2022)0105); ### 1. reaffirms the eu’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence and welcomes the proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and girls (com(2022)0105);


### 2. reiterates its call for the eu and the member states to ratify the istanbul convention; is convinced that the eu and the member states should learn from the crises and backlashes against gender equality by adopting and implementing concrete , efficient and ambitious rules and policies on preventing and combating violence; ### 2. reiterates its call for the eu and the member states to ratify the istanbul convention without delay , according to the court’s of justice of the european union (cjeu) opinion of 6 october 2021. calls on member states to refer to the istanbul convention’s definition on harassment in the article 40 in their relevant legislation accordingly; is convinced that the eu and the member states should learn from the crises and backlashes against gender equality by adopting and implementing concrete , efficient and ambitious rules and policies on preventing and combating violence , including the psychological , physical and sexual harassment;


### 3. strongly condemns all forms of harassment , especially sexual harassment; stresses that harassment experienced in a workplace constitutes a violation of human rights and can have serious consequences for survivors’ physical and psychological health , making them feel uncomfortable and insecure at work , and in some cases preventing them from doing their work; highlights the importance of addressing cyber violence in the workplace , as it has an enormous impact on the mental health of victims; ### 3. strongly condemns all forms of harassment , especially sexual harassment; notes that the harassment is a widespread pervasive and harmfull phenomenom surrending in all areas of private and public life , stresses that harassment experienced in a workplace constitutes a violation of human rights and can have serious consequences for survivors’ physical and psychological health , making them feel uncomfortable and insecure at work , and in some cases preventing them from doing their work; highlights the importance of addressing cyber violence in the workplace , as it has an enormous impact on the mental health of victims;


### 4. is convinced that the european institutions should behave as exemplary employers and establish zero-tolerance standards; ### 4. is convinced that the european institutions should behave as exemplary employers and establish zero-tolerance standards; believes that good working conditions and safe and respectful environment are necessary to ensure the effectivity of the work of eu institutions;


### 5. regrets the fact that , in spite of the progress initiated by the metoo campaign , which helped to break the silence and raise awareness of the need to implement better working conditions for all staff , cases of sexual harassment still occur in the european institutions , including parliament; recalls that these cases cast a shadow over the functioning of our institutions and undermine the confidence of eu citizens in them; ### 5. regrets the fact that , in spite of the progress initiated by the metoo campaign in the european parliament , which helped to break the silence and raise awareness of the need to implement better working conditions for all staff , cases of sexual harassment still occur in the european institutions , including parliament; recalls that these cases cast a shadow over the functioning of our institutions and undermine the confidence of eu citizens in them;


### 6. recalls the importance of prevention , with information and awareness-raising efforts , and the promotion of zero-harassment campaigns and policies; considers that the existing campaigns should be reinforced; ### 6. recalls the importance of prevention , with information and awareness-raising efforts , and the promotion of zero-harassment campaigns and policies; welcomes regular harassment prevention campaigns with updates posters and brochures in order to remind the members and the staff of their responsibility to ensure their exemplary conduct; considers that the existing campaigns should be reinforced;


### 6. recalls the importance of prevention , with information and awareness-raising efforts , and the promotion of zero-harassment campaigns and policies; considers that the existing campaigns should be reinforced; ### 6. recalls the importance of implementing complementing training for senior managers and staff. complementary training should educate and empower employees to act in case of potential harassment situatuations. employees , when trained , will be able to recognise early signs of harassment and will be able to intervene swiftly and effectively to prevent escalation.


### 7. notes that sexual harassment cases are still under-reported because victims do not use the existing channels , demonstrating the need for further efforts with regard to the prevention of sexual harassment; ### 7. notes that sexual and psychological harassment cases are still under-reported because victims do not use the existing channels , demonstrating the need for further efforts with regard to the prevention of all forms of harassment; notes the existence of formal and informal structures in the european parliament to address harassment and especially sexual harassment issues providing advisory , legal and psychological assistance to victims; calls for their better promotion , reinforcement of their competencies and composition in order to ensure that all victims can report in confidence and security; welcomes initiatives of some political groups , which decided to put in place trained confidential counsellors to whom victims of harassment can report their case and receive support , advice and guidance in all confidentiality;


### 8. recalls the duty of all of the european institutions to put in place all necessary policies to prevent and address all forms of harassment and violence , and urges them to ensure that all of the rules in place guarantee a zero-tolerance approach to any forms of misconduct and full support for all victims; calls on the european institutions to strengthen their internal rules and policies to ensure that in cases of harassment and violence , they should not only suspend the perpetrator , but also entirely remove their salary; ### 8. recalls the duty of all of the european institutions to put in place all necessary policies to prevent and address all forms of harassment and violence , and urges them to ensure that all of the rules in place guarantee a zero-tolerance approach to any forms of misconduct and full support for all victims; calls on the european institutions to strengthen their internal rules and policies to ensure that in cases of psychological or sexual harassment and violence , they should not only suspend the perpetrator , but also entirely remove their salary;


### 9. insists that the measures to address sexual harassment are not strong enough and do not include all of the actions requested in previous resolutions; welcomes the fact that this parliamentary term is the first in which members have been required to sign a declaration confirming their commitment to complying with the code of appropriate behaviour; ### 9. insists that the measures to address sexual harassment are not strong enough and do not include all of the actions requested in previous resolutions; welcomes the fact that this parliamentary term is the first in which members have been required to sign a declaration confirming their commitment to complying with the code of appropriate behaviour; welcomes the signature by all members of the declaration on the code of appropriate behavior adopted by the bureau; is convinced by the political will of the european parliament to tackle the sexual and other types of harassment inside and outside of the institution; calls for a further transparency on all procedures and implementation of concrete measures by different authorities at the political and administrative level;


### 10. welcomes the harassment prevention training offered to members , managers in parliament’s secretariat and staff; is convinced , however , that voluntary harassment prevention training has proven insufficient; calls for the introduction of mandatory training for all members; ### 10. welcomes the harassment prevention training offered to members , managers in parliament’s secretariat and staff; is convinced , however , that voluntary harassment prevention training has proven insufficient; calls for the introduction of mandatory training for all members at the very beginning of each mandate and all staff; is concerned by a low number of members who attended the training so far: only 260 members out of 705 members have completed the training which represents 36 ,9 % of all members. therefore calls for further actions in order to secure that members complete the harassment prevention training and the publication of the participants' list on the website of the european parliament;


### 12. notes the work of the advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace and the advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning members of the european parliament; calls for full transparency about how parliament is addressing issues of harassment , while protecting the identity of those affected , and invites both committees to draft and publish their monitoring reports and risk assessments annually on the european parliament website; calls for an independent evaluation of the measures in place by external and auditors selected in a transparent procedure; ### 12. notes the work of the advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace and the advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning members of the european parliament; calls for full transparency about how parliament is addressing issues of harassment , while protecting the identity of those affected , and invites both committees to draft and publish their monitoring reports and risk assessments annually on the european parliament website; calls for an independent evaluation of the measures in place and their effectiveness by both internal and external auditors selected in a transparent procedure;


### 13. asks for the composition of the advisory committees to be updated to ensure an equal representation of external experts with proven expertise in tackling harassment in the workplace , including doctors , therapists and legal experts in the domain of harassment and to change their status to full members with voting rights; calls for the creation of a confidential register of cases over time , as already requested in the resolutions dating from 2017 and 2021; ### 13. recalls for the composition of the advisory committees to be updated to ensure an equal representation of external , independent experts with proven expertise in tackling harassment issues in the workplace , including doctors , therapists and legal experts in the domain of harassment and to change their status to full members with voting rights as set up in the 2021 resolution; calls for the creation of a confidential register of cases over time , as already requested in the resolutions dating from 2017 and 2021;


### — having regard to the commission communication of 14 april 2021 on the eu strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings 2021-2025 (com(2021)0171) and to directive 2011/36/eu of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims , and replacing council framework decision 2002/629/jha1 (the anti-trafficking directive) , ### — having regard to the commission communication of 14 april 2021 on the eu strategy on combating trafficking in human beings 2021-2025 (com(2021)0171) and to directive 2011/36/eu of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims , and replacing council framework decision 2002/629/jha1 (the anti-trafficking directive) ,


### a. whereas prostitution , its exploitation , and trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation are increasing; whereas they are gender-specific phenomena with a global dimension and affect the most marginalised members of our societies , with the vast majority of people in prostitution being women and girls and almost all sex buyers being men; ### a. whereas the sexual exploitation and forced prostitution seem to become a growing global problem; whereas they are gender-specific phenomena with a global dimension and affect the most marginalised members of our societies , with the vast majority of people in prostitution being women and girls and almost all sex buyers being men;


### b. whereas the internationally accepted wording used in most legally binding texts is prostitution of women and prostitution; ### b. whereas the wording used in most legally binding texts is prostitution of women and prostitution; whereas this term has connotations of criminality and immorality and can be perceived as demeaning and stigmatising; whereas this contributes to exclusion of people selling sex from health , legal , and social services; whereas people selling sexual services prefer the term “sex workers” , whereas this term is also more and more used by international bodies and human rights organisations;


### c. whereas different regulatory measures concerning prostitution have different effects on gender equality; ### c. whereas various juridical systems and different regulatory approaches are implemented concerning the sex selling; whereas regulations in the eu can be divided in two models - legalisation and prohibition , that can be further divided in sub-models; whereas different regulatory measures concerning prostitution have different effects on gender equality; whereas these laws and policies rarely achieve their desired effects on prostitution or a trafficking control and fail to address stigma and institutional discrimination and violence;


### c. whereas different regulatory measures concerning prostitution have different effects on gender equality; ### c. whereas different regulatory measures concerning the sex industry have different effects on gender equality;


### d. whereas women in prostitution face more violence and exploitation than women on average; ### d. whereas women selling sex face globally egregious human rights violations , including high levels of gender-based violence; whereas they face more psychological , physical and sexual violence including institutional and police violence and exploitation than women on average;


### e. whereas ensuring the physical integrity of all and guaranteeing equality and respect for women’s rights must be at the heart of member state and eu policies; ### e. whereas ensuring the rights of all people to have their bodily integrity , privacy and personal autonomy respected and guaranteeing equality and respect for women’s rights must be at the heart of member state and eu policies;


### e. whereas ensuring the physical integrity of all and guaranteeing equality and respect for women’s rights must be at the heart of member state and eu policies; ### e. whereas ensuring the physical integrity of all and guaranteeing equality and respect for human rights including the right to make decisions over their own body and life must be at the heart of member state and eu policies;


### f. whereas there are strong links between prostitution and organised crime such as human trafficking; ### f. whereas the human trafficking concerns many domains and fields , such as domestic work , agriculture , mining among others; whereas there can be a link between sexual exploitation and organised crime such as human trafficking;


### g. whereas numerous factors cause people to enter prostitution , including poverty , social exclusion and a migration background; ### g. whereas numerous factors cause people to enter prostitution , including poverty , social exclusion and a migration background and other social and economic preconditions it remains a matter of preference or of limited livelihood options for other people;


### g. whereas numerous factors cause people to enter prostitution , including poverty , social exclusion and a migration background; ### g. whereas numerous factors cause people to enter sex work , including poverty , social exclusion limited employment opportunities , discriminatory immigration laws and a lack of safe and legal migration opportunities;


### h. whereas prostitution has cross-border implications and affects women’s rights and gender equality; whereas the disparity of legislation on prostitution in the eu benefits traffickers and organised crime networks; whereas all member states have a legal obligation to discourage and end human trafficking and organised crime; ### h. whereas the disparity of legislation on prostitution and sex work in the eu has cross-border implications and affects women’s and minorities’ rights and gender equality; whereas all member states have a legal obligation to discourage and end human trafficking and organised crime; whereas persons selling sex and sex work have been traditionally marginalised , it is important to have a human rights based approach , taking into account that being in vulnerable situation they are often not aware of their rights; whereas having an open dialogue and listen to the voices of persons selling sex is an important part of the process , when legislating about them;


### 1. notes that approaches to regulating prostitution vary across the eu and target three key components of this system: prostituted persons , the purchase of sex (i.e. demand) , and pimping; stresses that the different laws have different effects on women in prostitution , their rights , women’s rights in general , gender equality , demand , society and neighbouring countries; ### 1. notes that approaches to regulating prostitution and sex work vary across the eu and target three key components through punitive administrative or criminal law of this system: people selling sex , the purchase of sex ,and third parties; stresses that the different laws have different effects on persons selling sex , their rights in general including the access to health , social services and justice system , women’s and minorities’ rights , gender equality , and society.


### 2. regrets the lack of reliable , accurate and comparable data across countries; ### 2. regrets the lack of reliable , accurate and comparable data across countries necessary for global and critical analyses in order to provide to member states all necessary tools to adopt or review policies that are ineffective to fight the human trafficking and organised crimes and have significant negative effects on people selling sex and their rights;


### 3. notes that women in prostitution experience more violence than women on average; refers to a 2019 study by the german federal ministry for family affairs , senior citizens , women and youth , according to which 41 % of the women in prostitution surveyed had experienced physical or sexual violence (or both) in the context of prostitution; ### 3. notes that persons selling sex , especially women and lgbtiq+ persons , who are exposed to repressive policing had a three times higher chance to experience more violence than women on average and are twice more likely to have hiv1a


### 4. underlines the findings of this study with regard to the experiences of women in prostitution with abuse in childhood and adolescence; ### deleted


### 5. underlines that consent can only be given freely when there is no power imbalance between the people involved; notes , at the same time , that it can be extremely difficult for people to realise that they are victims , especially when they do not know their rights , and recalls the dynamics of an abusive relationship; ### 5. underlines that inherent element of agency is the capacity to give and withhold consent; notes that consent can only be given freely when there is no power imbalance between the people involved or if there is no use of threat , violence or coercion; notes , at the same time , even if it can be difficult for people to realise that they are victims , especially when they do not know their rights , conflating all sex work with sexual exploitation undertermines the agency of adult people to make informed and fully free decisions about their private and sexual life;


### 7. underlines that the european parliament recognised , in its resolution of 26 february 2014 on sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality , that prostitution and sexual exploitation are violations of human dignity , contravene human rights principles such as gender equality and are therefore contrary to the principles of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; recalls that it defined prostitution as a serious form of violence and exploitation in its resolution of 5 july 2022 on women’s poverty in europe4 ; ### 7. underlines that the european parliament recognised , in its resolution of 26 february 2014 on sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality , that prostitution and sexual exploitation are violations of human dignity , contravene human rights principles such as gender equality and are therefore contrary to the principles of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; notes that the resolution was adopted during the previous mandate and reflected the position of the european paliament at that time.


### 8. condemns the fact that women in prostitution lack legal security because of their criminalisation , meaning they face the constant threat of police and judicial persecution , are subject to additional vulnerability and stigmatisation that negatively affect their health , consequently experience difficulties in contacting support services and lack access to fundamental rights; deplores the fact that , at the same time , clients , brothel owners and human traffickers often remain unpunished; ### 8. condemns the fact that people selling sex , especially women and lgbtiq+ persons , lack legal security because of their disproportionate criminalisation , meaning they face the constant threat of police and judicial persecution , are subject to additional vulnerability and stigmatisation that negatively affect their health , consequently experience difficulties in contacting support services and lack access to fundamental rights; deplores the fact that , at the same time , perpetrators posing as clients , exploitative third parties and human traffickers often remain unpunished;


### 9. points out the negative consequences of the decriminalisation of pimping and the purchase of sex , which , through the apparent societal normalisation of these activities , leads to an increase in the trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation and conceals the reality of coercion , manipulation , violence and exploitation in prostitution , where a lack of language skills , vulnerabilities and precarious conditions are exploited to make women enter and stay in prostitution; regrets the fact that even the legalisation of prostitution , pimping and the purchase of sex does not mean an end to the stigma for women in prostitution; ### 9. regrets the position of some of the states that all sex work is inherently exploitative , notes that investigating consensual adult sex work as crime , and treating persons selling sex as victims , takes precious resources away from dealing with real situations of exploitation and trafficking. stresses that it also leads to human rights violations of persons selling sex who are detained and forced into ‘rehabilitation’ programmes or if they dissent , they are deprived of custody of their children , migrant women are deported to their countries of origin , including those with regularised residence status or eu citizens.


### 10. welcomes the fact that an increasing number of countries are taking up and implementing the nordic/equality model; supports the feminist background of this model and its goal of achieving gender equality , and highlights the model’s positive effects on the rights of people in prostitution and the fight against human trafficking; ### 10. welcomes the fact that an increasing number of countries strive to achieve the union of equality by meaningful inclusion of discriminated and marginalised persons selling sex and provide subsidies to support their community based organisation to better address the needs and rights of the most marginalised people selling sex , including identification and referral of those exploited and trafficked. is convinced that only human rights based strategies can help to achieve the real gender equality and have positive effects both on the rights of persons selling work than on the society itself;


### 11. notes that prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation only exist because there is a demand for them; ### 11. notes that rights-based strategies to address demand should focus on addressing discriminatory attitudes , and beliefs for example through education of the youth and practices; particularly those directed against women , minorities and migrants.


### 12. notes that the decriminalisation of pimping and of the purchase of sex increases demand , empowers the demand side and normalises sex buying; underlines that the stigmatisation of people , especially women , in prostitution nevertheless persists; ### deleted


### 13. is concerned that the legalisation of prostitution promotes legal structures behind which traffickers can hide; ### 13. is concerned that the legislation on prostitution and sex work often compromises safety of people selling sex , leads them to work in more hidden and isolated areas and compromise their ability to organise and to effectively address exploitation in sex industry;


### 14. stresses that human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is increasing due to high demand; points out that this is particularly visible in countries with a liberal regulatory model , whereas countries that follow approaches like the nordic/equality model are no longer big markets for human trafficking for that purpose; ### 14. notes that people selling sex are warning about the dramatic consequences of penalising clients and repressive policies against them in some member states , denouncing that this legislation makes them more precarious , unprotected , weakens them and exposes them to violence and high risks to their health.


### 15. notes that the different approaches to regulation in the eu have different effects and that women in prostitution have different rights and protections in different eu member states; underlines that , on average , 70 % of the individuals in prostitution in the eu are migrant women and that trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation mostly affects women and girls coming from the east of the european union; ### 15. notes that the different approaches to regulation in the eu have different effects and that persons selling sex have different rights and protections in different eu member states; stresses that while the competence to regulate prostitution and sex work remains in the competence of the eu member states , people selling sex must be able to enjoy the rights enshrined in the eu charter of fundamental rights; underlines that , on average , 70 % of the persons selling sex in the eu are migrant women and that trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation mostly affects women and girls coming from the east of the european union;


### impact on gender equality and women’s rights ### impact on gender equality , women’s and sexual minorities` rights


### 17. emphasises that the gender-specific nature of prostitution reflects and replicates the prevailing power relations; stresses that prostitution and sexual exploitation are both a cause and a consequence of the unequal treatment of women and men and replicate and perpetuate stereotypes about women and men; ### 17. emphasises that the gender-specific nature of prostitution reflects and replicates the prevailing power relations; stresses that prostitution and sexual exploitation are both a cause and a consequence of the unequal treatment of women and men and replicate and perpetuate stereotypes about women and men; stresses that deeply rooted gender stereotypes related to women’s sexuality and morality , combined with gaps in legislation and its implementation , render women selling sex subject to frequent criminal sanctions even in countries where prostitution is legalised;


### 19. underlines the member states’ obligation to protect women’s rights and physical integrity and promote gender equality , and highlights the eu’s role in doing this within the international community and in creating equal protection and equal rights across member states; ### 19. underlines the member states’ obligation to protect women’s rights and physical integrity and promote gender equality and diversity , and highlights the eu’s role in doing this within the international community and in creating equal protection and equal rights across member states;


### 21. calls on the member states to ensure that it is punishable as a criminal offence to solicit , accept or obtain a sexual act from a person in exchange for remuneration , the promise of remuneration , the provision of a benefit in kind or the promise of such a benefit; ### 21. calls on the member states to ensure that it is punishable as a criminal offence to force a person to a sexual act even in exchange for remuneration , the promise of remuneration , the provision of a benefit in kind or the promise of such a benefit;