### 19. notes that the number of posts in the establishment plan amounts to 491 which is considered by the committee as insufficient; notes that the committee resorts to contract staff for mid to long term replacements and for specific projects which entails the risk of considerable loss of knowledge and expertise for the committee; supports the committee as it continues to negotiate the enlargement of its establishment plan; notes that the occupation rate of the committee’s establishment plan is 96 ,3 % (compared to a target of at least 96 %); notes that at the end of 2020 the total workforce was 601 (including both statutory and non-statutory staff) , compared to 610 at the end of 2019; ### 19. notes that the number of posts in the establishment plan amounts to 491 which is considered by the committee as insufficient; notes that the committee resorts to contract staff for mid to long term replacements and for specific projects which entails the risk of considerable loss of knowledge and expertise for the committee; supports the committee as it continues to negotiate the enlargement of its establishment plan; notes that the occupation rate of the committee’s establishment plan is 96 ,3 % (compared to a target of at least 96 %); notes that at the end of 2020 the total workforce was 601 (including both statutory and non-statutory staff) , compared to 610 at the end of 2019; encourages the committee in this context to deepen its administrative cooperation with the european economic and social committee (eesc) via the joint services arrangement to pool staff in order to continue to develop more synergies;


### 24. notes that the gender ratio in the committee’s staff in 2020 was 55 ,8 % women , compared to 56 % in 2019; regrets the unbalanced distribution in middle (32 ,4 % women) and senior (25 % women) management; notes that the target of 40 % women in management positions established in the equal opportunity action plan is currently in sight (37 ,5 % in march 2021); welcomes in particular specific incentives such as the formal recognition of management responsibilities below head of unit level , the mentoring programme launched in 2019 and the pre-managerial trainings to increase women's interest in management functions; stresses the importance of pursuing a balanced representation of men and women on selection boards; encourages the committee to put all the necessary efforts in achieving its five-year strategy on equal opportunities and to be more ambitious in the annual action plans that serve to implement it; ### 24. notes that the gender ratio in the committee’s staff in 2020 was 55 ,8 % women , compared to 56 % in 2019; regrets the unbalanced distribution in middle (32 ,4 % women) and senior (25 % women) management; notes that the target of 40 % women in management positions established in the equal opportunity action plan is currently in sight (37 ,5 % in march 2021); welcomes in particular specific incentives such as the formal recognition of management responsibilities below head of unit level , the mentoring programme launched in 2019 and the pre-managerial trainings to increase women's interest in management functions; stresses the importance of pursuing a balanced representation of men and women on selection boards; encourages the committee to put all the necessary efforts in achieving its five-year strategy on equal opportunities and to be more ambitious in the annual action plans that serve to implement it; underlines that this is a recurrent issue and reiterates the call for the committee to continue its efforts to achieve gender balance at all hierarchical levels; welcomes actions such as the mandatory presence of both women and men on selection panels , the active encouragement of female applicants for all managerial positions , specific training sessions for female staff who wish to prepare for a managerial career and more flexible working arrangements;


### 25. notes that the committee employs staff from all member states with the exception of one member state; welcomes the committee’s initiatives to increase the visibility of its vacancies , in particular using staff ambassadors and generating a positive ‘employer branding’; encourages the committee to maintain its commitment to a balanced geographical distribution of its workforce , with a particular focus on middle management; ### 25. notes that the committee employs staff from all member states with the exception of one member state; welcomes the committee’s initiatives to increase the visibility of its vacancies , in particular using staff ambassadors and generating a positive ‘employer branding’; encourages the committee to maintain its commitment to a balanced geographical distribution of its workforce , with a particular focus on middle management; calls on the committee to continue to take steps to reach geographical balance within its staff so that a proper representation of nationals from all member states is achieved , with a particular focus on the management level;


### 31. welcomes the outcome of the first phase of the mediation process between the committee and mr mccoy , former financial controller and internal auditor , with the signing in december 2019 of a political agreement on principles governing the resolution of mr mccoy’s bona fide whistleblower case; is aware that the second stage of the mediation concluded on 9 july 2021 with the signing of a final financial settlement; is aware , lastly , that the committee , after approval of the transfer by the budgetary authorities , successfully executed the agreed payment to mr mccoy in november 2021; acknowledges the work done by successive rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for the committee’s discharge over twenty years who , along with the mediation process and the assistance of parliament's legal service , contributed to the resolution of the long-stalled issue; truly regrets the considerable harm caused to mr mccoy and states that this case should not have remained unresolved for more than eighteen years , expresses its sincere satisfaction with the conclusion of this case and supports the committee’s actions in order to ensure that such a situation cannot arise again; ### 31. welcomes the outcome of the first phase of the mediation process between the committee and mr mccoy , former financial controller and internal auditor , with the signing in december 2019 of a political agreement on principles governing the resolution of mr mccoy’s bona fide whistleblower case; recalls that , based on the 2017 discharge resolution , the appointment of a member of parliament as mediator took place and that all parties entered into a mediation process to bring the dispute between the committee and mr. mccoy to an end with the objective of reaching an amicable settlement; acknowledges that the committee pursued the scheduled mediation meetings with mr mccoy; is aware that the second stage of the mediation concluded on 9 july 2021 with the contribution of parliament’s mediator , parliament's committee on budgetary control , mr. mccoy and the president and the secretary-general of the committee and the signing of a final financial settlement; is aware , lastly , that the committee , after approval of the transfer by the budgetary authorities , successfully executed the agreed payment to mr mccoy in november 2021; acknowledges the work done by successive rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for the committee’s discharge over twenty years who , along with the mediation process and the assistance of parliament's legal service , contributed to the resolution of the long-stalled issue; truly regrets the considerable harm caused to mr mccoy and states that this case should not have remained unresolved for more than eighteen years , expresses its sincere satisfaction with the conclusion of this case and supports the committee’s actions in order to ensure that such a situation cannot arise again;


### 32. acknowledges that the agreement between the european parliament and the european commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals engaged in eu policy-making and policy implementation1 and the interinstitutional agreement of 20 may 2021 between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on a mandatory transparency register2 , while allowing the voluntary involvement of union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , do not cover the activities of regional and local authorities and the associations representing them; objects , however , to the view of the committee that the use of the transparency register set up by those agreements has limited relevance and still deems the practical guide on the interaction of staff with external entities to be valid (dating back to 2018); encourages the committee to undertake actions to enhance the transparency of its interactions with interest representatives; ### 32. acknowledges that the agreement between the european parliament and the european commission on the transparency register for organisations and self-employed individuals engaged in eu policy-making and policy implementation1 and the interinstitutional agreement of 20 may 2021 between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on a mandatory transparency register2 , while allowing the voluntary involvement of union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , do not cover the activities of regional and local authorities and the associations representing them; objects , however , to the view of the committee that the use of the transparency register set up by those agreements has limited relevance and still deems the practical guide on the interaction of staff with external entities to be valid (dating back to 2018); recalls the importance of a high level of transparency with respect to lobbying meetings which might influence members and staff in their advisory role to the union institutions and encourages the committee to undertake actions to enhance the transparency of its interactions with interest representatives;


### 48. welcomes the external comprehensive evaluation of the committee’s communication strategy 2015-2020; understands that the covid-19 pandemic has forced a digital acceleration of public communication; stresses the importance of maximising the committee’s outreach through the creation of synergies between the union institutions and the over one million regional and local elected politicians represented by the committee; encourages the committee to take advantage of the opportunities offered by its presence on social media and at the same time to explore the possible use of alternative platforms; ### 48. recalls the importance of the committee developing greater visibility in the media and on the internet and social media in order to make its work known; welcomes the external comprehensive evaluation of the committee’s communication strategy 2015-2020; understands that the covid-19 pandemic has forced a digital acceleration of public communication; stresses the importance of maximising the committee’s outreach through the creation of synergies between the union institutions and the over one million regional and local elected politicians represented by the committee; encourages the committee to take advantage of the opportunities offered by its presence on social media and at the same time to explore the possible use of alternative platforms;


### e. whereas it is crucial to ensure that development aid is used in accordance with its original purpose , namely to reduce and ultimately to eradicate poverty , as provided for in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , with due consideration for aid and development effectiveness principles; ### e. whereas it is crucial , in the context of a changing global environment , to ensure a strategic balance between addressing social , economic , demographic , migration nand environmental challenges , while retaining poverty reduction as the primary objective of union aid as provided for in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , with due consideration for aid and development effectiveness principles;


### f. whereas european development aid and public investments should promote joint priorities and policy objectives that include the eradication of poverty , climate and environmental action and economic and trade policies and should be fully aligned with the principles of fundamental human rights , democracy and good governance; ### f. whereas european development aid and public investments should promote joint priorities and policy objectives that are defended in the un’s 17 sustainable development goals (sdg’s);


### g. whereas the un’s 17 sustainable development goals (sdgs) are core objectives to be pursued in cooperation instruments in both the public and private sector; ### deleted


### j. whereas the alignment of union development cooperation with partner countries’ own development priorities should always be fully respected and is a key element of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (‘2030 agenda’); ### j. whereas the alignment of union development cooperation with partner countries’ own development priorities should always be respected and should also be in line with the union policies is a key element of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (‘2030 agenda’);


### o. whereas a number of overseas countries and territories (octs) are located in the same regions as acp countries; ### deleted


### p. whereas the octs face similar global challenges but , unlike acp countries , are part of the european family and should therefore receive increased attention in the delivery of funds; whereas the very small size of the octs and the constitutional link between the octs and the union are specificities that should be taken into account; ### p. whereas the octs face similar global challenges as acp countries , and are part of the european family and should therefore receive similar attention in the ex ante and ex post verification of use of funds;


### t. whereas union governance support is a key component of development aid in generating effective governance reforms; ### t. whereas union governance support is a key component of development aid and should be more focused in generating effective governance reforms in the partner countries such as rule of law , independence of the judiciary system , freedom of the press and the conditions for establishing a market economy;


### 11. notes that , due to the covid-19 pandemic , it was not possible for the court to carry out on-the-spot visits to eu delegations , thus preventing it from carrying out certain audit procedures , in particular verifying contract implementation for the transactions selected , and therefore the court’s audit work was mainly limited to desk reviews of transactions and projects by means of remotely connecting with auditees; ### 11. notes that , due to the covid-19 pandemic , it was not possible for the court to carry out on-the-spot visits to eu delegations , thus preventing it from carrying out certain audit procedures , in particular verifying contract implementation for the transactions selected , and therefore the court’s audit work was mainly limited to desk reviews of transactions and projects by means of remotely connecting with auditees; regrets the lack of on-the-spot missions in the partner countries; highlights the importance of using new technologies and digitalisation to increase ex ante and ex post controls;


### 12. regrets that , apart from generally very demanding conditions in 2020 , the court’s mission of planning and executing its audit work was hindered by some international organisations refusing or limiting necessary access to relevant audit documents , which caused excessive delays and thus prevented the court from fulfilling its fundamental prerogatives ensured by the tfeu , as previously mentioned in related observations in the court’s 2018 annual report; ### 12. regrets that , apart from generally very demanding conditions in 2020 , the court’s mission of planning and executing its audit work was hindered by some international organisations refusing or limiting necessary access to relevant audit documents , which caused excessive delays and thus prevented the court from fulfilling its fundamental prerogatives ensured by the tfeu , as previously mentioned in related observations in the court’s 2018 annual report; calls on the commission to take measures to avoid such situation enhancing better cooperation with international organisations to ease the audit;


### 16. notes that the court found that the commission and its implementing partners in 2020 committed more errors in transactions relating to grants and to contribution and delegation agreements with international organisations and delegation agreements with member states’ cooperation agencies than they did with other forms of support , such as those covering works , supply and service contracts (as had happened in 2019); notes that of the 67 (65 in 2019) transactions of that type examined by the court , 27 (38 transactions (40 ,3 %) compared to 25 transactions (38 %) in 2019) contained quantifiable errors , which accounted for 94 ,2 % of the estimated level of error (71 ,7 % in 2019); calls on the commission to publish comprehensive , updated and detailed information regarding funded projects and recipients , to enhance its risk-based approach and to invest control capacity in areas that are more error prone; ### 16. notes that the court found that the commission and its implementing partners in 2020 committed more errors in transactions relating to grants and to contribution and delegation agreements with international organisations and delegation agreements with member states’ cooperation agencies than they did with other forms of support , such as those covering works , supply and service contracts (as had happened in 2019); notes that of the 67 (65 in 2019) transactions of that type examined by the court , 27 (38 transactions (40 ,3%) compared to 25 transactions (38%) in 2019) contained quantifiable errors , which accounted for 94 ,2% of the estimated level of error (71 ,7% in 2019); calls on the commission to publish comprehensive , updated and detailed information regarding funded projects and recipients , to enhance its risk-based approach and to invest control capacity in areas that are more error prone; reiterates that more attention should be paid to ex-ante checks and that appropriate measures should be taken to increase the expenditure verifications;


### 18. regrets that no follow-up was given by the commission in the replies to the court’s annual report in relation to the specific comment on the repetitive weakness and considers that cost-effective considerations used by the commission in ex-post checks might not be effective and might lead exactly to the weaknesses that the court and parliament have been pointing out for a long time; invites the commission to revise that approach so that the shortcomings are fully addressed; ### 18. regrets that no follow-up was given by the commission in the replies to the court’s annual report in relation to the specific comment on the repetitive weakness and considers that cost-effective considerations used by the commission in ex-post checks might not be effective and might lead exactly to the weaknesses that the court and parliament have been pointing out for a long time; invites the commission to revise that approach so that the shortcomings are fully addressed and to inform regularly the discharge authority of any progress made;


### 26. stresses that the vast amount of resources allocated to respond to the urgent needs presented by the covid-19 crisis , combined with relaxed oversight and accountability measures , also creates ample opportunities for corruption to grow and thrive; recalls that not only is corruption detrimental to crisis response and recovery , but it undermines the achievement of the sdgs and the 2030 agenda , in particular sdg 16 on peace , justice and strong institutions , and has a negative impact on peace , security , the rule of law , gender equality , human rights and the environment; notes , moreover , that even before the covid-19 pandemic , corruption risks demonstrated that efforts to combat and prevent corruption were proving insufficient; underlines the important role of the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the european public prosecutor's office in fighting corruption and fraud , within the limits of their mandate; ### 26. stresses that the vast amount of resources allocated to respond to the urgent needs presented by the covid-19 crisis , combined with relaxed oversight and accountability measures , also creates ample opportunities for fraud and corruption to grow and thrive; recalls that not only is corruption detrimental to crisis response and recovery , but it undermines the achievement of the sdgs and the 2030 agenda; notes , moreover , that even before the covid-19 pandemic , fraud and corruption risks demonstrated that efforts to combat and prevent corruption and fraud were proving insufficient; underlines the important role of the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the european public prosecutor's office in fighting corruption and fraud , within the limits of their mandate;


### 27. invites the commission to give preference to small local projects rather than focusing primarily on big projects with many intermediaries where fraud and corruption is more likely to happen; ### deleted


### 28. notes the actions undertaken by dg intpa to mitigate the risks stemming from the use of exceptional financial or procurement procedures in the response to the covid-19 crisis , in particular by means of budget support; notes , however , that the risk of corruption and fraud remained the highest perceived risk in all regions , even if a small decrease can be observed over time; acknowledges that , in certain situations , high risks can be accepted , as long as there are opportunities for engagement with authorities and concrete prospects for improvement , to the extent that risks can be mitigated and , in a fragile context , as long as the risks associated with non-intervention outweigh the risks of providing budget support; calls on dg intpa to keep on monitoring the situation and pay particular attention to the most fragile countries; expects to be updated on further developments; ### 28. notes the actions undertaken by dg intpa to mitigate the risks stemming from the use of exceptional financial or procurement procedures in the response to the covid-19 crisis , in particular by means of budget support; notes , however , that the risk of corruption and fraud remained the highest perceived risk in all regions , even if a small decrease can be observed over time; calls on dg intpa to keep on monitoring the situation and pay particular attention to the most fragile countries; expects to be updated on further developments;


### 37. notes that there is still a need for a more systematic approach to the communication of the union’s grant-funded activities to enhance the union’s visibility and to strengthen transparency , accountability and human rights due diligence along the chain of funding; calls on the commission to introduce in framework agreements the obligation for the leading agency to ensure the visibility of the union in multi-donor projects; calls on the commission to carry out sample-based on-the-spot controls years after the completion of the co-financed projects to check the continued impact of the edf interventions and to take the necessary steps to ensure the long-term impact of its operations; ### 37. notes that there is still a need for a more systematic approach to the communication of the union’s grant-funded activities to enhance the union’s visibility and to strengthen transparency , accountability and human rights due diligence along the chain of funding; calls on the commission to introduce in framework agreements the obligation for the leading agency to ensure the visibility of the union in multi-donor projects; calls on the commission to carry out sample-based on-the-spot controls years after the completion of the co-financed projects to check the continued impact and the performance of the edf interventions and to take the necessary steps to ensure the long-term impact of its operations;


### 43. recalls that budget support aims to strengthen the partnership with the union partner countries , promote sustainable development , eradicate poverty , reduce inequalities and consolidate peace and democracy , ultimately aiming to contribute to the achievement of the sdgs; notes that union budget support is to be guided by the internationally agreed busan effectiveness principles , such as ownership by partner countries , results focus , inclusiveness and accountability; highlights the fact that , because it fosters transparency and good governance , budget support also contributes to the fight against corruption and fraud; ### 43. recalls that budget support aims to strengthen the partnership with the union partner countries , promote sustainable development , eradicate poverty , reduce inequalities and consolidate peace and democracy , ultimately aiming to contribute to the achievement of the sdgs; notes that union budget support is to be guided by the internationally agreed busan effectiveness principles , such as ownership by partner countries , results focus , inclusiveness and accountability; highlights the fact that , because it fosters transparency and good governance , budget support also contributes to the fight against corruption and fraud; recalls that budget support musts correspond to the needs of partner countries as well as the eu key policies; recalls that it is also necessary to measure the performance of programmes and their impact in partner countries and civilian populations;


### 44. stresses that entrepreneurship plays an essential role in the fight against poverty; highlights the fact that providing business training can help small-scale entrepreneurs set up businesses and improve business practices; notes that , in order to improve the effectiveness of such programmes , such training should be complemented with customised support and follow-up services; recalls , in addition , that men and women entrepreneurs face inherently different constraints , including psychological and cultural factors , and that to truly empower women , policies need to address those constraints; ### 44. stresses that entrepreneurship and private sector play an essential role in the fight against poverty by creating jobs , sustainable economy and growth; highlights the fact that providing business training can help small-scale entrepreneurs set up businesses and improve business practices in partner countries; notes that , in order to improve the effectiveness of such programmes , such training should be complemented with customised support and follow-up services; recalls , in addition , that men and women entrepreneurs face inherently different constraints , including psychological and cultural factors , and that to truly empower women , policies need to address those constraints;


### 47. considers that needs assessments in connection with ndici programming should take into account countries’ debt situations and how those situations influence the possibility of pursuing the sdgs; stresses the need for donors to prioritise grant-based financing as the default option , especially to the least developed countries , and not favour blending , guarantees or any loans that could increase the burden of debt over grants; urges the union and the member states to develop , as a first step , and in addition to its pledges on a debt moratorium , a new debt relief initiative regarding heavily indebted poor countries; calls , more broadly , for the creation of a multilateral debt workout mechanism to address both the impact of the crisis and the financing requirements of the 2030 agenda; ### 47. considers that needs assessments in connection with ndici programming should take into account countries’ debt situations and how those situations influence the possibility of pursuing the sdgs;


### 48. notes that union support is implemented in the context of the 2030 agenda , requiring a holistic approach to social and economic development , based on the sdgs , not just income inequality; ### 48. notes that union support is implemented in the context of the 2030 agenda , requiring a holistic approach to social , economic and environmental development , based on the sdgs;


### 49. recognises that , in 2020 , europe as well as the rest of the world was strongly impacted by the covid-19 pandemic and welcomes the commission-coordinated response to the health crisis as well as to the impact on europe’s economy and society; notes that the covid-19 pandemic has also posed challenges as regards performance , control , audit and assurance in relation to the 2020 union budget; notes , in addition , the efforts by all commission services to promote the consistent and rigorous protection of the union budget , ensuring that appropriate mitigating measures were put in place; notes that the “team europe” approach was launched as a joint response to the covid-19 pandemic by all european development actors to support the promotion of european policy priorities and standards; ### 49. recognises that , in 2020 , europe as well as the rest of the world was strongly impacted by the covid-19 pandemic and welcomes the commission-coordinated response to the health crisis as well as to the impact on europe’s economy and society; notes that the covid-19 pandemic has also posed challenges as regards performance , control , audit and assurance in relation to the 2020 union budget; notes , in addition , the efforts by all commission services to promote the consistent and rigorous protection of the union budget , ensuring that appropriate mitigating measures were put in place; notes that the “team europe” approach was launched as a joint response to the covid-19 pandemic by all european development actors to support the promotion of european policy priorities and standards; welcomes and encourages the enhancement of the covid 19 vaccine global access (covax);


### 51. notes with concerns that , as of 12 november 2021 , covid-19 vaccines global access (covax) has delivered only 476 697 161 doses to 144 countries , of which 160 million doses were donations; notes that members states have provided 48 million doses; regrets that the impact of covax is pretty poor , having missed its own targets for 2021; call on the commission to stop sending vaccines which are about to expire; ### deleted


### 52. notes the particular importance of dg intpa as regards education , given its critical role in human development and as key enabler for all union priorities; welcomes , to that end , the increased spending on education in 2020 , going from 7 to 10% of dg intpa’s total portfolio; notes , with satisfaction , that , in response to the covid-19 pandemic , dg intpa has supported the most vulnerable populations in partner countries , including through global education initiatives , in order to avoid a lost generation; ### 52. notes the particular importance of dg intpa as regards education , given its critical role in human development and as key enabler for all union priorities; welcomes , to that end , the increased spending on education in 2020 , going from 7 to 10% of dg intpa’s total portfolio; notes , with satisfaction , that , in response to the covid-19 pandemic , dg intpa has supported the most vulnerable populations in partner countries , including through global education initiatives , in order to avoid a lost generation; recalls the importance of ensuring in all partner countries that girls must have equal access to education and school as boys; equal opportunities are a priority in development; the accessibility of young women to european projects and funds must be encouraged in partner countries;


### 54. calls for close monitoring and thorough policy dialogue with partner countries regarding objectives , progress towards agreed results and performance indicators; calls once more on the commission to better define and measure expected development impact and , especially , to improve the control mechanism with regard to the conduct of beneficiary countries in the areas of corruption , rule of law , respect for human rights , good governance and democracy; remains deeply concerned about the use that could be made of union budget support in recipient countries where there is no or only limited democratic control; ### 54. calls for close monitoring and thorough policy dialogue with partner countries and ngos regarding objectives , progress towards agreed results and performance indicators; calls once more on the commission to better define and measure expected development impact and , especially , to improve the control mechanism with regard to the conduct of beneficiary countries in the areas of corruption , rule of law , respect for human rights , good governance and democracy; remains deeply concerned about the use that could be made of union budget support in recipient countries where there is no or only limited democratic control;


### 55. reiterates its call on the commission to carry out an evaluation on a country-by-country basis of the long-term on-going edf-financed projects in order to demonstrate the true impact on the relevant country of decades-long union investment and how it has effectively helped beneficiary countries’ economic , social and sustainable development; calls on the commission to limit or terminate the funding of ineffective projects in the future; ### 55. reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a performance evaluation on a country-by-country basis of the long-term on-going edf-financed projects in order to demonstrate the true impact on the relevant country of decades-long union investment and how it has effectively helped beneficiary countries’ economic , social and sustainable development; calls on the commission to limit or terminate the funding of ineffective projects in the future;


### 58. notes that the union’s development policy will be implemented via the ndici , of which the eib is a key implementer; expresses concern about the use of union development funds for de-risking private investment given the lack of evidence as to its capacity to fulfil development objectives and provide additional development objectives , as recently reported in the final review of european fund for sustainable development and in opinion no 7/2020 of the court of 11 september 2020; stresses the need for donors to prioritise grant-based financing as the default option , especially to least-developed countries , in order to avoid increasing the debt burden; ### 58. notes that the union’s development policy will be implemented via the ndici , of which the eib is a key implementer;


### 63. recalls that 2 eutfs were created under the edf , namely the european union emergency trust fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in africa (the ‘eutf for africa’) and the european union trust fund bêkou for the central african republic (the ‘eutf bêkou’); recalls parliament’s regular stance that the commission should ensure that any trust fund established as a new development tool must always be in line with the union’s overall strategy and development policy objectives , i.e. the reduction and eradication of poverty , and must , in particular , ensure that the security interests of european countries do not override the needs of the recipient populations; encourages the commission to reconsider financial aid to eutf projects deflecting from that centreline; ### 63. recalls that 2 eutfs were created under the edf , namely the european union emergency trust fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in africa (the ‘eutf for africa’) and the european union trust fund bêkou for the central african republic (the ‘eutf bêkou’); recalls parliament’s regular stance that the commission should ensure that any trust fund established as a new development tool must always be in line with the union’s overall strategy and development policy objectives as for instance by promoting resilience , economic opportunities , equal opportunities , safety of populations and human and social development;


### 64. notes that the edfs’ contribution to address migration and forced displacement challenges has increased over recent years , either through projects directly funded by the edfs or through edf contributions to the eutf for africa; notes that poverty generates several consequences , including an increase in migration , which represents an obstacle to development; recalls the fact that the eutf for africa must address the root causes of destabilisation , forced displacement and irregular migration by promoting resilience , economic opportunities , equal opportunities , security of populations and human and social development; ### deleted


### 65. notes that edf contributions to the eutfs increased from eur 600 million in 2019 to eur 800 million in 2020 , with additional edf funds to the eutf for africa used to address specific areas of concerns in the sahel and lake chad and horn of africa regions , including security challenges , essential stabilisation efforts and the response to the covid-19 pandemic; recalls the fact that eutf for africa’s funding lines must not be used for security measures , which would jeopardise migrants’ rights; calls on the commission to put in place tangible guarantees that migration-related eutf projects are not used by the implementing authorities to violate migrants’ basic human rights; ### 65. notes that edf contributions to the eutfs increased from eur 600 million in 2019 to eur 800 million in 2020 , with additional edf funds to the eutf for africa used to address specific areas of concerns in the sahel and lake chad and horn of africa regions , including security challenges , essential stabilisation efforts and the response to the covid-19 pandemic;


### 66. expresses concerns about the financial contribution of the edf to the eutf bêkou to support the central african republic’s exit from the covid-19 crisis and its reconstruction and development , due to the control exercised by mercenaries from the wagner group over the central african armed forces; echoes the concerns that mercenaries from the wagner group were commanding units that the union had trained and notes the commission decision to temporarily suspend its military training mission; is worried by reports of systematic and serious human rights violations by the wagner group and calls on the commission to check that no funds were paid out directly or indirectly to the wagner group; ### 66. expresses concerns about the financial contribution of the edf to the eutf bêkou to support the central african republic’s exit from the covid-19 crisis and its reconstruction and development , due to the control exercised by mercenaries from the wagner group over the central african armed forces; recalls the parliament resolution human rights violations by private military and security companies , particularly the wagner group (2021/2982(rsp)) adopted 25.11.2021; reiterates its call on the commission to ensure that eu funds cannot under any circumstances be used by recipient countries to fund private military companies with such human rights violations records; calls on the commission to raise this topic in its bilateral dialogue with all relevant countries and encourages states to be fully transparent with regard to contracting military support services , especially as regards the number , tasks and chains of command of pmscs present on their territories , as well as the equipment used to fulfil their contracts;


### 67. notes that the mid-term evaluation of the eutf for africa was concluded in 2020; notes the main findings of the evaluation report and expresses concerns about some of the critical aspects highlighted therein , namely the fact that despite significant resources allocated for addressing irregular migration , the most appropriate means for addressing it , which is the main objective of the edfs , was not well defined , leading to a situation in which the eutf for africa has focused on migration to europe rather than the broad migration and development agenda; is worried by one of the main findings of the evaluation report , namely that the eutf for africa , as a short-term instrument , is not an appropriate vehicle for addressing the root causes of major societal problems; requests the commission to respond to that concerns in the remaining implementation period , making sure to have more focused activities to eradicate poverty in line with the edfs’ main objective; ### deleted


### 68. is also worried that the eutf for africa has managed to make modest contributions to increased economic opportunities and employment; supports the recommendation , set out in the evaluation report , to request that union support to economic opportunities and employment creation be integrated with local labour market dynamics and actors; ### 68. notes that the mid-term evaluation of the eutf for africa was concluded in 2020; is worried that the eutf for africa has managed to make modest contributions to increased economic opportunities and employment; supports the recommendation , set out in the evaluation report , to request that union support to economic opportunities and employment creation be integrated with local labour market dynamics and actors;


### 70. supports strongly the request for an ex-post evaluation to be conducted at least one year after all eutf for africa activities have been completed; ### 70. supports strongly the request for an ex-post evaluation (including on the performance) to be conducted at least one year after all eutf for africa activities have been completed;


### 73. recalls , once more , that good governance , the rule of law and the respect for human rights are unavoidable preconditions for aid effectiveness; calls on the commission to closely monitor the situation of the rule of law and the respect for human rights in recipient countries when approving financial aid; invites the commission to make more stringent use of the clause included in the financial agreements with partner countries that enables the commission to suspend or to terminate the agreement in the event of the breach of an obligation relating to respect for human rights , democratic principles and the rule of law; ### 73. recalls , once more , that good governance , the rule of law and the respect for human rights are unavoidable preconditions for aid effectiveness; calls on the commission to closely monitor the situation of the rule of law , compliance with international treaties and bilateral agreements and the respect for human rights in recipient countries when approving financial aid; invites the commission to make more stringent use of the clause included in the financial agreements with partner countries that enables the commission to suspend or to terminate the agreement in the event of the breach of an obligation relating to respect for human rights , democratic principles and the rule of law;


### 75. acknowledges that the edfs mainly focus on continental african countries and considers that insular countries , some of the acp countries and , in particular , small island developing states should not be side-lined in terms of political objectives and projects; calls on the commission to implement more synergies and greater coherence with the union’s internal and horizontal policies related to small island developing states , the outermost countries and territories of the union and the outermost regions of the union; ### 75. calls on the commission to implement more synergies and greater coherence with the union’s climate specific policy related to small island developing states;


### 77. notes that with the new funding mechanism for development cooperation , the ndici , all earlier funding options are consolidated in one instrument and part of the union’s annual budget and the 2021-2027 mff period; recalls that the integration of the edfs into the union budget was a longstanding demand of parliament and that the budgetary principles , in particular those of the unity and annuality of the budget , have been reinforced; notes that the ndici is currently the main financial instrument for the union’s external action , with an overall allocation of eur 79 ,5 billion (in current prices) for the 2021-2027 period; notes that the ndici simplifies the union’s external funding and covers cooperation with all third countries , with the exception of countries linked to union pre-accession (in the western balkans) and turkey; notes , moreover , that development spending will therefore also be fully covered by the democratic scrutiny of parliament; also welcomes the fact that under the ndici , octs will benefit from increased funds within the union budget; ### 77. notes that the ndici is currently the main financial instrument for the union’s external action , with an overall allocation of eur 79 ,5 billion (in current prices) for the 2021-2027 period; notes that the ndici simplifies the union’s external funding and covers cooperation with all third countries , with the exception of countries linked to union pre-accession (in the western balkans) and turkey; notes , moreover , that development spending will therefore also be fully covered by the democratic scrutiny of parliament;


### 78. notes that the commission is committed to enhancing the policy coherence between internal and external action; highlights the need for stronger coherence of union action in the acp region , making sure that priority is given to the development objectives and that policies towards the octs are linked to the development of their border regions; ### 78. notes that the commission is committed to enhancing the policy coherence between internal and external action; highlights the need for stronger coherence of union action in the acp region , making sure that priority is given to the development objectives and that policies towards the octs are linked to the development of their border regions and are aligned with eu priorities;


### 79. notes with concerns that 73 ,3 % of the contracts with member states were signed with only 2 national development agencies (the french afd and the german giz); while recognising the expertise of those 2 agencies , considers that union development policy cannot be reduced to the vision of only 2 member states; welcomes the efforts of the commission in that regard , including the preparation of a study to understand the strength of each partner in the members states in order to evaluate how they could better contribute in the future; asks the commission to provide the discharge authority with that report as soon as it is available; ### 79. notes that 73 ,3% of the contracts with member states were signed with only 2 national development agencies (the french afd and the german giz); while recognising the expertise of those 2 agencies , considers that union development policy could be extended to several member states; welcomes the efforts of the commission in that regard , including the preparation of a study to understand the strength of each partner in the members states in order to evaluate how they could better contribute in the future; asks the commission to provide the discharge authority with that report as soon as it is available;


### 80. recognises that , in the context of a changing global environment , finding a strategic balance between addressing social , economic , demographic and environmental challenges , while retaining poverty reduction as the primary objective of union aid and development policy , will be a major challenge for the years ahead; underlines , in that context , that parliament’s competences and powers are of the uttermost relevance; ### deleted


### 14. notes from the court’s report that the joint undertaking has not planned to use all the modules of the e procurement platform due to its low number of high value procurement procedures; notes that the joint undertaking made to the most possible extent use of the various service level agreements already concluded with relevant commission services , as well as its private members and made use of inter-institutional framework contracts , and that in 2020 , the joint undertaking run very few procurement procedures mainly for low value contracts , as well as one re-opening of competition; ### 14. notes from the court’s report that the joint undertaking has not planned to use all the modules of the e procurement platform due to its low number of high value procurement procedures; nevertheless , in line with the principle of a single electronic data exchange , foreseen by the financial regulation , invites the joint undertaking to join the commission’s e procurement solution in order to ensure the competition on the broadest possible basis; notes that the joint undertaking made to the most possible extent use of the various service level agreements already concluded with relevant commission services , as well as its private members and made use of inter-institutional framework contracts , and that in 2020 , the joint undertaking run very few procurement procedures mainly for low value contracts , as well as one re-opening of competition;


### 12. welcomes the adoption in december 2020 of the strategy ‘towards 2024’ outlining the approach that the ombudsman will take during the 2020-2024 mandate to help create , to the greatest extent possible , a more accountable , transparent , ethical and effective union administration in order to face challenges such as union scepticism , policy challenges and the covid-19 recovery plan; considers this approach essential in order to ensure continued effectiveness and to increase public trust in the institution; ### 12. welcomes the adoption in december 2020 of the strategy ‘towards 2024’ outlining the approach that the ombudsman will take during the 2020-2024 mandate to help create , to the greatest extent possible , a more accountable , transparent , ethical and efficient union administration in order to face challenges such as union scepticism , policy challenges and the covid-19 recovery plan; considers this approach essential in order to ensure continued effectiveness and to increase public trust in the institution;


### 31. notes that a report on alleged harassment arising from the handling of a case in 2018 was submitted by a member of staff in late 2020 , was sent to olaf and is being investigated; expects that , in the meantime , the ombudsman has taken any measure necessary to protect the alleged victim; ### 31. notes that a report on alleged harassment arising from the handling of a case in 2018 was submitted by a member of staff in late 2020 , was sent to olaf and is being investigated; expects that , in the meantime , the ombudsman has taken any measure necessary to protect the alleged victim; recalls the importance of a compulsory training in the zero-harassment policy for staff;


### 39. is aware of the fact that the ombudsman’s meetings are published on its website; encourages the ombudsman to link the host of the events and the participants of the meetings to the transparency register; ### 39. is aware of the fact that the ombudsman’s meetings are published on its website; strongly encourages the ombudsman to link the host of the events and the participants of the meetings to the transparency register;


### 14. notes , that regulation (eu , euratom) 2018/1046 requires that all eu institutions and bodies , including joint undertakings , design and implement solutions for the submission , storage and processing of data submitted in award procedures , and to that end , put in place a single “electronic data interchange area” for participants; notes that the commission is developing the eprocurement solution with the integrated funding and tenders portal and the ted etendering , where all published tenders are publicly accessible; notes that the eprocurement solution offers a harmonised approach and established corporate practices for procurement processes , supporting them through a fully integrated approach; notes , however , that the joint undertaking has not planned to use all modules of the platform due to their low number of high value procurement procedures; calls on the joint undertaking to report to the discharge authority in that regard; ### 14. notes , that regulation (eu , euratom) 2018/1046 requires that all eu institutions and bodies , including joint undertakings , design and implement solutions for the submission , storage and processing of data submitted in award procedures , and to that end , put in place a single “electronic data interchange area” for participants; notes that the commission is developing the eprocurement solution with the integrated funding and tenders portal and the ted etendering , where all published tenders are publicly accessible; notes that the eprocurement solution offers a harmonised approach and established corporate practices for procurement processes , supporting them through a fully integrated approach; notes , however , that the joint undertaking has not planned to use all modules of the platform due to their low number of high value procurement procedures; invites the joint undertaking to join the commission’s eprocurement solution in line with the principle of a single electronic data exchange , foreseen by regulation (eu , euratom) 2018/1046 , thus ensuring that their procurements are subject to competition on the broadest possible basis; calls on the joint undertaking to report to the discharge authority in that regard;


### 16. notes that these recruitments were finalised over the past years and an efficient use of reserve lists was fundamental to ensure timely replacement of staff leaving the joint undertaking in 2019; notes , moreover , that in order to cope with the peak period of workload , the joint undertaking concluded – via the commission framework contract for interim services - several short-term contracts for interim services to address specific needs of the programme office; ### 16. notes that these recruitments were finalised over the past years and an efficient use of reserve lists was fundamental to ensure timely replacement of staff leaving the joint undertaking in 2019; notes , moreover , that in order to cope with the peak period of workload , the joint undertaking concluded – via the commission framework contract for interim services - several short-term contracts for interim services to address specific needs of the programme office; emphasises , however , that the use of interim staff should remain a temporary solution otherwise it could negatively affect the joint undertaking’s overall performance , such as the retention of key competences , unclear accountability channels , and lower staff efficiency;


### 16. notes with satisfaction that the cjeu has managed to maintain a high level of productivity despite the covid-19 pandemic; observes a decrease in the number of cases pending before the court of justice (1 045 cases on 31 december 2020 compared to 1 102 cases on 31 december 2019 , thus a decrease of 57 cases); acknowledges that such decrease is a result of the slowdown in the activity of the national courts and tribunals at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic and , therefore , in the number of new references for a preliminary ruling (556 in 2020 compared to 641 in 2019) , together with the decline in the number of appeals against decisions of the general court (131 in 2020 compared to 266 in 2019); ### 16. notes with satisfaction that the cjeu has managed to maintain a high level of productivity despite the covid-19 pandemic; observes a minor decrease in the number of cases pending before the court of justice (1 045 cases on 31 december 2020 compared to 1 102 cases on 31 december 2019 , thus a decrease of 57 cases); acknowledges that such decrease is a result of the slowdown in the activity of the national courts and tribunals at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic and , therefore , in the number of new references for a preliminary ruling (556 in 2020 compared to 641 in 2019) , together with the decline in the number of appeals against decisions of the general court (131 in 2020 compared to 266 in 2019);


### 29. notes that an administrative inquiry was launched in response to one complaint introduced in 2020 alleging moral and sexual harassment; expects that , in the meantime , the cjeu has taken any measure necessary to protect the alleged victim; ### 29. notes that an administrative inquiry was launched in response to one complaint introduced in 2020 alleging moral and sexual harassment; expects that , in the meantime , the cjeu has taken any measure necessary to protect the alleged victim; calls on the cjeu to inform the discharge authority about the outcome of the case;


### 32. notes that , following a report in 2019 , an internal inquiry was ordered under the cjeu’s internal rules on whistleblowing which found that , based on the information available , it was not possible to conclude that the accusations were founded; is aware that national proceedings in relation to the alleged facts are ongoing; calls on the cjeu to monitor the final decision of the national proceedings in case it is necessary to reopen the internal inquiry; ### 32. notes that , following a report in 2019 , an internal inquiry was ordered under the cjeu’s internal rules on whistleblowing which found that , based on the information available , it was not possible to conclude that the accusations were founded; is aware that national proceedings in relation to the alleged facts are ongoing; calls on the cjeu to monitor the final decision of the national proceedings in case it is necessary to reopen the internal inquiry and to inform the discharge authority about the state of the inquiry;


### 37. acknowledges the efforts made by the cjeu to increase transparency and accessibility on information about external activities of its members; is aware that the cjeu is developing a tool which would allow , without weighing on the resources of the services , the multilingual publication of such activities to be maintained while integrating additional information requested by parliament; notes that that tool is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2022; ### 37. acknowledges the efforts made by the cjeu to increase transparency and accessibility on information about external activities of its members; is aware that the cjeu is developing a tool which would allow , without weighing on the resources of the services , the multilingual publication of such activities to be maintained while integrating additional information requested by parliament; notes that that tool is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2022 and calls on the cjeu to inform the discharge authority about the progress achieved;


### 62. notes the cooperation between the gis (inter-institutional security group) and the legal services of the luxembourg-based union institutions , on the one hand , and the luxembourg authorities and law enforcement agencies , on the other hand , regarding security background checks on the staff of contractors; ### 62. welcomes the cooperation between the gis (inter-institutional security group) and the legal services of the luxembourg-based union institutions , on the one hand , and the luxembourg authorities and law enforcement agencies , on the other hand , regarding security background checks on the staff of contractors;


### 69. notes that collaboration with national magistrates via seminars , visits and other official events were substantially affected by the pandemic outbreak , resulting in disruption and cancellations due to sanitary restrictions; ### 69. notes that collaboration with national magistrates via seminars , visits and other official events were substantially affected by the pandemic outbreak , resulting in disruption and cancellations due to sanitary restrictions; encourages the cjeu to continue to explore technical solutions to enhance that collaboration also beyond the context of the pandemic;


### 9. notes that the fch2 maintained the position of “service knowledge management” with constant assignments to interim staff for a period of around 2.5 years due to the request of the fch2 governing board to enhance the role of knowledge management and that , according to the commission’s framework contract for interim services the use of interim staff , however , is limited to office work of a one-off or temporary nature , arising from an exceptional increase in workload and/or the performance of a one-off activity , or to fill a vacant post pending the recruitment of a permanent staff member and that that the fch2 practice is against this principle and in fact creates a permanent post , in addition to those foreseen in the staff establishment plans; notes the fch2’s reply that the interim staff was needed to face the turnover for the post of knowledge management officer between the years 2015 to 2020 and that that explains partly the need for interim staff to ensure continuity of the service , and that furthermore , the fch2 could only ensure the consequent increased workload with interim staff , following the special request of its governing board; calls on the fch2 to report to the discharge authority any development in that regard; ### 9. notes that the fch2 maintained the position of “service knowledge management” with constant assignments to interim staff for a period of around 2.5 years due to the request of the fch2 governing board to enhance the role of knowledge management and that , according to the commission’s framework contract for interim services the use of interim staff , however , is limited to office work of a one-off or temporary nature , arising from an exceptional increase in workload and/or the performance of a one-off activity , or to fill a vacant post pending the recruitment of a permanent staff member and that that the fch2 practice is against this principle and in fact creates a permanent post , in addition to those foreseen in the staff establishment plans; notes the fch2’s reply that the interim staff was needed to face the turnover for the post of knowledge management officer between the years 2015 to 2020 and which explains partly the need for interim staff to ensure continuity of the service , and that furthermore , the fch2 could only ensure the consequent increased workload with interim staff , following the special request of its governing board; emphasises however that the use of interim staff should remain a temporary solution otherwise it could negatively affect the fch2’s overall performance , such as the retention of key competences , unclear accountability channels , and lower staff efficiency; calls on the fch2 to report to the discharge authority any development in that regard;


### 13. welcomes that following the “innovative 2019” exercise , aiming at fostering simplification and modernisation of working procedures and processes , several actions were launched in 2020 , in particular the centralisation of high-value calls for tenders , the treasury functions and the payment of individual entitlements; notes that in 2020 some operations , in particular pre-award matters for all procurement procedures , have been increasingly centralised at hq level to improve the quality of the procurement procedures and to alleviate the workload of the delegations; notes with satisfaction that the full centralisation is expected during year 2021; supports the planned workload assessment on delegations in 2022 as an appropriate review mechanism to help prioritise resources and organisational aspects of the delegation network; ### 13. welcomes that following the “innovative 2019” exercise , aiming at fostering simplification and modernisation of working procedures and processes , several actions were launched in 2020 , in particular the centralisation of high-value calls for tenders , the treasury functions and the payment of individual entitlements; notes that in 2020 some operations , in particular pre-award matters for all procurement procedures , have been increasingly centralised at hq level to improve the quality of the procurement procedures and to alleviate the workload of the delegations; notes with satisfaction that the full centralisation is expected during year 2021; supports the planned workload assessment on delegations in 2022 as an appropriate review mechanism to help prioritise resources and organisational aspects of the delegation network; points out in this regard the need for the eeas to continue its efforts in order to achieve the simplification of budget lines;


### 30. welcomes the many actions launched by eeas to reach the gender balance , as well as to create an open and inclusive working environment , to integrate result-oriented and flexible working conditions incorporating work-life balance; welcomes specific actions like networking for women in pre-management positions and tailored programmes for women in middle-management positions as a talent-base for future senior management posts , mandatory training on unconscious bias for members of recruitment panels , enhanced coordination with member states to encourage more female candidates and support spouses seeking to find employment in third countries; applauds that , to further improve gender mainstreaming , a gender auditing of internal policies is ongoing , and asks the eeas to report to parliament about the recommendations and follow up to promote a strong gender-responsive leadership; ### 30. welcomes the many actions launched by eeas to reach the gender balance , as well as to create an open and inclusive working environment , to integrate result-oriented and flexible working conditions incorporating work-life balance; welcomes specific actions like networking for women in pre-management positions and tailored programmes for women in middle-management positions as a talent-base for future senior management posts , mandatory training on unconscious bias for members of recruitment panels , enhanced coordination with member states to encourage more female candidates and support spouses seeking to find employment in third countries; applauds that , to further improve gender mainstreaming , a gender auditing of internal policies is ongoing , and asks the eeas to report to parliament about the recommendations and follow up to promote a strong gender-responsive leadership; underlines that this a recurrent issue and reiterates the call for the eeas to continue its efforts to achieve gender balance at all hierarchical levels and welcomes actions such as the mandatory presence of both genders on selection panels , the active encouragement of female applicants for all managerial positions , specific training sessions for female staff who wish to prepare for a managerial career and more flexible working arrangement.


### 31. is concerned by the lack of gender balance across the applications for management posts , where only 27 % of applicants were women; observes that women made up 53 % of the applicants for heads of administration , 82 % of applicants for assistant to head of delegation and 100 % of applicants for assistant to deputy head of delegation; calls on the eeas to exploring strategies to encourage and facilitate female candidates to apply for management posts; insists on encouraging member states to put forward qualified women for management positions , including senior management positions; ### 31. is concerned by the lack of gender balance across the applications for management posts , where only 27 % of applicants were women; observes that women made up 53 % of the applicants for heads of administration , 82 % of applicants for assistant to head of delegation and 100 % of applicants for assistant to deputy head of delegation; calls on the eeas to exploring strategies to encourage and facilitate female candidates to apply for management posts; insists on encouraging member states to put forward qualified women for management positions , including senior management positions; encourages the eeas to better promoting its carrer opportunities and vacancies among national diplomats , international studies professionals , academia and civil society;


### 34. is aware of the eeas efforts to achieve a meaningful geographical representation while respecting the competences and merits of candidates and reiterates , in this regard , the necessary provision of additional snes to face the eeas’ increasing workload; observes that at the end of 2020 eeas staff included nationals from all member states and welcomes the efforts made by the eeas to keep the human resources network of member states informed about the composition of staff , to publish vacancies and to promote national efforts to increase the number of candidates; ### 34. reiterates its concern about the geographical imbalances in the composition of the eeas staff as it is a recurrent issue , especially concerning the positions of heads of delegations , middle and senior management; is aware of the eeas efforts to achieve a meaningful geographical representation while respecting the competences and merits of candidates and reiterates , in this regard , the necessary provision of additional snes to face the eeas’ increasing workload; observes that at the end of 2020 eeas staff included nationals from all member states and welcomes the efforts made by the eeas to keep the human resources network of member states informed about the composition of staff , to publish vacancies and to promote national efforts to increase the number of candidates;


### 35. considers it important to ensure a balanced representation of countries that joined the union after 2004 or later (eu13) and thus , welcomes that the number of staff from these member states at the end of 2020 had increased by 6 % compared to the previous year; points out that the share of eu13 in the eeas staff is 23 % at the end of 2020 , which is more than the share within the union population , which corresponds to 20 %; ### 35. considers it important to ensure a balanced representation of countries that joined the union after 2004 or later (eu13) and thus , welcomes that the number of staff from these member states at the end of 2020 had increased by 6 % compared to the previous year; underlines , however , that considerable discrepancies between the representation at management level of countries with comparable population size persists; regrets that only 30 management positions (33 in 2019) from 267 positions are held by citizens of the eu 13 , less than the 3 biggest member states taken individually; stresses that the eeas , like all union institutions , must ensure that all member states are proportionally represented while at the same time respecting the competences and merits of the candidates; calls on the eeas to make significant progress and to enhance the geographical balance in order to have a proper representation of nationals from all member states , reflecting their diversity , as indicated in the article 27 of the staff regulations;


### 42. notes that the eeas administration handled four formal requests for assistance which concerned allegations of harassment , out of which three cases have been closed without any sanction , while the opinion of the disciplinary board has been requested for the last case; asks the eeas to report on this case in due time; commends that in 2020 the eeas launched its first-ever mandatory training for managers on how to create a harassment-free work environment; ### 42. notes that the eeas administration handled four formal requests for assistance which concerned allegations of harassment , out of which three cases have been closed without any sanction , while the opinion of the disciplinary board has been requested for the last case; asks the eeas to report on this case in due time; commends that in 2020 the eeas launched its first-ever mandatory training for managers on how to create a harassment-free work environment; encourages the eeas to continue to organise systematic training and awareness sessions in the area of proper conduct of its staff; believes that such sessions should be part of compulsory training for newly recruited staff;


### 45. calls on the eeas to monitor the positions of the former heads of delegations , given their sensitive political role and functions in host countries; invites the eeas to systematically review potentially problematic transitions to the private sector or to third country organisations and to continue monitoring the occupation of the former senior officials until the end of the mandatory cooling-off period; ### 45. calls on the eeas to monitor the positions of the former heads of delegations , given their sensitive political role and functions in host countries; invites the eeas to systematically review potentially problematic transitions to the private sector or to third country organisations and to continue monitoring the occupation of the former senior officials until the end of the mandatory cooling-off period , as unaddressed conflict-of-interest situations may compromise the enforcement of high ethical standards throughout the union administration;


### 48. notes that the eeas does not hold meetings with organisations and self-employed individuals qualified as lobbyists in line with article 11 teu; encourages the eeas to nevertheless explore the possibility of joining the union’s transparency register , on the basis of a service level agreement; ### 48. notes that the eeas does not hold meetings with organisations and self-employed individuals qualified as lobbyists in line with article 11 teu; strongly encourages the eeas to nevertheless explore the possibility of joining the union’s transparency register , on the basis of a service level agreement , in order to improve transparency by disclosing all meetings with all lobby organisations that try to influence decisions and policy implementation processes;


### 49. observes that eeas has received 20 requests for information from olaf related to possible cases of fraud , involving union staff or external actors and in the case of five of them olaf decided to open an investigation; observes that the ombudsman has handled 14 cases concerning eeas without issuing any recommendation; welcomes that cooperation with the eppo is being explored on the advice and with the support of olaf; ### 49. observes that eeas has received 20 requests for information from olaf related to possible cases of fraud , involving union staff or external actors and in the case of five of them olaf decided to open an investigation; observes that the ombudsman has handled 14 cases concerning eeas without issuing any recommendation; welcomes that cooperation with the eppo is being explored on the advice and with the support of olaf; invites eeas to intensify the cooperation with eppo and to integrate it as a component of its general anti-fraud strategy;


### 58. underlines that during the covid-19 pandemic , the union institutions observed a 600 % increase in cyber-attacks; welcomes the several initiatives launched by the eeas to raise security awareness and promote a security culture across the institution , such security campaigns , training of members of staff to detect security threats and providing guidance on how to mitigate threats or reduce their impact; supports the eeas in increasing its safety measures protecting both members of staff and the eeas’s digital infrastructure from external threats and attacks; ### 58. underlines that during the covid-19 pandemic , the union institutions observed a 600 % increase in cyber-attacks; welcomes the several initiatives launched by the eeas to raise security awareness and promote a security culture across the institution , such security campaigns , training of members of staff to detect security threats and providing guidance on how to mitigate threats or reduce their impact; supports the eeas in increasing its safety measures protecting both members of staff and the eeas’s digital infrastructure from external threats and attacks; stresses that the eeas needs adequate personnel , procedures , infrastructure , tools in order to reducing the security risks , especially related to cybersecurity;


### e. whereas the implementation of the rrf will increase the pressure on national administrations in the coming years , as it coincides with the 2021-2027 spending programmes , and whereas the member states will need to master different management modes linked to the implementation of the various funds; ### e. whereas the implementation of the rrf will increase the pressure on european and national administrations in the coming years , as it coincides with the 2021-2027 spending programmes , and whereas the member states will need to master different management modes linked to the implementation of the various funds and the commission will need to improve its monitoring skills;


### h. whereas the diversity of legal and administrative systems in the member states needs to be adequately addressed in order to overcome irregularities and combat fraud and corruption; ### h. whereas the diversity of legal and administrative systems in the member states is a disadvantage and whereas it needs to be adequately addressed to be able to create more unified , interoperable and comparable administrative and reporting systems in the eu to effectively prevent and fight in order to overcome irregularities and combat fraud and corruption;


### l. whereas the commission’s knowledge of the extent , nature , and causes of fraud is somewhat limited and many potential frauds are not reported through the irregularity management system; whereas corruption undermines citizens’ trust in the eu and represents a burden on the eu economy , as well as posing a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in the eu; ### l. whereas the commission’s knowledge of the extent , nature , and causes of fraud is somewhat limited and many potential frauds are not reported through the irregularity management system; whereas corruption undermines citizens’ trust in the eu and jeopardise the union’s financial interests and the eu economy as a whole , as well as posing a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in the eu;


### n. whereas the unprecedented increase in eu spending under the nextgenerationeu (ngeu) recovery plan offers significant potential for misuse of funds by organised criminals; ### n. whereas the unprecedented increase in eu spending under multiannual framework 2021-2027 the nextgenerationeu (ngeu) recovery plan offers significant potential for misuse of funds by organised criminals; however the commission is capable of monitoring approximately 10% of all expenditures;


### 17. stresses that corruption is a particularly serious crime with a cross-border dimension , whose impact affects the union’s financial interests and the eu economy as a whole , representing a serious threat to democracy , fundamental rights and the rule of law across europe , undermining citizens’ trust in democratic institutions in the eu and in the member states; ### 17. stresses that corruption , especially high level corruption is a particularly serious crime with a cross-border possibilities , whose impact affects the union’s financial interests and the eu economy as a whole , representing a serious threat to democracy , fundamental rights and the rule of law across europe , undermining citizens’ trust in democratic institutions in the eu and in the member states;


### 46. acknowledges , on customs-related matters , the extremely close operational coordination between olaf , euipo , interpol and the world customs organization (wco); ### 46. acknowledges , on customs-related matters , the extremely close operational coordination between olaf , euipo , interpol and the world customs organization (wco); regrets the weakness of the alert systems of the member states;


### 50. underlines the important role the member states play in protecting the union’s financial interests; is aware that , under the new delivery model adopted with the rrf , the member states have the biggest responsibility in preventing and countering fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest and double funding; believes that cooperation between the eu and the national authorities is essential for proper delivery; ### 50. underlines the important role the member states play in protecting the union’s financial interests; is aware that , under the new delivery model adopted with the rrf , the member states have increased responsibility in preventing and countering fraud , corruption , conflicts of interest and double funding; however , it believes that the european level of protection is also crucial for the protection of the eu’s financial interest and believes that cooperation between the eu and the national authorities is essential for proper delivery;


### 51. believes that uneven and fragmentary legislation across eu member states represents an obstacle to the effectiveness of the protection of the union’s financial interests; ### 51. believes that uneven and fragmentary legislations , controlling mechanisms and reporting systems across eu member states represent obstacles to the effectiveness of the protection of the union’s financial interests;


### 61. recalls that member states’ ineffective or untimely cooperation with the eppo and olaf constitutes grounds for action under the conditionality regulation , therefore calls on the eppo and olaf to report each case of lack of compliance with the member states’ obligations to inform , to assist , to take appropriate action and precautionary measures and to ensure appropriate and timely follow up of reports and recommendations; ### 61. recalls that member states’ ineffective or untimely cooperation or non-cooperation with the eppo and olaf constitutes grounds for action under the conditionality regulation , therefore calls on the eppo and olaf to report each case of lack of compliance with the member states’ obligations to inform , to assist , to take appropriate action and precautionary measures and to ensure appropriate and timely follow up of reports and recommendations;


### 10. notes with concern , the specific finding by the court , in its annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 , of errors in two payments (i) an over-payment for it-services caused by an incorrect application of contract terms and (ii) an incorrect payment of a subsistence allowance to a member , following a mistake in an attendance list; regrets that the control system in place did not prevent nor detect those mistakes; calls on parliament to implement the necessary changes to ensure that it only pays daily allowances to members who qualify for them by the end of 2022 and to inform parliament’s budget control committee when those changes will enter into force; ### 10. notes with concern , the specific finding by the court , in its annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2020 , of errors in two payments (i) an over-payment for it-services caused by an incorrect application of contract terms and (ii) an incorrect payment of a subsistence allowance to a member , following a mistake in an attendance list; regrets that the control system in place did not prevent nor detect those mistakes; calls on parliament to explain how these mistakes arose and measures taken to correct them and to ensure that they cannot happen again in the future and to ensure that it only pays daily allowances to members who qualify for them by the end of 2022;


### 12. emphasises that the court examined more in particular the eu institutions’ public procurement procedures for the purchase of personal protective equipment for their members of staff in 2020; notes that the court checked three procurement procedures organised by parliament to purchase protective masks , temperature detectors and covid-19 tests; stresses that the court , in one case related to the purchase of fabric masks , found that the requirements set by parliament in the tender specifications were too broad to allow assessment of compliance , and that the successful bidders did not include full evidence in their offer that all minimum quality requirements were met at the time of contracting , such as evidence related to compliance with technical specifications or to the durability of masks; highlights that the offers were accepted nonetheless; acknowledges that the urgent procurement of equipment in the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic was challenging due to surging demand and competition between contracting authorities and countries; ### 12. emphasises that the court examined more in particular the eu institutions’ public procurement procedures for the purchase of personal protective equipment for their members of staff in 2020; notes that the court checked three procurement procedures organised by parliament to purchase protective masks , temperature detectors and covid-19 tests; underlines that the urgent procurement of equipment in the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic was challenging due to surging demand and competition between contracting authorities and countries; notes that the court , in one case related to the purchase of fabric masks , found that the requirements set by parliament in the tender specifications were too broad to allow assessment of compliance , and that the successful bidders did not include full evidence in their offer that all minimum quality requirements were met at the time of contracting , such as evidence related to compliance with technical specifications or to the durability of masks;


### 17. regrets that , pursuant to article 3(3) of the charter of the internal auditor adopted by the bureau on 14 january 2019 , “the activities of the internal auditor do not extend to the amounts paid to political groups for current administrative expenditure and expenditure relating to their political and information activities (currently budget item 400)”; calls on the bureau to amend the rules on the use of appropriations from budget item 400 and to adopt an amendment to the charter of the internal auditor to ensure that payments from budget item 400 are included in the scope of the internal audit; ### deleted


### 19. expresses its concern that decisions calling for different rules or measures to be implemented by parliament , passed by the plenary , are not taken up by the bureau; expresses its strong view that all discharge decisions passed by the plenary should be thoroughly followed up by both the bureau , pursuant to rule 25 of and annex v to the rules of procedure and article 6 and 166 of the financial regulation , as well as by parliament’s administration; ### 19. notes that once the plenary calls for different rules or measures to be implemented by parliament , such proposed rules or measures are discussed and voted on by the bureau; pursuant to rule 25 of and annex v to the rules of procedure and article 6 and 166 of the financial regulation;


### 22. notes with concern that the minutes of the bureau are often published with months of delay; recalls that minutes of bureau meetings , once approved by the bureau , should be made accessible without delay on both parliament’s intranet and internet site; asks the administration to consider approving bureau minutes in written procedure to prevent a de facto delay of publication of at least one month until the bureau reconvenes to approve the minutes; ### 22. asks the administration to consider approving bureau minutes in written procedure to prevent a de facto delay of publication of at least one month until the bureau reconvenes to approve the minutes , and once adopted for the minutes to be made accessible without delay on both parliament’s intranet and internet site;


### 26. welcomes the fact that strasbourg part-sessions were suspended for the most part in the year 2020 and that digitalised processes included the organisation of remote meetings and remote voting systems in plenary and parliamentary committees; calls on the president of the parliament to allow for a remote participation of members until the covid-19 pandemic is brought to safe levels; ### 26. notes the fact that digitalised processes included the organisation of remote meetings and remote voting systems in plenary and parliamentary committees , allowing the parliament to continue its work; calls on the president of the parliament to allow for the option of remote participation of members until the covid-19 pandemic is brought to safe levels;


### 28. stresses the serious risks of hearing problems as a result of extended working arrangements for parliament’s interpreters having to rely on often very poor sound coming from remote-mode interventions; calls on the bureau to ensure that the sound quality on the remote participation tool fulfils all relevant iso standards without any further delay and , if necessary , make the use of adequate hearing and speaking equipment a precondition for participants’ contributions in meetings to be interpreted; ### 28. stresses the serious risks of hearing problems as a result of extended working arrangements for parliament’s interpreters having to rely on often very poor sound coming from remote-mode interventions; underlines the efforts made by the interpreters in that regard and calls on the bureau to ensure a good sound quality on the remote participation tool; calls on members to use the professional microphones issued by the parliament;


### 29. regrets that voting remotely is currently not provided for under parliament’s rules of procedure unless the president establishes the existence of extraordinary circumstances; ### 29. recalls that voting remotely is currently not provided for under parliament’s rules of procedure unless the president establishes the existence of extraordinary circumstances;


### 30. deplores the fact that there is no system in place to ensure that members who are temporarily absent for a justified reason , such as maternity leave , parental leave , long-term sick leave or career’s leave , can continue to carry out their core duties , first and foremost to speak in debates and to vote; calls on the committee on constitutional affairs to provide for the continuation of remote participation and for providing for the substitution of a member - whether female or male - while on parental leave and in the above mentioned cases; ### 30. notes the fact that there is no system in place to ensure that members who are temporarily absent for a justified reason can continue to carry out their core duties , first and foremost to speak in debates and to vote; recalls that the situation for national members of parliament in these same situations differs between member states; calls on the committee on constitutional affairs to reflect on the option of providing for the continuation of remote participation and for providing for the substitution of a member while revising the electoral legislation;


### 31. welcomes parliament’s efforts to provide daily solidarity meals and shelters for vulnerable women in the three places of work , as decided by the bureau; further welcomes that around 65 drivers volunteered to drive doctors , nurses and other medical staff to their night shifts in hospital in the first year of the covid-19 pandemic; ### 31. welcomes parliament’s efforts , and particularly the personal engagement of former president sassoli in this issue , to provide daily solidarity meals and shelters for vulnerable women in the three places of work , as decided by the bureau; further welcomes the fact that around 65 drivers volunteered to drive doctors , nurses and other medical staff to their night shifts in hospital in the first year of the covid-19 pandemic;


### 32. welcomes that parliament distributed reusable facial fabric masks to members of staff at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic; notes that ffp2/3 masks have subsequently been proven to provide a much higher protection from sars-cov-2; regrets that there is no general requirement to date to wear ffp 2/3 masks on parliament’s premises; ### 32. welcomes that parliament distributed reusable facial fabric masks to members of staff at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic; notes that ffp2/3 masks have subsequently been proven to provide a much higher protection from sars-cov-2;


### 33. stresses that parliament needs to be at the forefront of adopting more digital , flexible and energy-efficient working methods and meeting practices , learning from the experiences of the covid-19 pandemic and capitalising on the technology investments already implemented which contribute to a significantly reduced need for office space , electricity , water consumption and emissions due to less daily commuting; ### 33. stresses that parliament needs to be at the forefront of adopting more digital , flexible and energy-efficient working methods and meeting practices , learning from the experiences of the covid-19 pandemic and capitalising on the technology investments already implemented which contribute to a significantly reduced need for office space , electricity , water consumption and emissions due to less daily commuting , while also balancing the advantages of in-person work in parliament;


### 40. calls for the removal of remaining individual printers , encouraging parliament’s staff to use high quality printer stations shared by several offices; ### deleted


### 41. recalls that nearly two thirds of parliament’s carbon footprint originates from the transport of people; calls for the expansion of voluntary teleworking to more days and functions; calls for a preference to be given to hybrid or fully remote events and meetings , including for the provision of interpretation and for remote interpretation whenever possible; calls for a revision of mission rules by the end of 2022 to ensure a proper needs-based approval and a specific justification for authorisation for all missions , including requirements for low carbon transport modes; ### 41. recalls that nearly two thirds of parliament’s carbon footprint originates from the transport of people; calls for reflection on the expansion of voluntary teleworking to more days and functions; also calls to prioritise low carbon transport modes for missions;


### 43. calls for an appropriate increase in the number of car parking spaces reserved exclusively for electric vehicles; calls on parliament to set up an incentive scheme covering the full price of an annual brussels public transport ticket for all staff in return for their car parking vignette , followed by a reassessment of the overall number of parking spaces needed and the use of unused car parking to be turned into additional bicycle parking spaces; ### 43. calls for an appropriate increase in the number of car parking spaces for electric vehicles; calls for the creation of additional bicycle parking spaces; calls for the creation of adequate cargo bike parking spaces to ensure the regular bike parking spaces are accessible for regular bike riders;


### 45. welcomes the introduction of a wider and more sustainable food choice , including the introduction of a greater variety of vegetarian and vegan products , in parliament’s canteens; reiterates that plant-based food not only has health advantages but also has a much lower carbon footprint; calls on parliament to increase the variety of vegetarian and vegan meals further and incentivise the consumption of such meals with a view to reducing the consumption of meat , fish and other animal-based products in parliament’s canteens as much as possible; ### 45. welcomes the introduction of a wider and more sustainable food choice , including the introduction of a greater variety of vegetarian and vegan products , in parliament’s canteens;


### 46. recalls the support by the vast majority of parliament for a single seat to ensure efficient spending of union taxpayers’ money and to assume its institutional responsibility to reduce its carbon footprint; recalls that parliament’s plenary has previously requested a debate on its right to determine its own working arrangements and committed itself to initiating an ordinary treaty revision procedure under article 48 of the treaty on the european union with a view to proposing changes necessary to the treaty on the functioning of the european union and protocol 6 to allow it to decide on the location of its seat and its internal organisation4 ; ### 46. recalls that according to the treaty on european union , strasbourg is the seat of parliament;


### 48. welcomes that ethical and transparency standards applicable to parliament are in many respects ahead of those applicable in the member state equivalents; regrets , however , that these are often not enforced in a satisfactory manner; considers that parliament should strive to lead by example with regards to setting europe-wide ethics and transparency standards; recalls that a lack of transparency , weak ethics rules and a lack of enforcement have the potential to compromise the integrity of the institution , lead to reputational risks for the parliament as a whole and ultimately damage citizens’ trust in the institution; emphasises the importance of addressing potential reputational risks before they materialise; ### 48. welcomes that ethical and transparency standards applicable to parliament are in many respects ahead of those applicable in the member state equivalents;