### (2) regulation (ec) no 1367/2006 of the european parliament and of the council4 was adopted in order to contribute to the implementation of the obligations arising under the aarhus convention by laying down rules on its application to union institutions and bodies. ### (2) regulation (ec) no 1367/2006 of the european parliament and of the council4 was adopted in order to contribute to the implementation of the obligations arising under the aarhus convention by laying down rules on its application to union institutions and bodies. this regulation therefore amends the regulation (ec) no 1367/2006 in order to implement article 9(3) and 9(4) of the convention.


### (4) taking into account the provisions of article 9(3) of the aarhus convention , as well as concerns expressed by the aarhus convention compliance committee5 , union law should be brought into compliance with the provisions of the aarhus convention on access to justice in environmental matters in a way that is compatible with the fundamental principles of union law and with its system of judicial review. ### (4) taking into account the provisions of article 9(3) of the aarhus convention , union law should be brought into compliance with the provisions of the aarhus convention on access to justice in environmental matters and the recommendations and findings of the aarhus convention compliance committee , including in cases accc/c/2008/32 and accc/c/2015/128 ,5 in a way that is compatible with the fundamental principles of union law and with its system of judicial review.


### — having regard to articles 192 and 194 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , ### — having regard to article 192 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) ,


### b. whereas the european climate law commits the eu to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 with increased emission reductions by 2030; whereas addressing energy-related methane emissions is a key component of the european green deal , as are measures in the agriculture and waste sectors; whereas the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions notes that the eu should also play a role in ensuring methane emission reductions at global level , as the largest global importer of fossil fuels and a significant player in the agriculture sector; ### b. whereas the european climate law commits the eu to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest with increased emission reductions by 2030; whereas addressing energy-related methane emissions is a key component of the european green deal , as are measures in the agriculture and waste sectors; whereas the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions notes that the eu should also play a role in ensuring methane emission reductions at global level , as the largest global importer of fossil fuels and a significant player in the agriculture sector;


### d. whereas cutting methane emissions can have a quicker impact on slowing the rate of global warming than reducing co2 emissions , since methane does not stay in the atmosphere for as long , and it could therefore be one of the most cost-effective strategies to rapidly reduce the rate of warming and avoid some tipping points for global warming; ### d. whereas according to the unep´s global methane assessment (2021) “reducing human-caused methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective strategies to rapidly reduce the rate of warming and contribute significantly to global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°c”;


### 1. welcomes the cross-sectoral approach outlined in the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions and fully supports a fair framework covering the agriculture , waste and energy sectors; ### 1. welcomes the cross-sectoral approach outlined in the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions and fully supports a fair and clear framework with binding measures and targets covering the agriculture , waste and energy sectors;


### 1. welcomes the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions; supports a clear pathway and framework to address methane emissions in a more comprehensive fashion across europe , by fostering synergies between sectors to strengthen the business case for capturing methane emissions; ### 1. welcomes the eu strategy to reduce methane (ch4) emissions as it is the second biggest contributor to the climate change after co2; underlines that according to the unep´s global methane assessment (2021) “reducing human-caused methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective strategies to rapidly reduce the rate of warming and contribute significantly to global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°c”; supports a clear pathway and legislative framework to cut methane emissions in a more comprehensive fashion and across all sectors , including energy , waste and agriculture as more than half of global methane emissions stem from human activities in these sectors with fossil fuels accounting for 35% of human-caused emissions , waste for 20% and agriculture for 40%; whereas in the eu the biggest sources of anthropogenic methane emissions are gas & oil sector (16 %) , waste sector (28 %) and agriculture (54%); believes that the legal framework should include binding methane emissions reduction targets;


### 2. underlines the importance of improving measurement , reporting and verification (mrv) as well as leak detection and repair (ldar) standards; ### 2. underlines the importance of improving measurement , reporting and verification (mrv) as well as leak detection and repair (ldar) standards in all sectors;


### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation could serve as a complementary tool; ### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions as part of overall greenhouse gas reductions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation should serve as a complementary tool taking into account the need to avoid unnecessary overlaps between the legislations; calls on the commission to assess the consistency of the national emission reduction commitments directive with meeting the eu´s air quality objectives as well as the union's 2030 climate goals and its objective of climate neutrality in 2050 at the latest , as enshrined in the european climate law , and to revise it accordingly as soon as possible;


### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation could serve as a complementary tool; ### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation should serve as a complementary tool;


### 4. stresses the importance of developing an inventory of best practices and available technologies to promote the wider uptake of innovative mitigating actions; ### 4. stresses the importance of developing an inventory of best practices and available technologies to promote the wider uptake of innovative mitigating actions across the eu and all relevant sectors;


### 5. stresses that the upcoming methane regulatory measures should strive to achieve emissions reductions as cost-effectively as possible and provide flexibility for companies to achieve performance standards in an optimal , technologically neutral manner , and at the lowest possible cost; ### 5. stresses that the upcoming methane regulatory measures should strive to achieve emissions reductions as cost-effectively as possible and provide incentives and support to companies while fully respecting the polluter pays principle; underlines that according to the unep´s global methane assessment (2021) approximately 60% of available targeted measures are low cost and 50% have negative costs , meaning that they pay for themselves quickly by saving companies money;


### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments; ### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions , but underlines that there are limits to what can be achieved through voluntary action alone and that regulatory measures are urgently needed to step up the reductions of methane emissions; believes that any regulatory initiatives should take into consideration best practices from existing voluntary actions and that impact assessments accompanying the legislative proposals must also take into consideration costs of inaction or delayed action;


### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments; ### 6. recognises the importance of and the need to support voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments and involve all the stakeholders in order to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed regulatory initiatives;


### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments; ### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions; stresses however that if industry overall fails to improve performance coming at no net cost , the regulatory measures should be introduced without delay , preceded by a thorough impact assessment which duly assesses also the cost of inaction and effectively applies the "do no significant harm" principle;


### 7. welcomes the upcoming legislative proposal on compulsory mrv for all energy-related methane emissions; ### 7. welcomes the upcoming legislative proposal on compulsory mrv and ldar for all energy-related methane emissions; believes in this context that specific attention should be paid to principles of accuracy , regularity and independence; believes , furthermore , that leak detection should be followed by a sound recordkeeping and a requirement to repair potential leaks within a clear time frame;


### 8. welcomes the commission’s proposal to consider legislation on venting and flaring in the energy sector covering , if feasible , the full supply chain; considers that existing national legislation addressing routine venting and flaring , taking into account complex safety and environmental aspects , must be taken into consideration when developing eu legislation; ### 8. notes that some non-eu countries have already introduced a ban on venting and flaring; believes that the commission should in the upcoming legislation on methane introduce an immediate ban on venting and flaring in the energy sector across the full supply chains; considers that national legislation addressing routine venting and flaring , taking into account complex safety and environmental aspects , must complement eu legislation;


### 9. acknowledges that imports comprise over four fifths of the oil and gas consumed in the eu and that most methane emissions associated with oil and gas occur outside eu borders; calls on the commission to explore regulatory tools for fossil energy imports , including extending forthcoming obligations on mrv , ldar , venting and flaring to imports; ### 9. acknowledges that imports comprise over four fifths of the oil and gas consumed in the eu and that most methane emissions associated with oil and gas occur outside eu borders; calls on the commission to avoid any delays and to design regulatory tools for fossil energy imports , including extending forthcoming obligations on mrv , ldar , and venting and flaring to whole supply chain including to imports; believes that a credible system has to be put in place to ensure compliance of imports with the eu requirements;


### 10. calls on the commission to support the establishment of an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level; ### 10. calls on the commission to support the establishment of an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level; believes that independent , comparable , verifiable and transparent emissions data are key to gain knowledge about the size of the emission problem and to combat under-estimation of the size and amount of leaks;


### 10. calls on the commission to support the establishment of an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level; ### 10. calls on the commission to support the establishment of an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level; stresses that availability of the detailed emissions data should lead to governments and regulators holding emitters accountable and help reverse the trend of increasing emissions rates;


### 11. welcomes the commission’s initiatives on the utilisation and mitigation of methane from coal mines; expresses its strong support for mandatory mrv for coal mine methane emissions , including the requirement for companies that own closed sites or member states (for abandoned mines where no existing owner is liable) to adopt the same mrv and ldar measures as for operating sites; ### 11. welcomes the commission’s initiatives on the utilisation and mitigation of methane from coal mines; expresses its strong support for mandatory mrv for coal mine methane emissions , including the requirement for companies that own closed sites or member states (for abandoned mines where no existing owner is liable) to adopt the same mrv and ldar measures as for operating sites; stresses that measures and activities to improve available datasets should follow the planned revision of e-prtr;


### agriculture ### agriculture and land use


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations that have the potential to deliver emission reductions decoupled from production are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; stresses that farmers should receive financial incentives to adopt mitigation practices within the horizon europe programme and the eri-funds;


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies taking into account national specificities , national strategic plans and the need to ensure sufficient financial support;


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace , but are unlikely on their own to solve the emissions problems associated with animal agricultural production; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into common agriculture policy;


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture and to utilise these for energy generation on-farm are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into the eu agricultural policy;


### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while protecting animal health and welfare; points especially to the need for multigenerational studies on feed additives; ### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while protecting animal health and welfare; points especially to the need for applying the precautionary principle and for multigenerational studies on feed additives; reminds that while methane emissions from ruminants may be reduced by the manipulation of factors , such as feed additives , levels of feed intake , types of carbohydrates in diet , improvements in animal welfare and - as underlined by the eu farm to fork strategy – a transition towards more sustainable livestock farming , more sustainable and plant-based diet are also necessary to reduce the environmental and climate impact of agricultural production;


### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while protecting animal health and welfare; points especially to the need for multigenerational studies on feed additives; ### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while protecting animal health and welfare; points especially to the need for multigenerational studies on feed additives and a revision of the feed additives regulation to streamline the current costly and inflexible authorisation process;


### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while protecting animal health and welfare; points especially to the need for multigenerational studies on feed additives; ### 13. underlines the key role that the eu should play in transition to diets less rich in meat and dairy , and at the same time supporting research , innovation and development , as well as in scaling up new technologies to help address methane emissions from livestock agriculture , while improving animal health and welfare;


### 14. calls on the commission to revise the sewage sludge directive7 and the urban waste water treatment directive8 in 2022; calls on the commission furthermore to be ambitious and to integrate a strong focus on methane emissions in the 2024 review of the landfill directive9 ; highlights the need for measures to require landfill sites to use the bio-methane they produce until its energy content drops below a useful value; ### 14. calls on the commission to revise the sewage sludge directive7 and the urban waste water treatment directive8 in 2022; calls on the commission furthermore to be ambitious and to integrate a strong focus on methane emissions in the upcoming revision of the industrial emissions directive (ied) and in the 2024 review of the landfill directive9 ; highlights the need for measures to require landfill sites to use the bio-methane they produce until its energy content drops below a useful value;


### 15. calls on the member states to fully comply with the existing requirements of the landfill directive , including the objective for 2035 , by which date the amount of municipal waste landfilled is to be reduced to 10 % or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated , by weight; calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure that member states that are likely to miss that target take corrective measures and actions; ### 15. regrets the lack of focus of the landfill directive on the prevention , therefore calls for its alignment with the overarching principles of the circular economy action plan; reiterates its call in resolution 2020/2077 on the new circular economy action plan that the 10% landfill target should be set on a baseline year as kg of waste per person per year , so that the combined effect of reduction , reuse , recycling and composting delivers the best environmental result , while minimising landfilling of residuals , as well as the call on the commission to propose targets to cap the generation of residual waste in the review of the waste directive and landfill directive foreseen for2024;


### 67. reiterates the need for targeted action , through a harmonised eu legal framework , against the spread of disinformation and hate speech on issues related to gender , lgbtiq+ people , minorities and refugees; reiterates its call on the commission to develop and implement strategies to hinder the financing of individuals and groups that actively spread or participate in information manipulation frequently targeted on the lgbtiq+ people , minorities and refugees and issues concerning them , in order to divide society; ### 67. reiterates the need for targeted action , through a harmonised eu legal framework , against the spread of disinformation and hate speech on issues related to gender , lgbtiq+ and roma people , minorities and refugees; reiterates its call on the commission to develop and implement strategies to hinder the financing of individuals and groups that actively spread or participate in information manipulation frequently targeted on the lgbtiq+ and roma people , minorities and refugees and issues concerning them , in order to divide society;


### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu3 has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards , but insists that these only become effective if they are fully enforced; considers that the eu needs to step up its efforts to ensure that animal welfare during transport is fully respected everywhere , at all times , and by every party concerned , from the origin until the final destination; ### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu3 has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards , but insists that these are not implemented adequately throughout the member states and they only become effective if they are reflecting the latest scientific knowledge , implemented in harmonized way and fully enforced;


### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu3 has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards , but insists that these only become effective if they are fully enforced; considers that the eu needs to step up its efforts to ensure that animal welfare during transport is fully respected everywhere , at all times , and by every party concerned , from the origin until the final destination; ### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu3 has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards , but insists that these only become effective if they are fully enforced; considers that the eu needs to step up its efforts to ensure that animal welfare during transport is fully respected in every member state , at all times , and by every party concerned , from the origin until the final destination;


### 26. considers that equipping the means of transport with a cctv system , with a particular focus on the loading and unloading operations , should be promoted for the sake of animal welfare protection and in order to safeguard operators who comply with the rules; stresses that data protection and privacy rights must be ensured by the competent authorities throughout the entire process; ### 26. considers that the equipping of means of transport with a cctv system , with a particular focus on the loading and unloading operations , should be promoted for the sake of animal welfare protection and in order to safeguard operators who comply with the rules; stresses that data protection and privacy rights , including those not involved in the transport of animals who may unknowingly be recorded must. be ensured by the competent authorities throughout the entire process;


### 35. highlights the complexity of the reporting systems , involving several entities at local and national level in each member state; is aware that this results in communication difficulties between central , regional and local authorities , and among member states; ### 35. highlights the complexity , ineffectiveness and poor digitalization of the reporting systems , involving several entities at local and national level in each member state; is aware that this results in communication difficulties between central , regional and local authorities , and among member states;


### a. whereas , following the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027 , the commission published a roadmap and launched a public consultation with a view to aligning the financial regulation , where appropriate , with the rules agreed by the legislator as part of the mff 2021-2027 package , and to proposing limited and targeted improvements required by the evolving situation , for instance following the covid-19 crisis or in the context of the growing opportunities for digitalisation; ### a. whereas , following the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027 , the commission published a roadmap and launched a public consultation with a view to aligning the financial regulation , where appropriate , with the rules agreed by the legislator as part of the mff 2021-2027 package , and to proposing limited and targeted improvements required by the evolving situation , for instance following the covid-19 crisis or in the context of the growing opportunities for digitalisation , as well as improvements regarding crisis management , administrative simplifications for eu funds recipients , and protection of eu financial interests in accordance with the general principles embedded in the union treaties , in particular the values laid down in article 2 teu , as well as in accordance with the principle of sound financial management enshrined in article 317 tfeu and in the rule of law conditionality regulation;


### a. whereas , following the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027 , the commission published a roadmap and launched a public consultation with a view to aligning the financial regulation , where appropriate , with the rules agreed by the legislator as part of the mff 2021-2027 package , and to proposing limited and targeted improvements required by the evolving situation , for instance following the covid-19 crisis or in the context of the growing opportunities for digitalisation; ### a. whereas , following the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027 , the commission published a roadmap and launched a public consultation with a view to aligning the financial regulation , where appropriate , with the rules agreed by the legislator as part of the mff 2021-2027 package , and to proposing limited and targeted improvements required by the evolving situation , for instance following the covid-19 crisis , in the context of the growing opportunities for digitalisation and further reduction of the administrative burden on the recipients of eu funds;


### 2. believes that the revision should seek to modernise the rules applicable to the eu budget in line with its latest evolutions and in line with the budgetary principles , and to increase parliamentary oversight , democratic accountability and the ability to respond to citizens’ needs; ### 2. believes that the revision should seek to modernise the rules applicable to the eu budget in line with its latest evolutions and in line with the budgetary principles , and to strengthen public procurement rules avoiding any potential conflict of interests , including professional conflict of interests , whether immediately apparent or not and to increase parliamentary oversight , democratic accountability and the ability to respond to citizens’ needs;


### 2. believes that the revision should seek to modernise the rules applicable to the eu budget in line with its latest evolutions and in line with the budgetary principles , and to increase parliamentary oversight , democratic accountability and the ability to respond to citizens’ needs; ### 2. believes that the revision should seek to modernise the rules applicable to the eu budget in line with its latest evolutions and in line with the budgetary principles , and to increase respect of the eu values , protection of the financial interests of the eu , parliamentary oversight , democratic accountability and the ability to respond to citizens’ needs quickly , particularly in times of crises;


### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications , in particular where they increase transparency and democratic scrutiny; ### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements; red tape reduction and simplifications , in particular where they increase transparency and democratic scrutiny; increase the accessibility to the eu funding for the citizens , smes , local and regional authorities;


### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications , in particular where they increase transparency and democratic scrutiny; ### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications , in particular where they improve accountability and increase transparency and democratic scrutiny;


### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications , in particular where they increase transparency and democratic scrutiny; ### 3. is of the opinion that , while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time , the financial regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications , in particular where they increase rule of law , transparency and democratic scrutiny;


### 4. notes that the number and scope of off-budget instruments have grown significantly in the past decade , and that ngeu has taken this practice to the next level , by greatly , if temporarily , increasing the magnitude of the eu budget in the form of external assigned revenue , and creating liabilities until 2058 through borrowing for lending and borrowing for direct eu expenditure; warns that these developments put at risk central budgetary principles such as unity and budgetary accuracy , equilibrium and universality; ### 4. notes that the number and scope of off-budget instruments have grown significantly in the past decade , and that ngeu has taken this practice to the next level , increasing the magnitude of the eu budget in the form of external assigned revenue; notes that ngeu , financed through the eu budget is the largest amount the eu has ever proposed to redress its economy after the impact of covid-19 pandemic; expresses its confidence that in crises , innovative instruments like ngeu will be used in order to enable the european union to act and support its member states; invites the commission to propose a more transparent system of governance for the off-budget instruments , that involves both arms of budgetary authority , the european parliament and the council; warns that the risks of fraud and misuse of these funds is significant; calls that the modifications of the financial regulation should reinforce the link between ngeu-funded recovery measures and the eu's objectives and values;


### 4. notes that the number and scope of off-budget instruments have grown significantly in the past decade , and that ngeu has taken this practice to the next level , by greatly , if temporarily , increasing the magnitude of the eu budget in the form of external assigned revenue , and creating liabilities until 2058 through borrowing for lending and borrowing for direct eu expenditure; warns that these developments put at risk central budgetary principles such as unity and budgetary accuracy , equilibrium and universality; ### 4. welcomes that ngeu has greatly increased the magnitude of the eu budget allowing the union to face one of its greatest challenges of its existence; notes that it has created liabilities until 2058 through borrowing for lending and borrowing for direct eu expenditure;


### 5. is concerned that these mechanisms pose a serious challenge to the ability of the parliament to fulfil its decision-making , scrutiny and discharge functions; strongly believes that eu financial rules must be updated as regards the role of the budgetary authority in relation to these mechanisms , in order to bring them closer to the principles and responsibilities set out in the treaties; ### 5. notes that the number and scope of off-budget instruments have grown significantly in the past decade; believes that off-budget instruments funded by external assigned revenues limit the ability of the parliament to fulfil its decision-making , scrutiny and discharge functions; strongly believes that eu financial rules must be updated as regards the role of the budgetary authority in relation to these mechanisms , in order to bring them closer to the principles and responsibilities set out in the treaties;


### 8. calls for the revision of reporting requirements on the commission’s debt management strategy , including maturity and schedule of payments , to adapt them to the increased complexity and risk of borrowing and lending operations; ### 8. calls for the revision of reporting requirements on the commission’s debt management strategy , including maturity and schedule of payments and including the role of new own resources in the repayment of the debt , to adapt them to the increased complexity and risk of borrowing and lending operations;


### 9. emphasises the clear link between respect for the rule of law and the efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management: economy , efficiency and effectiveness , as laid down in the financial regulation; recalls that , upon adoption of the conditionality regulation , parliament , the council and the commission agreed to consider including the content of the conditionality regulation into the financial regulation upon its next revision; calls on the commission to examine possibilities to strengthen coherence between the two instruments; ### 9. emphasises the clear link between respect for the rule of law and the efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the article 2 teu and the principles of sound financial management: economy , efficiency and effectiveness , as laid down in the financial regulation; recalls that , upon adoption of the conditionality regulation , parliament , the council and the commission agreed to consider including the content of the conditionality regulation into the financial regulation upon its next revision and urges the commission to make this proposal; calls on the commission to examine possibilities to strengthen coherence between all eu instruments that allow the protection of the financial interests of the union , the respect of the eu values and rule of law , including the recommendations from the rule of law reports;


### 10. stresses that it is important to know who benefits from eu funds in order to protect the financial interests of the eu and to detect fraud , corruption and conflicts of interest in particular; notes that data for identifying economic operators and their beneficial owners is not easily , or not at all , accessible12 ; considers that the centralisation of the information in a single , interoperable eu database with information on direct and ultimate beneficiaries would overcome the identified fragmentation and lack of transparency; ### 10. stresses that it is important to know who benefits from eu funds in order to protect the financial interests of the eu and to detect fraud , corruption and conflicts of interest in particular; notes that data for identifying economic operators and their beneficial owners is not easily , or not at all , accessible12 ; considers that the centralisation of the information in a single , interoperable eu database with information on direct and ultimate beneficiaries would overcome the identified fragmentation and lack of transparency; notes that digitalisation of the management of eu funds coupled with a comprehensive definition of conflict of interest at the european level will increase the efficiency for the protection of the financial interests of the eu;


### 13. calls for the use of the early detection and exclusion system (edes) to be made compulsory under shared management; further notes that edes does not distinguish between subsidiaries of larger corporations; calls on the commission to make this distinction and to specify in the rules for early detection and for exclusion which entity of a multi-national or multi-company corporation is registered for early detection or exclusion; ### 13. calls for the use of the early detection and exclusion system (edes) to be made compulsory under shared management; further notes that edes does not distinguish between subsidiaries of larger corporations; calls on the commission to make this distinction and to specify in the rules for early detection and for exclusion which entity of a multi-national or multi-company corporation is registered for early detection or exclusion; furthermore , calls on the commission to review the criteria with a view to decreasing complexity and increase applicability of edes in practice;


### 16. suggests that the financial regulation be revised to guarantee the appropriate role of parliament in the setting up and scrutiny of any new trust fund , including in the drawing up of the constitutive agreement and the mobilisation of the union’s contribution , the implementation , continuation and possible liquidation; ### 16. insists that the financial regulation be revised to guarantee the appropriate role of parliament in the setting up , supervision and scrutiny of any new trust fund , including in the drawing up of the constitutive agreement and the mobilisation of the union’s contribution , the implementation , continuation and possible liquidation; reiterates that parliament should be involved as observer , and able to monitor the activities of the governing bodies of a trust fund; stresses that timely , regular and figure-based information on the implementation of a trust fund is essential to allow parliament to exercise its democratic oversight and scrutiny role;


### 17. notes that the commission’s vademecum on public procurement was last updated in january 2020; notes that the current definition of ‘professional conflict of interest’ is limited to a conflicting interest that affects the capacity of an economic operator to perform a contract; calls on the commission to provide for a more explicit definition and to ensure that its implementation rules on public procurement do not permit the awarding of policy-related service contracts to undertakings that are under the economic control of a parent company or a group that owns shares related to activities that are not in line with the eu’s environmental , social and green deal objectives; ### 17. notes that the current definition of ‘professional conflict of interest’ is limited to a conflicting interest that affects the capacity of an economic operator to perform a contract; calls on the commission to provide for a more explicit definition and to ensure that its implementation rules on public procurement do not permit the awarding of policy-related service contracts to undertakings that are under the economic control of a parent company or a group that owns shares related to activities that are not in line with the eu’s environmental , social and green deal objectives; believes that such a revised definition should take into account the risk of conflict of interests of a performer that is developing sectoral guidelines it will have to comply with , with particular scrutiny when it comes to policy-related projects and studies;


### 17. notes that the commission’s vademecum on public procurement was last updated in january 2020; notes that the current definition of ‘professional conflict of interest’ is limited to a conflicting interest that affects the capacity of an economic operator to perform a contract; calls on the commission to provide for a more explicit definition and to ensure that its implementation rules on public procurement do not permit the awarding of policy-related service contracts to undertakings that are under the economic control of a parent company or a group that owns shares related to activities that are not in line with the eu’s environmental , social and green deal objectives; ### 17. notes that the commission’s vademecum on public procurement was last updated in january 2020 but has not been made public nor shared with the european parliament for opinion; requests that the parliament should be able to formulate an opinion on future revision of the commission’s vademecum on public procurement; calls on the commission to share regular updates with the parliament’s relevant committees on the revision of its vademecum before it is finalised either through the discharge procedure of the european commission or during dedicated hearings;


### 18. notes the guidance provided by the commission on using the public procurement framework in the emergency situation related to the covid-19 crisis; encourages the commission to gather and evaluate the experience of contracting authorities with the public procurement framework in this regard and to reflect the lessons learned in the financial regulation , by identifying criteria for defining exceptional/unusual circumstances in which temporary/framed/necessary flexibility in the implementation of public procurement rules can be applied; ### 18. considers that all eu institutions conducting public procurement should publish clear rules on their websites regarding acquisition , expenditure and monitoring , as well as all contracts awarded with the fullest possible transparency; notes the guidance provided by the commission on using the public procurement framework in the emergency situation related to the covid-19 crisis; encourages the commission to gather and evaluate the experience of contracting authorities with the public procurement framework in this regard and to reflect the lessons learned in the financial regulation , by identifying criteria for defining exceptional/unusual circumstances in which temporary/framed/necessary flexibility in the implementation of public procurement rules can be applied;


### 1. notes that the world stands on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution; points out that in comparison with the three previous waves , initiated by the introduction of steam , electricity , and then computers , the fourth wave draws its energy from an abundance of data combined with powerful algorithms; stresses that today’s digital revolution is shaped by its unprecedented scale , fast convergence , and the enormous impact of emerging technological breakthroughs on states , economies and societies; ### 1. notes that the world stands on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution; points out that in comparison with the three previous waves , initiated by the introduction of steam , electricity , and then computers , the fourth wave draws its energy from an abundance of data combined with powerful algorithms; stresses that today’s digital revolution is shaped by its unprecedented scale , fast convergence , and the enormous impact of emerging technological breakthroughs on states , economies , societies and the environment;


### 2. observes that the digital revolution has , at the same time , triggered a global tech race , in which digital sovereignty is seen as a prerequisite for great-power status in both political and economic terms; stresses the growing realisation among decision makers that emerging technologies could lead to a global power shift away from the western world; ### 2. observes that the digital revolution has , at the same time , triggered a global tech race , in which digital sovereignty is being seen by many as a prerequisite for great-power status in both political and economic terms; stresses the growing realisation among decision makers that emerging technologies could lead to a global power shift away from the western world;


### 2. observes that the digital revolution has , at the same time , triggered a global tech race , in which digital sovereignty is seen as a prerequisite for great-power status in both political and economic terms; stresses the growing realisation among decision makers that emerging technologies could lead to a global power shift away from the western world; ### 2. observes that the digital revolution has , at the same time , triggered a global tech race , in which digital competitiveness is seen as a prerequisite for great-power status in both political and economic terms; stresses the growing realisation among decision makers that emerging technologies could lead to a global power shift away from the western world;


### 3. points out that europe , which for centuries set international standards , dominated technological progress and led in high-end manufacturing and deployment , has therefore fallen behind in a new ‘winner-takes-most’ or ‘superstar’ economy; underlines the risk of european values being globally replaced , our companies becoming marginalised and our living standards being drastically reduced; ### 3. points out that europe , which for centuries set international standards , dominated technological progress and led in high-end manufacturing and deployment , has therefore fallen behind in a new ‘winner-takes-most’ or ‘superstar’ economy; underlines the risk of european values being globally replaced , our companies becoming marginalised;


### 4. highlights , firstly , that digital tools are increasingly becoming an instrument of manipulation in the hands of authoritarian states and their proxies , used to trigger a clash between political systems; explains that digital espionage , low-scale warfare and disinformation campaigns are deployed in order to pose an existential threat to our democratic societies and question the european way of life; ### 4. highlights , firstly , that digital tools are increasingly becoming an instrument of manipulation in the hands of authoritarian states and their proxies , used to trigger a clash between political systems; explains that digital espionage , low-scale warfare and disinformation campaigns are deployed in order to pose an existential threat to our democratic societies and challenge the european way of life;


### 5. underlines , secondly , that the eu is failing to commercialise its ground-breaking technological innovations , thereby enabling fast-growing non-european corporations to take our best ideas , talent and companies; points out that , as a result , only eight of today’s top 200 digital companies are domiciled in the eu , while our economic growth is constantly declining; notes that europe’s high wages and the world’s most generous social welfare systems are financially dependent on us competing with the rest of the world; ### 5. underlines , secondly , that the eu is failing to commercialise its ground-breaking technological innovations , thereby enabling fast-growing non-european corporations to take our best ideas , talent and companies; points out that , as a result , only eight of today’s top 200 digital companies are domiciled in the eu , while our economic growth is constantly declining; stresses that the completion of a true digital single market is of highest importance in that regard; notes that europe’s high wages and the world’s most generous social welfare systems are financially dependent on us competing with the rest of the world;


### 5. underlines , secondly , that the eu is failing to commercialise its ground-breaking technological innovations , thereby enabling fast-growing non-european corporations to take our best ideas , talent and companies; points out that , as a result , only eight of today’s top 200 digital companies are domiciled in the eu , while our economic growth is constantly declining; notes that europe’s high wages and the world’s most generous social welfare systems are financially dependent on us competing with the rest of the world; ### 5. underlines , secondly , that the eu is failing to commercialise its ground-breaking technological innovations , thereby enabling fast-growing non-european corporations to take our best ideas , talent and companies; points out that , as a result , only eight of today’s top 200 digital companies are domiciled in the eu; notes that europe’s high wages and the world’s most generous social welfare systems are financially dependent on us competing with the rest of the world;


### 6. warns that as a result of these and other existential threats to our democracy and prosperity , the global tech race has become a fight for survival for the eu; stresses that if the eu does not act swiftly and courageously , it will end up becoming a digital colony of china , the us and other states and risk losing its political stability , social security and individual liberties; ### 6. warns that as a result of these and other existential threats to our democracy and prosperity , the global tech race has become a fight for survival for the eu; stresses that if the eu does not act swiftly and courageously , it risks losing its political stability , social security and economic competitiveness;


### 6. warns that as a result of these and other existential threats to our democracy and prosperity , the global tech race has become a fight for survival for the eu; stresses that if the eu does not act swiftly and courageously , it will end up becoming a digital colony of china , the us and other states and risk losing its political stability , social security and individual liberties; ### 6. warns that as a result of these and other existential threats to our democracy and prosperity , the global tech race has become a fight for survival for the eu; stresses that if the eu does not act swiftly and courageously , it will end up having to follow rules and standards set by others , such as china , the us and other states and risk losing its political stability , social security and individual liberties;


### 7. argues that artificial intelligence (ai) is the key emerging technology within the fourth industrial revolution; notes that ai is the control centre of the new data layer that surrounds us and which can be thought of as the fifth element after air , earth , water and fire; states that by 2030 , ai is expected to contribute more than eur 11 billion to the global economy , an amount that almost matches china’s gdp in 2020; ### 7. argues that artificial intelligence (ai) is the key emerging technology within the fourth industrial revolution; states that by 2030 , ai is expected to contribute more than eur 11 billion to the global economy , an amount that almost matches china’s gdp in 2020;


### 7. argues that artificial intelligence (ai) is the key emerging technology within the fourth industrial revolution; notes that ai is the control centre of the new data layer that surrounds us and which can be thought of as the fifth element after air , earth , water and fire; states that by 2030 , ai is expected to contribute more than eur 11 billion to the global economy , an amount that almost matches china’s gdp in 2020; ### 7. argues that artificial intelligence (ai) is one of the key emerging technologies within the fourth industrial revolution; notes that ai is the control centre of the new data layer that fuels the digital economy; states that by 2030 , ai is expected to contribute more than eur 11 billion to the global economy , an amount that almost matches china’s gdp in 2020;


### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights , however , that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; states that the rise of ai likewise does not require us to completely rewrite our laws to counter new kind of threats or to prevent intelligent machines from taking over; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive; ### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights that ai should be a human-centric technology and should not substitute human autonomy nor assume the loss of individual freedom; underlines that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; explains that technologies function and depend on how we design them; points out that the eu is already very well-placed when it comes to regulation that covers the use of ai and offers protection in a wide range of sectors; states therefore that the rise of ai likewise does not require us to completely rewrite our laws to counter new kind of threats or to prevent intelligent machines from taking over; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive;


### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights , however , that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; states that the rise of ai likewise does not require us to completely rewrite our laws to counter new kind of threats or to prevent intelligent machines from taking over; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive; ### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights , however , that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; states that the rise of ai likewise does not require us to completely rewrite our laws to prevent intelligent machines from taking over; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive;


### 11. notes that in the second wave , the automated learning processes of algorithms based on the processing of large amounts of high-quality data , the ability to bring together inputs from multiple radars , lidars and cameras to form a single image of the environment , and the identification of patterns made ai systems more complex , autonomous and opaque; stresses that current ai can therefore be broken down into many different sub-domains and techniques , whereby deep learning is for instance a subfield of machine learning , which itself is a subfield of ai; ### 11. notes that in the second wave , the automated learning processes of algorithms based on the processing of large amounts of high-quality data , the ability to bring together inputs from multiple sources and form complex representations of the environment , and the identification of patterns made ai systems more complex , autonomous and opaque; stresses that current ai can therefore be broken down into many different sub-domains and techniques , whereby deep learning is for instance a subfield of machine learning , which itself is a subfield of ai;


### 14. underlines that , on the contrary , the vast majority of ai systems currently in use , are almost or even completely risk-free; refers , for instance , to automatic translations , ‘eureka machines’ , gaming machines and robots that execute repetitive manufacturing processes; concludes that only a very small number of use cases can be categorised as risky and that only such cases require regulatory action and effective safeguards; ### 14. underlines that , on the contrary , the vast majority of ai systems currently in use , are almost or even completely risk-free; refers , for instance , to automatic translations , ‘eureka machines’ , gaming machines and robots that execute repetitive manufacturing processes; concludes that only a very small number of use cases can be categorised as risky and that only such cases require regulatory action and effective safeguards , should these not already be in place;


### 15. considers that the public debate should therefore be more focused on the enormous potential of ai; believes that ai offers humankind the unique chance to improve almost every area of our lives , from combating global societal challenges such as climate change , pandemics and starvation , to enhancing quality of life through personalised medicine , fitness programmes and assisted living; ### 15. considers that the public debate should therefore be more focused on grasping the enormous potential of ai; believes that ai offers humankind the unique chance to improve almost every area of our lives , from combating global societal challenges such as climate change , pandemics and starvation , to enhancing quality of life through personalised medicine , fitness programmes and assisted living;


### 17. stresses that ai can unlock solutions in the health sector that could save millions of lives , improve our standards of living and bring a competitive edge to the european ict sector; ### 17. stresses that ai can unlock solutions in the health sector that could save millions of lives , improve our standards of living by promoting health , wellbeing as well as by preventing diseases and fostering supportive environments for healthy lifestyles; highlights that ai systems should also contribute to the accessibility and sustainability of health systems , bringing a competitive edge to the european ict sector;


### 18. underlines that ai is already being used to detect diseases and abnormalities at an early stage and more accurately through real-time pattern recognition and image processing , thus speeding up diagnosis and treatment and reducing unnecessary biopsies; ### 18. underlines that some of the patient care where ai-based solutions are most frequently used are diagnosis , prognosis and treatment , patient engagement , adherence , management and follow-up; clinical decision-making , including predictive analytics , screening and optimisation of clinical pathways , as well as pathology; thus notes that ai is currently covering a wide range of health areas , including public health , care services , self-care and health systems18a; remarks that in all cases data play a remarkable role;


### 19. highlights that ai has the potential to speed up the development of new drugs , treatments and vaccines at a lower cost , while improving the quality and overall safety of the production process; finds that ai can help predict the outcome of and responses to treatments with increasing levels of accuracy when based on high-quality data , thus increasing the effectiveness of preventive care; ### 19. highlights that ai has the potential to speed up the development of new drugs , treatments and vaccines at a lower cost , while improving the quality and overall safety of the production process; notes that health big data can be analysed with the help of ai to accelerate the processing of vast amounts of data; finds that ai can help predict the outcome of and responses to treatments with increasing levels of accuracy when based on high-quality data , thus increasing the effectiveness of preventive care;


### 23. stresses that consumer health applications based on ai can help to track an individual’s health status , yield data which can apply to early triage questions and encourage healthy behaviour , thus reducing the need to seek advice from a healthcare professional; ### 23. stresses that consumer health applications based on ai can help to self-monitor an individual’s health status and lifestyle , thus empowering individual self-care;


### 24. stresses that ai in the health sector is particularly dependent on large amounts of personal data , data sharing , data accessibility and data interoperability to realise the full potential of ai and health , which are currently lacking; stresses the need to combat mistrust and to educate and better inform citizens about the benefits of ai in the field of health; ### 24. stresses that ai in the health sector is particularly dependent on large amounts of personal data , data sharing , data accessibility and data interoperability to realise the full potential of ai and health , which are currently lacking; stresses the need to combat mistrust and to educate and better inform citizens about the benefits of ai in the field of health; stresses , at the same time , the need to adequately protect the health data of patients from potential misuse and/or unlawful access , given its specific sensitivity and classification as special category of personal data;


### 24. stresses that ai in the health sector is particularly dependent on large amounts of personal data , data sharing , data accessibility and data interoperability to realise the full potential of ai and health , which are currently lacking; stresses the need to combat mistrust and to educate and better inform citizens about the benefits of ai in the field of health; ### 24. stresses that ai in the health sector is particularly dependent on large amounts of personal data , data sharing , data accessibility , high-quality data , and data interoperability to realise the full potential of ai and health , which are currently lacking; argues that common data spaces are needed for exploiting this data;


### 25. stresses that additional legal steps , time and purpose limitations introduced by the gdpr , and differing interpretations across member states have led to legal uncertainty and a lack of cooperation in the health sector; underlines that specific consent obligations hinder the processing of used medical data for further analysis and studies; stresses that this leads to lengthy delays to scientific discoveries and a significant bureaucratic burden in health research20 ; ### deleted


### 26. underlines that automatic decision-making in healthcare applications may pose risks to patients’ well-being , although ai already outperforms doctors’ diagnoses in several instances , such as breast cancer21 ; finds that current liability frameworks do not provide sufficient legal certainty over who is accountable in the event of misdiagnosis through ai , for example; ### 26. underlines that automatic decision-making in healthcare applications may pose risks to patients’ well-being , although ai already outperforms doctors’ diagnoses in several instances , such as breast cancer21 ; finds that current liability frameworks provide sufficient legal certainty and responsibility in the event of misdiagnosis , even through ai; notes that it is important to protect health professionals as users of ai systems as well as patients as end-recipients , providing them with sufficient and transparent information;


### 26. underlines that automatic decision-making in healthcare applications may pose risks to patients’ well-being , although ai already outperforms doctors’ diagnoses in several instances , such as breast cancer21; finds that current liability frameworks do not provide sufficient legal certainty over who is accountable in the event of misdiagnosis through ai , for example; ### 26. underlines that automatic decision-making in healthcare applications may pose risks to patients’ well-being , although ai already outperforms doctors’ diagnoses in several instances , such as breast cancer21; finds that current liability frameworks do not provide sufficient legal certainty over who is accountable in the event of misdiagnosis through ai; notes therefore that , it is important to protect health professionals as users of ai systems as well as patients as end-recipients , providing them the sufficient and transparent information;


### 104. calls for the creation of an adequately resourced mechanism to supervise the uniform , eu-wide implementation and enforcement of the upcoming ai laws; prefers a european ai board over the creation of a costly new eu agency for ai; suggests , however , that this board should be made up of not only the national ai supervisory authorities and the european data protection board (edpb) , but also a broad range of relevant eu bodies , such as the eu agency for fundamental rights , the high-level expert group on ai , the eu agency for cybersecurity , the european consumer consultative group , and standardisation organisations the european committee for standardization , the european committee for electrotechnical standardization and the european telecommunications standards institute; ### 104. calls for the consistent eu-wide coordination , implementation and enforcement of the upcoming ai laws; strongly prefers a european ai board over the creation of a costly new eu agency for ai; suggests , however , that this board should be made up of not only the national ai supervisory authorities and the european data protection board (edpb) , but also a broad range of relevant eu bodies , such as the eu agency for fundamental rights , the high-level expert group on ai , the eu agency for cybersecurity , the european consumer consultative group and standardisation organisations , the european committee for standardization , the european committee for electrotechnical standardization and the european telecommunications standards institute as well as relevant private sector representatives , including professional associations;


### 104. calls for the creation of an adequately resourced mechanism to supervise the uniform , eu-wide implementation and enforcement of the upcoming ai laws; prefers a european ai board over the creation of a costly new eu agency for ai; suggests , however , that this board should be made up of not only the national ai supervisory authorities and the european data protection board (edpb) , but also a broad range of relevant eu bodies , such as the eu agency for fundamental rights , the high-level expert group on ai , the eu agency for cybersecurity , the european consumer consultative group , and standardisation organisations the european committee for standardization , the european committee for electrotechnical standardization and the european telecommunications standards institute; ### 104. calls for the creation of an adequately resourced mechanism to supervise the uniform , eu-wide implementation and enforcement of the upcoming ai laws; suggests that the proposed european ai board should be made up of not only the national ai supervisory authorities and the european data protection board (edpb) , but also a broad range of relevant eu bodies , such as the eu agency for fundamental rights , the high-level expert group on ai , the eu agency for cybersecurity , the european consumer consultative group , and standardisation organisations the european committee for standardization , the european committee for electrotechnical standardization and the european telecommunications standards institute;


### 108. is convinced that it is not ai as a technology that should be regulated , but that the type , intensity and timing of regulatory intervention should solely depend on the type of risk incurred by the use of an ai system; underlines , in this regard , the importance of distinguishing between a minority of ‘high-risk’ and the vast majority of ‘low-risk’ ai use cases; concludes that while only the former category indeed demands legislative safeguards , businesses should self-regulate ‘low-risk’ technologies by choosing measures that deliver the best outcomes; ### 108. is convinced that it is not always ai as a technology that should be regulated , but that the type , intensity and timing of regulatory intervention should mostly depend on the type of risk incurred by the use of an ai system; underlines , in this regard , the importance of distinguishing between a minority of ‘high-risk’ and the vast majority of ‘low-risk’ ai use cases; concludes that while only the former category indeed demands legislative safeguards , businesses should self-regulate ‘low-risk’ technologies by choosing measures that deliver the best outcomes;


### 109. specifies that the classification of technologies as ‘high-risk’ should be based on the concrete use and context , complexity and autonomy of the ai system , the probability and likelihood of the worst-case scenario , the severity of the harm and its irreversibility , the techniques used and the governance arrangements adopted; stresses that this classification should be introduced together with best practices and guidance for ai developers and should also recognise that ai technologies can significantly reduce certain risks; ### deleted


### 109. specifies that the classification of technologies as ‘high-risk’ should be based on the concrete use and context , complexity and autonomy of the ai system , the probability and likelihood of the worst-case scenario , the severity of the harm and its irreversibility , the techniques used and the governance arrangements adopted; stresses that this classification should be introduced together with best practices and guidance for ai developers and should also recognise that ai technologies can significantly reduce certain risks; ### 109. specifies that the classification of technologies as ‘high-risk’ should be based on the concrete use and context , complexity and autonomy of the ai system , the probability and likelihood of the worst-case scenario , the severity of the harm and its irreversibility , the techniques used and the governance arrangements adopted; stresses that this classification should be introduced together with best practices and guidance for ai developers taking into consideration the specific issues of the integration of ai systems designed for general purpose in high-risk systems , and should also recognise that ai technologies can significantly reduce certain risks;


### 110. notes that the requirements that ai systems need to fulfil differ significantly in a business-to-business (b2b) environment compared to a business-to-consumer (b2c) environment; points out that while consumer rights need to be legally protected through consumer protection legislation , companies can solve liability and other legal challenges more quickly and cost-effectively by contractual means with business partners directly; concludes that , in particular , smes and start-ups investing in ai technologies would benefit from a b2b exclusion as they are disproportionately affected by new legal obligations , which also harms their ability to attract investments; ### 110. notes that the requirements that ai systems need to fulfil differ significantly in a business-to-business (b2b) environment compared to a business-to-consumer (b2c) environment; points out that while consumer rights need to be legally protected through consumer protection legislation , companies can solve liability and other legal challenges more quickly and cost-effectively by contractual means with business partners directly; notes that smes often have a weaker negotiation position vis-à-vis larger companies and more difficulties accessing legal tech expertise , especially in the context of artificial intelligence as-as-service; concludes that therefore , in particular , smes and start-ups investing in ai technologies would benefit from a b2b exclusion as they are disproportionately affected by new legal obligations , which also harms their ability to attract investments;


### 111. underlines the need to address open ethical questions raised by new technological possibilities , but clarifies that new ai ethical guidelines should not set up stricter rules than those already existing for human or automated actions; proposes that on these grounds the eu should introduce ethical guidelines that consist of three categories of core values and principles; ### 111. underlines the need to address open ethical questions raised by new technological possibilities; proposes that on these grounds the eu should introduce ethical guidelines that consist of three categories of core values and principles;


### 112. explains that the first category could list fundamental , mandatory principles such as the non-maleficence principle , the principle of respecting human dignity or the protection of the democratic process; states that the second category could include good practices in ai development such as human-centric ai , responsible governance and the principles of transparency and explainability; concludes that the last category could include principles of sustainable ai that would be fully aligned with the un 2030 agenda for sustainable development; ### 112. explains that the first category could list fundamental , mandatory principles such as the non-maleficence principle , the principle of respecting human dignity , rights and freedoms and the protection of the democratic process; states that the second category could include good practices in ai development such as human-centric ai , responsible governance and the principles of transparency and explainability; concludes that the last category could include principles of sustainable ai that would be fully aligned with the un 2030 agenda for sustainable development;


### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance structural biases in our societies and daily life; ### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited and should be an objective rather than a requirement with liability implication; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance structural biases in our societies and daily life and consider mandatory human right diligence rules at early stage;


### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance structural biases in our societies and daily life; ### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance and reduce structural biases in our societies and daily life;


### 115. elaborates that transparency or explainability obligations for ai systems , while helpful in certain cases , may not be possible to implement in every instance; notes that both concepts also need to be balanced against other factors , including the interests of businesses in maintaining trade secrets or the potential value of exposed data to potential competitors; stresses , however , that a mandatory self-identification of ai systems or accessible machine logs seem to be very useful for many ai use cases that interfere with the fundamental rights of individuals or affect consumers; ### 115. elaborates that transparency or explainability obligations for ai systems , while helpful in certain cases , may not be possible or useful to implement in every instance; notes that intellectual property rights and especially trade secrets must be protected from unfair practices such as industrial or commercial espionage; stresses , however , that a mandatory self-identification of ai systems or accessible machine logs seem to be very useful for many ai use cases that interfere with the fundamental rights of individuals or affect consumers;


### 116. states that the legislative framework on intellectual property must continue to incentivise and protect ai innovators by granting them patents as a reward for developing and publishing their creations; finds that existing laws are mostly future-proof , but proposes certain adjustments , including the integration of open source elements and new forms of patent licensing to ensure that tools are available to regions and initiatives that could not otherwise afford them; recognises that it will also be necessary to clarify whether ai will be able to hold intellectual property rights in itself; ### 116. states that the legislative framework on intellectual property must continue to incentivise and protect ai innovators by granting them patents as a reward for developing and publishing their creations; finds that existing laws are mostly future-proof , but proposes certain adjustments , including the integration of open source elements and new forms of patent licensing to ensure that tools are available to regions and initiatives that could not otherwise afford them; recognises that it will also be necessary to clarify whether ai will be able to hold intellectual property rights in itself but recalls that in the current framework it shall not hold any;


### 116. states that the legislative framework on intellectual property must continue to incentivise and protect ai innovators by granting them patents as a reward for developing and publishing their creations; finds that existing laws are mostly future-proof , but proposes certain adjustments , including the integration of open source elements and new forms of patent licensing to ensure that tools are available to regions and initiatives that could not otherwise afford them; recognises that it will also be necessary to clarify whether ai will be able to hold intellectual property rights in itself; ### 116. states that the legislative framework on intellectual property must continue to incentivise and protect ai innovators by granting them patents as a reward for developing and publishing their creations; finds that existing laws are mostly future-proof , but proposes certain adjustments , including the integration of open source elements and new forms of patent licensing to ensure that tools are available to regions and initiatives that could not otherwise afford them;


### 117. elaborates that obligatory ex ante risk self-assessments , comparable with ce markings or data protection impact assessments , combined with market surveillance based on clear rules and standards , and complemented with ex post enforcement for high-risk ai systems , seem to be a sufficiently robust governance approach for ai; warns that overly burdensome conformity assessment obligations could create significant burdens that make the business models of ai developers and companies economically unviable; ### 117. elaborates that obligatory ex ante risk self-assessments , comparable with ce markings or data protection impact assessments , combined with market surveillance based on clear rules and standards , and complemented with ex post enforcement for high-risk ai systems , seem to be a sufficiently robust governance approach for ai; warns that overly burdensome conformity assessment obligations could create significant burdens that make the business models of ai developers and companies economically unviable; believes that to prevent sme's from being pushed out of the market , standards to comply with legislation concerning ai should be developed with the close involvement of small businesses , internationally aligned to the extent possible , and be available free of charge;


### 117. elaborates that obligatory ex ante risk self-assessments , comparable with ce markings or data protection impact assessments , combined with market surveillance based on clear rules and standards , and complemented with ex post enforcement for high-risk ai systems , seem to be a sufficiently robust governance approach for ai; warns that overly burdensome conformity assessment obligations could create significant burdens that make the business models of ai developers and companies economically unviable; ### 117. elaborates that obligatory ex ante risk self-assessments , comparable with ce markings or data protection impact assessments , combined with market surveillance based on clear rules and standards , and complemented with ex post enforcement for high-risk ai systems , seem to be a sufficiently robust governance approach for ai;


### 120. notes that certain changes to the legal definitions of ‘product’ , including integrated software applications , digital services and inter-product dependency , and ‘producer’ , including backend operator , service provider and data supplier , do however seem necessary to ensure that compensation is available for harm caused by emerging technologies; stresses , however , that an overly broad approach to the definition of ‘product’ should be avoided , as this may make it difficult to differentiate between ai and other algorithms; ### 120. notes that certain changes to the legal definitions of ‘product’ , including integrated software applications , digital services and inter-product dependency , and ‘producer’ , including backend operator , service provider and data supplier , do however seem necessary to ensure that compensation is available for harm caused by emerging technologies; stresses , however , that an overly broad approach to the definition of ‘product’ should be avoided;


### 122. agrees with the conclusion drawn by the commission in its 2020 communication entitled ‘a european strategy for data’ that the creation of a single european data space is key to ensuring the eu’s global competitiveness in ai , as well as its strategic sovereignty and economic prosperity; recalls the essential link between the availability of high-quality data and the development of ai; ### 122. agrees with the conclusion drawn by the commission in its 2020 communication entitled ‘a european strategy for data’ that the creation of a single european data space is key to ensuring the eu’s global competitiveness in ai , as well as its open strategic autonomy and economic prosperity; recalls the essential link between the availability of high-quality data and the development of ai and stresses in this regard the need to deploy robust , reliable and interoperable cloud services within the eu;


### 123. calls on the member states to review their national ai strategies that they developed in accordance with the ‘coordinated plan on ai’ , as the vast majority of them remain vague and lack clear goals; recommends that they formulate more concrete , quantifiable and specific actions , while trying to create synergies between them; ### 123. calls on the member states to review their national ai strategies that they developed in accordance with the ‘coordinated plan on ai’ , as the vast majority of them remain vague and lack clear goals including regarding digital education for the whole society as well as advanced qualification; recommends that they formulate more concrete , quantifiable and specific actions , while trying to create synergies between them;


### 124. urges the commission to continue its work on removing key barriers for developers and companies in areas such as country-based discrimination , burdensome market access procedures and high regulatory costs , as well as to address the frequent use of derogations which results in diverging rules among different member state jurisdictions; ### 124. urges the commission to continue its work on removing key barriers for developers and companies in areas such as country-based discrimination , burdensome market access procedures and high regulatory costs , including overlapping frameworks for compliance and increasing red-tape related to conformity assessments , as well as to address the frequent use of derogations which results in diverging rules among different member state jurisdictions;


### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices , which also requires priority funding; ### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of public and private funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices , which also requires priority funding;


### 129. highlights that a functioning and fast infrastructure for ai must be based on a fair , safe and high-quality foundation by avoiding gaps in digital high-speed connectivity , which requires 5g roll-out in all urban areas by 2030 , as well as ultra-fast broadband networks and spectrum policy with licence conditions that do not distort competition; urges member states to continue to implement the 5g toolbox , specifically enabling legislation related to the risk assessment of suppliers and service providers; calls for the broadband cost reduction directive to be put into practice to facilitate network deployment; ### 129. highlights that a functioning and fast infrastructure for ai must be based on a fair , safe and high-quality foundation by avoiding gaps in digital high-speed connectivity , which requires 5g roll-out in all urban areas by 2030 , as well as wide access to ultra-fast broadband networks and spectrum policy with licence conditions that do not distort competition; urges member states to continue to implement the 5g toolbox , specifically enabling legislation related to the risk assessment of suppliers and service providers; calls for the broadband cost reduction directive to be put into practice to facilitate network deployment;


### 130. calls on the commission to establish timetables and financial incentives for member states , cities , regions and industry , and to accelerate the administrative approval processes for 5g; supports the incentivisation of private investment in 5g roll-out; requests that in regions where roll-out is not carried out by the private sector , more funds are made available; calls for funding for broadband and connectivity projects under the multiannual financial framework , with easier access for local authorities to avoid the underutilisation of public funds; ### 130. calls on the commission to establish timetables and financial incentives for member states , cities , regions and industry , and to accelerate the administrative approval processes for 5g; supports the incentivisation of private investment in 5g roll-out; requests that in regions where roll-out is not carried out by the private sector , more funds are made available to bring high-speed connectivity to remote communities and contribute to bridge the digital gap; calls for funding for broadband and connectivity projects under the multiannual financial framework , with easier access for local authorities to avoid the underutilisation of public funds;


### 134. urges the eu to take the lead in making green digital infrastructure climate neutral and energy efficient by 2030; calls for coordinated global multilateral action to use ai in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation; ### 134. urges the eu to take the lead in making green digital infrastructure climate neutral and energy efficient by 2030; calls for coordinated global multilateral action to use ai in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation including by assessing the environmental impact of large scale deployment of ai based systems;


### 135. calls on the commission to create an ai competence framework for individuals that builds on the digital competence framework for citizens , which helps individuals and smes to find relevant ai training and learning opportunities and to improve the sharing of knowledge , best practices , digital skills initiatives and funding between organisations and companies , at both eu and national level; recommends the establishment of a central body for the european ai skills data space to coordinate european skills training on sectoral and regional levels in all member states; urges the commission and the member states to support free online courses that enhance digital literacy such as basic training in ai; ### 135. calls on the commission to create an ai competence framework for individuals that builds on the digital competence framework for citizens , which helps individuals and smes to find relevant ai training and learning opportunities and to improve the sharing of knowledge , best practices , digital skills initiatives and funding between organisations and companies , at both eu and national level; recommends the establishment of a central body for the european ai skills data space to coordinate european skills training on sectoral and regional levels in all member states; urges the commission and the member states to support free online courses that enhance digital literacy such as basic training in ai; recommends to member states to make digital skills and literacy a component of basic education and lifelong learning;


### 138. calls on the commission to simplify and streamline the structure of research funding instruments by reducing the effort and time needed to obtain decisions when applying for grants; stresses the need to improve the quality and consistency of proposal reviews and to increase the predictability of funding instruments and their timing to support long-term planning , using the european ai research roadmap; ### 138. calls on the commission to simplify and streamline the structure of research funding instruments by reducing the effort and time needed to obtain decisions when applying for grants; stresses the need to improve the quality and consistency of proposal reviews and to increase the predictability of funding instruments and their timing to support long-term planning , using the european ai research roadmap; highlights the need to prioritise eu-led projects in the field of ai;


### 139. encourages the creation of more chairs on ai at european universities as well as competitive salaries for ai research and the provision of more funding in order to properly train and retain the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs and prevent brain drain to locations outside the eu; stresses the need to reduce the bureaucratic burden for university researchers in accessing funds and calls on the commission to provide tools to increase digital interconnectivity between universities; urges the development of cross-cutting networks for ai across european universities and research institutions; ### 139. encourages the creation of more chairs on ai at european universities as well as competitive salaries for ai research and the provision of more funding in order to properly train and retain the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs and prevent brain drain to locations outside the eu; stresses the need to reduce the bureaucratic burden for university researchers in accessing funds and calls on the commission to provide tools to increase digital interconnectivity between universities; urges the development of cross-cutting networks for ai across european universities , research institutions and the private sector;


### 29. emphasises the importance of ai in developing smart cities and smart villages to improve the technological resilience of infrastructures , building on local strengths and opportunities , including public transport , emergency assistance , waste management , urban planning , smart energy and resource optimisation; stresses that ai-based solutions can further assist in optimising architecture , construction and engineering processes to reduce emissions , construction time , costs and waste; finds that this is already a reality in countries such as china and malaysia , where large-scale urban ai systems manage the transport , energy and safety systems of several cities; ### 29. emphasises the importance of ai in developing smart cities and smart villages to improve the technological resilience of infrastructures , building on local strengths and opportunities , including public transport , emergency assistance , waste management , urban planning , smart energy , resource optimisation and climate change mitigation and adaptation; stresses that ai-based solutions can further assist in optimising architecture , construction and engineering processes to reduce emissions , construction time , costs and waste; finds that this is already a reality in countries such as china and malaysia , where large-scale urban ai systems manage the transport , energy and safety systems of several cities;


### 32. finds that ai and other digital solutions for mobility and transport have the potential to reduce traffic flows and enhance road safety , by greatly increasing the efficiency of access to transport systems through , for example , autonomous vehicles and optimised public transport planning , thus reducing the environmental footprint of the transport sector , travel times and costs; ### 32. finds that ai and other digital solutions for mobility and transport have the potential to reduce traffic flows and enhance road safety , by greatly increasing the efficiency of access to transport systems through , for example , autonomous vehicles and optimised public transport planning , thus reducing the environmental footprint of the transport sector , travel times and costs; points out that ai can assist with optimising the design of energy-efficient vehicles;


### 36. is concerned that the global community does not seem likely to reach an agreement on minimum standards for the responsible use of ai , as the stakes , in particular for the most powerful nations , are too high; believes , however , as a matter of principle , in the potential of democratic nations to jointly shape the international debate , to work together towards certain minimum standards , and thereby to promote multilateralism , interoperability and data sharing on the international stage; ### 36. is concerned that the global community does not seem likely to reach an agreement on minimum standards for the responsible use of ai , as the values differences between democratic and non-democratic states are too high; believes , however , as a matter of principle , in the potential of democratic nations to jointly shape the international debate , to work together towards certain minimum standards , and thereby to promote multilateralism , interoperability and data sharing on the international stage;