### y. whereas the governance of pesco is led by pms , and therefore eventually leads to the insufficient coordination and overall consistency of the projects; whereas this should constitute grounds for the extension of the mandate of the pesco secretariat; ### y. whereas the governance of pesco is led by pms , whereas the pesco secretariat should continue to provide expertise upon request and to facilitate liaison with other eu actors as regards possible synergies with other eu instruments and initiatives to ensure transparency and inclusiveness and avoid unnecessary duplications;


### ab. whereas the parliament regrets the fact that the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy did not forward his annual report on the implementation of the pesco; ### ab. whereas the parliament calls for the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy to forward his annual report on the implementation of the pesco;


### 1. recommends that the council and the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy: ### 1. recommends that the council and high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy:


### consult parliament on the review of pesco , and to ensure that parliament’s views are duly taken into consideration , in line with article 36 teu; ### inform and consult parliament on the review of pesco , and to ensure that parliament’s views are duly taken into consideration , in line with article 36 teu especially in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020 , in order to ensure; reinforced accountability , transparency , and scrutiny;


### prepare , on the basis of the results of the discussion on the strategic compass , a fully-fledged eu security and defence white book; ### prepare as soon as possible , on the basis of the results of the discussion on the strategic compass , a fully-fledged eu security and defence white book;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; urges the european council to move from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the fields of the csdp and cfsp where the treaty on european union allows it;


### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf in the upcoming mff; ### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence initiatives , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf and military mobility in the upcoming mff;


### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf in the upcoming mff; ### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably thought the sufficient financing of the future edf in the upcoming mff;


### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach eu defence integration as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy; ### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument towards eu defence integration as a common goal , especially in terms of availability , interoperability , flexibility and deployability of forces in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy; highlights the need to secure european defence autonomy by building and developing its own capabilities , resources and reserves;


### ensure that the funding of pesco projects by the edf is focused on a limited set of strategic key projects , in line with the hcig of the cdp , in order to maximise its impact; ### ensure that the funding of pesco projects by the edf is focused on a set of strategic key projects , in line with the hcig of the cdp , in order to maximise its impact;


### ensure that pesco is treated as a union institutions sui generis , as is the case with the european external action service (eeas) , which would require amending the financial regulation8 in order to include pesco , with a specific section in the union budget; recognise that parliament , jointly with the council , exercises legislative and budgetary functions , as well as functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the treaties; ### recognise that parliament , jointly with the council , exercises legislative and budgetary functions , as well as functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the treaties;


### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale; ### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , military mobility , network of logistic hubs or crrt , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale;


### ensure that future key land , sea , air and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states are brought under pesco or are at least closely connected to it; ### strive that future key land , sea , air and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states are brought under pesco or are at least closely connected to it;


### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility; ### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , whether to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility;


### group pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and other projects; ### group pesco projects into capability clusters and assess their strategic relevance;


### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects; ### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects; whereas pesco can in this respect contribute to greater coherence , coordination and interoperability in security and defence , and to consolidating solidarity , cohesion and the resilience of the union;


### use the synergies between the pesco project cycle and other defence capability processes such as card , hlg and edf in order to enable more mature and well-documented projects to be submitted; allow projects to be submitted outside the cycle in order to enable the synchronised implementation of several european initiatives , including the edf; ### enhance the coherence of eu defence planning and development tools and initiatives in order to enable more focused , mature , better developed and structured pesco projects proposals to be submitted; make sure the submission cycle enables the synchronised implementation of several european initiatives , including the edf;


### consider giving cdp a more binding character; ### encourages pms to embed cdp into their national defence planning processes with a view to help to overcome capability shortcomings;


### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected member state(s) in charge of project coordination; ### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects to the parliament as well as for the benefit of all the stakeholders , via information collected from the member state(s) in charge of project coordination;


### clarify the role of the political and security committee in the pesco process , which is not provided for by the teu , and ensure , in this context , the central role played by the european union military committee (eumc) in the provision of ad hoc military advice to the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy; ### clarify the role of the political and security committee in the pesco process , which is not provided for by the teu , and ensure , in this context , the important role played by the european union military committee (eumc) in the provision of ad hoc military advice to the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy;


### establish an eu council on defence based on the existing eda ministerial steering board and the pesco format of eu defence ministers , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation and integration among the member states; ### establish an eu council on defence based on the existing foreign affairs council in defence ministers format , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation and integration among the member states;


### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; ### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; underlines the need to prepare and adopt a comprehensive and fundamental document , which regulates future cooperation with third-party participation in pesco projects;


### b. whereas , under the terms of article 319(2) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , the commission must submit to the european parliament , at the latter’s request , any necessary information concerning the execution of expenditure and the operation of financial control systems; ### b. whereas , under the terms of rule 100 of the rules of procedure of the european parliament “other discharge procedures” , the provisions governing the procedure for granting discharge to the commission in accordance with article 319 of the tfeu , in respect of the implementation of the budget , shall also apply to the procedure for granting discharge to the president of the european parliament , to the persons responsible for the implementation of the budget of the council , the court of justice of the european union , the court of auditors , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions , to the commission in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european development fund and to the bodies responsible for the budgetary management of legally independent entities which carry out union tasks;


### 1. underlines the need for a memorandum of understanding between the european parliament , council and the commission on the provision of the information necessary for parliament to take an informed decision on discharge; considers that the negotiations with the council to this end should be resumed and extended to the commission , so as to ensure that parliament is provided with the necessary information on how the council is implementing its budget , either directly or via the commission; ### 1. underlines the urgent need for a memorandum of understanding between the european parliament and the council , that duly respects their respective roles , on the provision of the information necessary for parliament to take an informed decision on discharge; considers that satisfactory cooperation between both institutions in the form of an open and formal dialogue procedure would send a positive signal to the citizens of the union;


### 1. stresses that for ten years the council has refused to cooperate in the discharge procedure and the parliament has refused to grant discharge; notes that the decision whether to grant discharge for 2018 was postponed in may 2020 similar to what was done in previous years; ### 1. stresses that for ten consecutive years the council has refused to cooperate in the discharge procedure and thus forced the parliament to refuse to grant discharge; notes that the decision whether to grant discharge for 2018 was postponed in may 2020 similar to what was done in previous years;


### 2. underlines that this state of affairs not tenable for either institution , for the council because no positive decision on the implementation of its budget has been granted since 2009 , and for parliament because it shows a lack of consequences for not being granted discharge and , thus , a situation where parliament’s actions are not taken seriously; ### 2. underlines that this state of affairs is not tenable for either institution: for the council because no positive decision on the implementation of its budget has been granted since 2009 , and for parliament because it shows a lack of respect for parliament's role as discharge authority and guarantor of the transparency and democratic accountability of the budget of the union;


### 4. calls on the council to separate the budget of the european council and the council into one budget for each of the two institutions for transparency reasons and to improve accountability for both institutions; ### 4. regrets that the request to separate the budget of the european council and the council into one budget for each institution , made by parliament in previous discharge resolutions , has not been considered; calls on the council do this separation for transparency reasons and to improve accountability and expenditure efficiency for both institutions;


### 9. informs that the rapporteur of the council discharge 2018 , mr tomas zdechovsky and the 1st vice-chair , ms isabel garcia munoz , and the chair of parliament's committee on budgetary control , ms monika hohlmeier , form the negotiating team on behalf of parliament; ### 9. informs that the parliament's negotiating team consists of the chair of parliament's committee on budgetary control , ms monika hohlmeier; the rapporteur for the council 2018 discharge , mr tomas zdechovsky; and the 1st vice-chair of the committee on budgetary control , ms isabel garcía muñoz;


### 13. insists that the budget of the european council and the budget of the council must be separated in order to contribute to more transparency in the efficiency of expenditure for both institutions as recommended by parliament in many of its discharge resolutions over the last years; ### 13. insists that the budget of the european council and the budget of the council must be separated in order to contribute to more transparency , accountability and efficiency with respect to the expenditure for both institutions as recommended by parliament in many of its discharge resolutions over the last years;


### 15. notes that related to the proposal for a new interinstitutional agreement on a mandatory transparency register for interest representatives covering the parliament , the council and the commission two negotiating rounds took place in 2018 under the bulgarian presidency and one in 2019 under the romanian presidency; calls on the council to follow-up negotiations to reach a successful outcome which will finally include the council in the registry; ### 15. notes that related to the proposal for a new interinstitutional agreement on a mandatory transparency register for interest representatives covering the parliament , the council and the commission two negotiating rounds took place in 2018 under the bulgarian presidency and one in 2019 under the romanian presidency; calls on the council to follow-up negotiations to reach a successful outcome which will finally include the council in the registry; calls on the council to demonstrate a real commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability by adopting concrete measures , such as publishing the meetings held by the member states' permanent representatives and their deputies and ministers when dealing with union atters during their presidency , building on the example set by the finnish presidency;


### 3. notes that the court selected a sample of 45 transactions from the multiannual financial framework (mmf) heading 5 “administration” of all union institutions and bodies; notes that the sample was designed to be representative of the range of spending under heading 5 , which represents 6 ,3 % of the union budget; notes that the court’s work indicates administrative expenditure as low risk; considers , however , the amount of transactions selected in relation to the “other institutions” as not sufficient and asks the court to increase the number of transactions to be examined by 10 % at least; ### deleted


### 7. notes that appropriations carried over from 2018 to 2019 amounted to a total of eur 56 599 584 , equivalent to 10 ,7 % (compared to eur 60 576 175 or 11 ,5 % in 2017) , coming mainly from categories such as computer systems (eur 18 ,3 million) , buildings (eur 16 ,0 million) and interpretation (eur 11 ,9 million); takes note of the cancelled appropriations in 2018 of eur 46 348 862 (compared to eur 35 025 789 in 2017); calls on the council to strengthen its efforts to avoid budget over-estimates; ### 7. notes that appropriations carried over from 2018 to 2019 amounted to a total of eur 56 599 584 , equivalent to 10 ,7 % (compared to eur 60 576 175 or 11 ,5 % in 2017) , coming mainly from categories such as computer systems (eur 18 ,3 million) , buildings (eur 16 ,0 million) and interpretation (eur 11 ,9 million); takes note of the cancelled appropriations in 2018 of eur 46 348 862 (compared to eur 35 025 789 in 2017); reminds the council that carry-overs are exceptions to the principle of annuality and should reflect actual needs and , thus , calls on the council to strengthen its efforts to avoid budget over-estimates;


### 11. welcomes the council’s efforts in the implementation of the ‘action plan for a more dynamic , flexible and collaborative general secretariat of the council (gsc)’; notes the steps to further improve the council’s financial management and performance by measures such as the establishment of an advisory management board , the adoption of guidelines for a common project & task force management framework (cpmf) and the creation of a task force “reorganisation” , etc.; ### 11. welcomes the council’s efforts in the implementation of the ‘action plan for a more dynamic , flexible and collaborative general secretariat of the council (gsc)’; notes the steps to further improve the council’s financial management and performance by measures such as the establishment of an advisory management board , the adoption of guidelines for a common project & task force management framework (cpmf) , the creation of a task force “reorganisation” and the review of the internal rules following the publication of the new financial regulation;


### 18. asks the council to strengthen its efforts to make the legislative process more traceable and reader friendly , to centre transparency around milestones in the legislative process and to normalise the publication of member states inputs (statements , proposals for amendments) into legislative debates; acknowledges the council’s efforts to improve transparency with ongoing changes to its website and the activities of its internal transparency team; encourages the council to introduce further measures in order to reach a successful transparency policy allowing the public to follow the union legislative process with greater ease; ### 18. reiterates its support to the recommendations of the european ombudsman on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council1a; asks the council to strengthen its efforts to make the legislative process more traceable and reader friendly , to centre transparency around milestones in the legislative process and to normalise the identification and publication in due time of member states' inputs (statements , proposals for amendments) into legislative debates either at council meetings , preparatory discussions in the council’s committee of permanent representatives or in any of the preparatory bodies; acknowledges the council’s efforts to improve transparency with ongoing changes to its website and the activities of its internal transparency team; encourages the council to introduce further measures in order to reach a successful transparency policy allowing the public to follow the union legislative process with greater ease;


### 18. asks the council to strengthen its efforts to make the legislative process more traceable and reader friendly , to centre transparency around milestones in the legislative process and to normalise the publication of member states inputs (statements , proposals for amendments) into legislative debates; acknowledges the council’s efforts to improve transparency with ongoing changes to its website and the activities of its internal transparency team; encourages the council to introduce further measures in order to reach a successful transparency policy allowing the public to follow the union legislative process with greater ease; ### 18. asks the council to strengthen its efforts to make the legislative process more traceable and reader friendly , to centre transparency around milestones in the legislative process and to normalise the publication of member states inputs (statements , proposals for amendments) into legislative debates; calls , however , on the council to step up its transparency efforts , inter alia by the publication of council legislative documents , having formal minute-taking of council preparatory bodies which records member states positions and publishing of those minutes , and making available more trilogue documents in line with the ombudsman's recommendations; encourages the council to introduce further measures in order to reach a successful transparency policy allowing the public to follow the union legislative process with greater ease;


### 22. notes that according to tfeu , the institutions enjoy administrative autonomy and their expenditure is set out in separate parts of the budget; notes that according to the financial regulation , the institutions are individually responsible for the implementation of their budgets; ### 22. recalls that according to tfeu , the institutions enjoy administrative autonomy and their expenditure is set out in separate parts of the budget; notes that according to the financial regulation , the institutions are individually responsible for the implementation of their budgets; underlines the importance of the institutions acting responsibly and professionally in the implementation of their budgets;


### 23. notes that during the course of almost twenty years parliament has developed the practice of granting discharge to all union institutions and bodies; notes that all union institutions and bodies accept to participate in parliament’s discharge procedure , with the only exception being the council; ### 23. notes that during the course of almost twenty years parliament has developed the practice of granting discharge to all union institutions and bodies; recalls that parliament grants discharge to them after considering the documents provided , their replies given to the written questionnaires and after hearing their secretaries general; notes that all union institutions and bodies accept to participate in parliament’s discharge procedure , with the only exception being the council;


### 24. notes the lack of cooperation form the council in the discharge procedure which has resulted in parliament’s refusal to grant discharge to the secretary-general of the council since the financial year 2009; ### 24. regrets the lack of cooperation form the council in the discharge procedure which has resulted in parliament’s refusal to grant discharge to the secretary-general of the council since the financial year 2009;


### 1. highlights that in the current global security environment , an integral part of the eu’s strategic autonomy should be the independent capacity to guarantee the security of its own citizens; ### 1. highlights that in the current global security environment , an integral part of the eu’s strategic autonomy should be the independent capacity to guarantee the security of its own citizens against an increasing number of threats , including armed conflicts in its neighbourhood , cyber-attacks , and disinformation campaigns;


### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf; ### 41. takes note of the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; takes also note of the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf;


### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf; ### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects and supports the creation of a fully-fledged edf in the next mff; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf;


### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf; ### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european combat air system , tank , heavy lift aircraft , or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf;


### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in elections as possible. ### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing all obstacles to their participation in elections.


### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in elections as possible. ### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure full and effective access to information and to their electoral rights by removing all obstacles to their participation in elections as possible.


### (8) in order to facilitate the exercise by union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence , such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. the formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. it should be sufficient for the union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that include elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. once registered , non-national union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as union citizens who are nationals of the member state concerned , for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. additionally , union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information , enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis. ### (8) in order to facilitate the exercise by union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence , such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. union citizens that have expressed their wish to vote in the municipal election of their member state of residence should be entered on the electoral roll automatically upon their registration for residence. the formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. it should be sufficient for the union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that include elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. once registered , non-national union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as union citizens who are nationals of the member state concerned , for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. additionally , union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information , enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis.


### (11) since the duties of the leadership of basic local government units may involve taking part in the exercise of official authority and in the safeguarding of the general interest , member states should be able to reserve those offices for their nationals in full respect of the principle of proportionality . ### deleted


### (12) it should likewise be possible for participation by elected municipal officers in the election of a parliamentary assembly to be reserved for own nationals. ### deleted


### (17) in order to improve the accessibility of electoral information , such information should be made available in at least one other official language of the union than that or those of the host member state , broadly understood by the largest possible number of union citizens residing on its territory. member states may use different official languages of the union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of union citizens residing therein. ### (17) in order to improve the accessibility of electoral information , such information should be made available , where possible in the native language of the non-national , or in at least one other official language of the union than that or those of the host member state , broadly understood by the largest possible number of union citizens residing on its territory. member states may use different official languages of the union in specific parts of their territory or their regions depending on the language understood by the largest group of union citizens residing therein.


### (26) the member states , by ratifying , and the union , by concluding25 , have committed themselves to ensure compliance with the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities including on article 29 on participation in political and public life. in order to support inclusive and equal electoral participation for persons with disabilities , arrangements for union citizens residing in a member state of which they are not nationals to exercise the right to vote and to stand as a candidate there in municipal elections should have due regard to the needs of citizens with a disability and older citizens. ### (26) the member states , by ratifying , and the union , by concluding25 , have committed themselves to ensure compliance with the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities including on article 29 on participation in political and public life. in order to support inclusive and equal electoral participation for persons with disabilities , arrangements for union citizens residing in a member state of which they are not nationals to exercise the right to vote and to stand as a candidate there in municipal elections should have due regard to the needs of citizens with a disability and older citizens. furthermore , member states should ensure that persons with disabilities receive , at their request , assistance in voting by a person of their choice.


### 3. member states may provide that only their own nationals may hold the office of elected head , deputy or member of the governing college of the executive of a basic local government unit if elected to hold office for the duration of their mandate. ### deleted


### 3. member states where voting is not compulsory may provide for the automatic registration of voters pursuant to article 3 on the electoral roll. ### 3. member states shall provide for the automatic registration of voters pursuant to article 3 on the electoral roll. the automatic registration shall require the consent of the non-national union citizen.


### 3. voters pursuant to article 3 who have been entered on an electoral roll in the member state of residence shall remain thereon , under the same conditions as voters who are nationals , until such a time as they are removed because they no longer satisfy the requirements for exercising the right to vote. where member states provide for the notification of nationals of their removal from the electoral roll , those provisions shall apply equally to voters pursuant to article 3. ### 3. voters pursuant to article 3 who have been entered on an electoral roll in the member state of residence shall remain thereon , under the same conditions as voters who are nationals , until such a time as they are removed because they no longer satisfy the requirements for exercising the right to vote. where member states provide for the notification of nationals of their removal from the electoral roll , those provisions shall apply equally to voters pursuant to article 3. this notification shall be provided , where possible in the native language of the non-national , or in at least one other official language of the union other than that or those of the host member state , broadly understood by the largest possible number of union citizens residing on its territory


### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall , in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host member state also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of european union citizens residing on its territory , in accordance with the quality requirements in article 9 of regulation (eu) 2018/1724 of the european parliament and of the council28 . ### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall , in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host member state also be accompanied by a translation where possible in the native language of the union citizen , or in at least one other official language of the union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of european union citizens residing on its territory , in accordance with the quality requirements in article 9 of regulation (eu) 2018/1724 of the european parliament and of the council28 .


### 4. member states shall ensure that information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in municipal elections and information referred to in paragraph 2 is made accessible to persons with disabilities and older persons by using appropriate means , modes and formats of communication. ### 4. member states shall ensure that information on conditions and detailed rules for registration as a voter or candidate in municipal elections and information referred to in paragraph 2 is made accessible to persons with disabilities and older persons by applying accessibility requirements laid down in annex i of directive (eu) 2019/8821a and by using appropriate means , modes and formats of communication , such as sign language , braille or easy-to-read format , in union official languages understandable to them. member states may ensure that persons with disabilities receive , at their request , assistance in voting by a person of their choice.


### 5.1. if the ombudsman considers that a complaint can be resolved , the ombudsman shall seek a solution with the institution concerned and the complainant. ### 5.1. if the ombudsman considers that a complaint can be resolved , the ombudsman shall seek a solution with the institution concerned and the complainant to resolve that complaint.


### 6.2. where the ombudsman finds no maladministration , a solution has been found or no further inquiries are justified , the inquiry shall be closed with a decision setting out findings. in the decision closing the inquiry , the ombudsman may make suggestions for improvement regarding issues identified in the course of the inquiry. the ombudsman shall send the decision to the complainant and to the institution concerned. ### 6.2. where the ombudsman finds no maladministration , a solution has been found or no further inquiries are justified , the inquiry shall be closed with a decision setting out findings. in the decision closing the inquiry , the ombudsman may suggest improvements regarding issues identified in the course of the inquiry. the ombudsman shall send the decision to the complainant and to the institution concerned.


### 7.2. the ombudsman may submit a special report to the european parliament on any inquiry in which the ombudsman finds maladministration and which the ombudsman considers to be of public importance. ### 7.2. the ombudsman may submit a special report to the european parliament on any inquiry in which the ombudsman finds maladministration and which the ombudsman considers to be of public importance and public interest.


### b. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection of the eu’s external borders; ### b. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection of the eu’s external borders; highlights the essential role of the schengen area in assuring protection and border control; stresses that , in the context of the war in ukraine , frontline countries , such as romania , have demonstrated full application of the schengen acquis , contributing to the eu’s external borders protection;


### 1. stresses that the russian invasion of ukraine underlines the unequivocal need for security and defence measures to be gender-responsive; ### 1. stresses that the russian invasion of ukraine underlines the unequivocal need for security and defence measures to be gender-responsive; restate sits condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the russian aggression against and invasion of ukraine and condemns any war crimes being committed against civilian population , including sexual violence as a weapon of war;


### 3. calls on the european external action service (eeas) and the member states to ensure effective gender mainstreaming across all common security and defence policy (csdp) missions; calls specifically for the next csdp compact to set targets for gender balance in the personnel , especially in leadership positions as there are only three female heads of civilian missions and no female commanders of military missions; ### 3. calls for gender mainstreaming to be implemented and integrated into all eu activities and policies; whereas gender analysis and a gender perspective constitute a foundation of effective and sustainable conflict prevention , stabilisation , peacebuilding , post-conflict reconstruction , governance and institution building; active participation of women in all the parts of the post-conflict resolution process should be ensured; calls on the european external action service (eeas) and the member states to ensure effective gender mainstreaming across all common security and defence policy (csdp) and enlargement missions; underlines that women’s participation in csdp-missions contributes to the effectiveness of the work and it increase the eu credibility as a proponent of equal rights formen and women worldwide; recalls that gender diversity in csdp is important for implementing many operational tasks and effective executing of the duties such as increasing situational awareness , reaching out to different groups in society , or further strengthening training and monitoring; calls specifically for the next csdp compact to set targets for gender balance in the personnel , especially in leadership positions as there are only three female heads of civilian missions and no female commanders of military missions;


### 4. considers that a union mechanism should be established so as to allow all member states to benefit from innovation in the field of defence and state-of-the-art defence technology; ### 4. considers that a union mechanism should be established so as to allow all member states to benefit from innovation in the field of defence and state-of-the-art defence technology; in this regard , calls for increased funding for defence research and technology , as well as for eu programs destined for capability development;


### 4. emphasises the important work of gender advisers in csdp missions; regrets that the post of gender adviser remains vacant in several military missions and calls for these posts to be filled; recognises the relevant role of the gender focal points network in missions and expects its continued development and training; encourages structured exchange of best practices between civilian and military missions; ### 4. emphasises the important work of gender advisers in csdp missions; regrets that the post of gender adviser remains vacant in several military missions and calls for these posts to be filled; recognises the relevant role of the gender focal points network in missions and expects its continued development and training; encourages structured exchange of best practices between civilian and military missions; call for a strengthened position of the gender advisor in order to mainstream gender approach into all programmes and policies;


### 5. calls for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual and gender-based harassment and sexual exploitation within all csdp missions and insists that independent oversight be employed to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable; urges the eeas and the member states to guarantee safety from sexual exploitation; calls for specialised support , including counselling and psychological services , to be made available to all victims; ### 5. calls for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual and gender-based harassment and sexual exploitation within all csdp missions and insists that independent oversight be employed to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable; urges the eeas and the member states to guarantee safety from sexual exploitation; calls for specialised support , including counselling and psychological services , to be made available to all victims , as well as training on preventing and combat gender based violence;


### a. whereas women are disproportionately affected by conflict , with particular regard to sexual violence , displacement and trafficking in human beings1 ; ### a. whereas women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict , with particular regard to sexual violence , displacement and trafficking in human beings1 , access to srhr and impoverishment;


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; stresses the need for strategic reform in the sahel considering the cyclical nature of the conflicts in the region , emphasises on a more political engagement with the governments supported by the eu to ensure more transparency , combat corruption , cultivate inclusivity and engage with citizens in an effort to curb the explosion of armed and ethnic conflicts;


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed to align with the changing political and geopolitical landscape; calls for a rethinking of the eu’s engagement in the sahel region , involving a more human security-centred approach , human rights monitoring and a sustainable exit strategy; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa;


### (9) the coordination group’s work needs the support of experts in different areas of information security: categorisation and marking , communication and information systems , accreditation , physical security and sharing euci and exchanging classified information. in order to prevent duplication of effort across the union institutions and bodies , thematic sub-groups should be therefore established. moreover , where needed , the coordination group should be able to set up other subgroups with specific tasks. ### (9) the coordination group’s work needs the support of experts in different areas of information security: categorisation and marking , communication and information systems , accreditation , physical security and sharing euci and exchanging classified information. in order to prevent duplication of effort across the union institutions and bodies , thematic sub-groups should be therefore established. moreover , where needed , the coordination group should be able to set up other subgroups with specific tasks. the coordination group’s work should also regard the training component for the union institutions' and bodies' personnel , with the scope of enhancing information security awareness and best practices , complementary to the established procedures.


### (10) the coordination group should closely cooperate with the national security authorities of the member states with a view to enhancing information security in the union. an information security committee of the member states should therefore be set up to provide advice to the coordination group. ### (10) the coordination group should closely cooperate with the national security authorities of the member states with a view to enhancing information security in the union. an information security committee of the member states should therefore be set up to provide advice to the coordination group. given the constantly evolving threat landscape at union level , close cooperation with the committee is required in order to adapt prevention and mitigation methods for information security.


### (14) with the purpose of adjusting to the new teleworking practices , the networks used for connecting to the union institution’s or body’s remote access services should be protected by adequate security measures. ### (14) with the purpose of adjusting to the new teleworking practices , the networks used for connecting to the union institution’s or body’s remote access services should be protected by effective security measures.


### (16) the substantive rules regarding access to euci in the internal rules of various union institutions and bodies are currently aligned , but there are significant differences as regards denominations and required procedures. this creates a burden for the national security authorities of the member states who need to adjust to different requirements. thus it is necessary to provide for a common glossary and common procedures in the area of personnel security , thereby simplifying cooperation with the national security authorities of the member states and limiting the risk of compromising euci. ### (16) the substantive rules regarding access to euci in the internal rules of various union institutions and bodies are currently aligned , but there are significant differences as regards denominations and required procedures. this creates a burden for the national security authorities of the member states who need to adjust to different requirements. thus it is necessary to provide for a common glossary and common procedures in the area of personnel security , thereby simplifying cooperation with the national security authorities of the member states and limiting the risk of compromising euci , while respecting the rules of procedure of each institution and body.


### set up dedicated platforms for sharing best practices and knowledge on common topics relevant to information security as well as for providing assistance in case of information security incidents; ### set up dedicated platforms for sharing best practices , training and knowledge on common topics relevant to information security as well as for providing assistance in case of information security incidents;


### 7. union institutions and bodies shall bring to the attention of the coordination group any significant information security policy development within their organisation. ### 7. union institutions and bodies shall bring to the attention of the coordination group any significant information security policy development within their organisation , within a reasonable timeframe.


### 4. the responsibilities of one or more of the functions referred to in paragraph 3 may be delegated to another union institution or body whenever decentralised delivery of security offers significant efficiency , resource or time savings. ### 4. under exceptional circumstances , the responsibilities of one or more of the functions referred to in paragraph 3 may be delegated to another union institution or body whenever decentralised delivery of security offers significant efficiency , resource or time savings.


### 2. union institutions and bodies may mark with ‘public use’ the information referred to in paragraph 1. ### 2. union institutions and bodies shall mark with ‘public use’ the information referred to in paragraph 1.


### 1. union institutions and bodies shall establish procedures for the reporting and management of any incident or suspected incident that could lead to a compromise of the security of non-classified information. ### 1. union institutions and bodies shall establish streamlined procedures for the reporting and management of any incident or suspected incident that could lead to a compromise of the security of non-classified information.


### 1. union institutions and bodies shall ensure that ciss meet the following minimum requirements when handling and storing sensitive non-classified information: ### 1. union institutions and bodies must ensure that ciss meet the following minimum requirements when handling and storing sensitive non-classified information:


### 1. the security authority of each union institution and body shall approve the security measures for protecting euci throughout its life-cycle in accordance with the outcome of a risk assessment performed by the respective union institution or body. ### 1. the security authority of each union institution and body shall approve the security measures for protecting euci throughout its life-cycle in accordance with the outcome of a risk assessment performed by the respective union institution or body. the risk assessment shall have a common criteria to ensure all union institutions and bodies have aligned security measures , while also considering the particularities relevant to each institution or body.


### inform the originator; ### inform the originator as soon as the compromise has been identified;


### notify the competent authorities about the actual or potential compromise and the action taken. ### notify the competent authorities about the actual or potential compromise and the action taken , without any undue delay.


### 1. the security authority of a union institution or body may grant individuals access to euci where all the following conditions are met: ### 1. the security authority of a union institution or body shall grant individuals access to euci where all the following conditions are met:


### 2. the sub-group on euci sharing and exchange of classified information shall be composed of representatives from the commission , the council and the european external action service and shall work by consensus. ### 2. the sub-group on euci sharing and exchange of classified information shall be composed of representatives from the commission , the council and the european external action service , ensuring gender and geographical balance , and shall work by consensus.


### 1. the sub-group on euci sharing and exchange of classified information shall carry out assessment visits in full cooperation with the officials of the union institution or body being visited. it may seek assistance from the nsa on whose territory the union institution or body is located. ### 1. the sub-group on euci sharing and exchange of classified information shall carry out regular assessment visits in full cooperation with the officials of the union institution or body being visited. it may seek assistance from the nsa on whose territory the union institution or body is located.


### 19. stresses that eu sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development , coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities , an efficient division of labour between the member states and the eu’s ability to decide and act autonomously , in line with its own interests , principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners , in particular within the framework of nato; welcomes in this regard the commission president’s announcement that the eu and nato will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the vp/hr; ### 19. is concerned by the turkish government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy , which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the eu and individual member states; takes note of the recent resumption of dialogue between the eu and turkey on different areas of common interests and amidst lower tensions in our relations; deplores , however , the lack of progress in the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in turkey which continues to be the main obstacle to advance on any positive agenda that could be offered to the country; insists in its call on turkish authorities to prove the sincerity of their commitment to closer relations and alignment with the european union through specific actions and reforms concerning fundamental freedoms and rule of law , including by abiding with ecthr rulings on the cases of osman kavala and selahattin demirtaş; recalls , that turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the eu and that engagement needs to continue in a phased , proportionate and reversible manner , keeping the country as closely anchored to the eu as possible;


### a. whereas parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (cfsp) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective means to fulfil this role; ### a. whereas parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (cfsp) and the common security and defence policy and should use fully and effectively the means at its disposal to fulfil this role;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and multidimensional challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , and the still unfolding humanitarian emergency , have accentuated the need for the eu to be able to autonomously set its own strategic objectives and develop capabilities to pursue them;


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


### c. whereas the eu needs to act on the global stage with a common strategic culture to develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values , social fairness and its vision for a sustainable future; ### c. whereas the eu needs to act on the global stage with one coherent voice rooted in a common strategic culture develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values , social justice , fundamental rights including gender equality and its vision for a sustainable future;


### 1. notes that the geopolitical impact of the covid-19 pandemic and a quickly deteriorating security environment are posing unprecedented challenges to the union’s common security and defence policy (csdp); emphasises , against this background , that achieving the objectives of the csdp to strengthen the union’s operational capacity as provided for in the treaty on european union is more necessary than ever; ### 1. notes that the geopolitical impact of the covid-19 pandemic and a quickly deteriorating security environment are posing unprecedented challenges to the union’s common security and defence policy (csdp); emphasises , against this background , that achieving the objectives of the csdp to strengthen the union’s operational capacity as provided for in the treaty on european union is more necessary than ever; notes that the covid-19 crisis has also revealed that the eu is unprepared for dealing with this type of challenges and considers that solutions must be found to strengthen eu’s resilience and strategic autonomy;


### 3. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; ### 3. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; underlines the compatibility and the need to reinforce nato and eu cooperation on defence and security issues;


### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s security and defence , which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address; ### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s security and defence , cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address; underlines the need to intensify the cooperation and the focus on fighting cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare and calls for new common initiatives in the field of cybersecurity;


### 5. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in scrutinising and supervising the implementation and evaluation of the csdp , including monitoring the implementation of the permanent structured cooperation. ### 5. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent and active role in scrutinising and supervising the implementation and evaluation of the csdp , including monitoring the implementation of the permanent structured cooperation; in the framework of the conference on the future of europe calls for initiatives and debates on improving the eu’s common security and defence policy.


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


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; welcomes therefore the 2021 soteu announcement to set up a european cyber defence policy; welcomes the increased cooperation among member states in the domain of cyber defence in the framework of the permanent structured cooperation (pesco) , including cyber rapid response teams; recalls that the successful implementation of eu missions and operations is increasingly dependent on uninterrupted access to a secure cyberspace , and thus requires robust and resilient cyber operational capabilities , as well as adequate responses to attacks against military installations , missions and operations; calls for increased eu coordination as regards establishing collective attribution for malicious cyber incidents;


### 3. calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union; ### 3. calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights and environmental objectives into the economic governance of the union , in accordance with the eu's climate , environmental and sustainable development commitments;


### 3. calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union; ### 3. calls urgently on the commission and the european council to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union;


### 4. recalls that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal formations of the union; notes that this represents a significant impediment to the democratic legitimacy of the union as a whole; ### 4. recalls that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal formations of the union; notes that this represents a significant impediment to the democratic legitimacy of the union as a whole and calls for their integration into the treaty framework;


### 5. stresses that the suspension of the famous convergence criteria which prohibited having government debt above 60% of gdp and a general government deficit above 3% of gdp made possible the essential public investment for responding to the health , social and economic crisis; welcomes the speed with which it was possible to apply the general escape clause; ### 5. stresses that the suspension of the famous convergence criteria which prohibited having government debt above 60% of gdp and a general government deficit above 3% of gdp made possible the essential public investment for responding to the health , social and economic crisis; welcomes the speed with which it was possible to apply the general escape clause; calls for a review of the stability and growth pact in the upcoming conference on the future of europe;


### 6. recalls the importance of parity; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; ### 6. recalls the importance of gender equality; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union;


### 6. recalls the importance of parity; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; ### 6. recalls the importance of gender balance; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union;


### 7. considers that the establishment of an economic and monetary union (emu) is inseparable from consolidation of the rule of law; welcomes the agreement on a regulation for a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget; ### 7. considers that the establishment of an economic and monetary union (emu) is inseparable from consolidation of the rule of law and the completion of the banking union; welcomes the agreement on a regulation for a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget;


### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , even if they mean amending the treaties. ### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate with citizens , civil society organizations and social partners as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , including changes to the treaties in order to improve economic governance and completing the emu.


### d. whereas the decision to leave the eu resulting from the uk referendum , as expressed by uk citizens in a free and democratic process , was entirely and fully respected in line with the values of freedom and democracy , as referred to in article 2 of the teu; ### d. whereas the decision to leave the eu resulting from the uk referendum , as expressed by uk citizens was entirely and fully respected in line with the values of freedom and democracy , as referred to in article 2 of the teu; whereas the uk referendum underlines the risks and challenges raised by fake news and misinformation for democratic elections and the european union;


### 1. highlights that the withdrawal of a member state has been an unprecedented and extremely critical process for the european union; ### 1. highlights that the withdrawal of a member state has been an unprecedented and extremely critical process for the european union and should remain an exceptional mechanism applied under specific and limited conditions;


### 2. recognises but nevertheless considers regrettable the withdrawal of the uk from the european union; ### 2. recognises but nevertheless considers regrettable the withdrawal of the uk from the european union and underlines more efforts could have been done to avoid this situation;


### 6. considers that the swift and firm identification of the priorities in the context of the withdrawal of the uk from the union , and in particular , the protection of the rights of the millions of eu citizens in the uk and uk nationals in the eu affected by the withdrawal , the special circumstances confronting the island of ireland and a single financial settlement were key in structuring the process and stabilising its impact in the union; ### 6. considers that the swift and firm identification of the priorities in the context of the withdrawal of the uk from the union , and in particular , the protection of the rights of the millions of eu citizens in the uk and uk nationals in the eu affected by the withdrawal , the special circumstances confronting the island of ireland and a single financial settlement were key in structuring the process and stabilising its impact in the union; underlines the need to further reinforce the existing mechanisms designed to protect eu citizens across the world and especially in the uk or countries leaving the eu;


### 7. believes that the clear division of tasks among the institutions and the inclusive and transparent approach adopted by the commission and its chief negotiator were paramount in maintaining unity within the eu and in promoting the eu’s priorities and interests in the negotiations; ### 7. believes that the clear division of tasks among the institutions and the inclusive and transparent approach adopted by the commission , the parliament and its chief negotiator were paramount in maintaining unity within the eu and in promoting the eu’s priorities and interests in the negotiations;


### 9. considers , in this regard , that the political and economic consequences of the decision to leave the union are significant; believes that these were not genuinely and fully assessed by the uk prior to its decision to withdraw , resulting in a lack of preparation for the procedure; ### 9. considers , in this regard , that the political and economic consequences of the decision to leave the union are significant and largely negative both for the uk as for the union; believes that these were not genuinely and fully assessed by the uk prior to its decision to withdraw , resulting in a lack of preparation for the procedure; calls therefore for an assessment public report of the ec with regard to the benefits and disadvantages of withdrawing from the eu.


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


### - delimited requirements for the extension of the period of two years set out under article 50(3) of the teu , ### deleted


### - a legal basis and strict conditions for transitional arrangements , ### - a possible legal basis for transitional arrangements ,


### - explicit conditions for the revocation of the notification of the intention to leave , ### - to explicitly grant the possibility of revocation of the notification of the intention to leave ,


### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights; ### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their fundamental and social rights; underlines the need for further protection and legal certainty for vulnerable eu citizens affected by the withdrawal;


### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights; ### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards and an effective enforcement system for the protection of their rights without the prejudice of also include the creation of follow-up mechanisms and information campaigns;


### 14. is of the view that the european council played an aggregating and stabilising role in the process , including through its guidelines under article 50(2) of the teu , by interpreting and applying the provisions of article 50 of the teu , including in relation to the elements about which the provisions are silent , and setting a clear political direction in line with the interests of the union in the definition of the negotiation terms and in nominating the commission as the union’s negotiator; ### 14. is of the view that the european council played an aggregating and stabilising role in the process , including through its guidelines under article 50(2) of the teu , by interpreting and applying the provisions of article 50 of the teu , including in relation to the elements about which the provisions are silent , and setting a clear political direction in line with the interests of the union in the definition of the negotiation terms and in nominating the commission as the union’s negotiator; underlines the importance of the unity of eu member states regarding the uk withdrawal and calls for a similar attitude regarding eu topics;


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


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


### 18. considers that article 50 of the teu addresses and solves the procedural aspect of a member state’s withdrawal , but does not solve the significant political and economic consequences and disruptive effects of the withdrawal of a member state from the eu; ### 18. considers that article 50 of the teu addresses and solves the procedural aspect of a member state’s withdrawal , but does not solve the significant political , social and economic consequences and disruptive effects of the withdrawal of a member state from the eu , within and across eu members states and internationally;


### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; ### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; underlines the importance of the conference on the future of europe in making this reflection;


### 20. believes that it is the responsibility and role of the union and its member states to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the eu; calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve; ### 20. believes that it is the responsibility and role of the union and its member states to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the eu; calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve; underlines the importance of citizenship education in reinforcing the eu and reiterates the calls made for the creation of a specific agency focused on this topic; calls for further cooperation on education about the eu and between eu affairs experts and professors in order to develop new tools to increase citizens information and urges the commission to finance more activities in this regard;


### 1. regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure , which prevents parliament making an informed decision , and its lack of respect for parliament’s role as guarantor of the democratic accountability of the union budget; ### 1. calls for full respect of parliament's prerogatives and regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure , which prevents parliament making an informed decision , and its lack of respect for parliament’s role as guarantor of the democratic accountability of the union budget;


### 1. regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure , which prevents parliament making an informed decision , and its lack of respect for parliament’s role as guarantor of the democratic accountability of the union budget; ### 1. regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure for more than a decade , which prevents parliament making an informed decision , and its lack of respect for parliament’s role as guarantor of the democratic accountability of the union budget;


### 2. calls on the council to resume negotiations on memorandum of understanding on the cooperation during the budget discharge procedure; reiterates that , if those negotiations do not succeed , they should be extended to the commission to ensure that parliament is provided with necessary information on how the council is implementing its budget , either directly or via the commission; ### 2. calls on the council to implement the recommendations adopted by the european parliament on the budget discharge procedure and to resume negotiations on the memorandum of understanding on the interinstitutional cooperation on that matter; reiterates that , if those negotiations do not succeed , they should be extended to the commission to ensure that parliament is provided with necessary information on how the council is implementing its budget , either directly or via the commission; notes that the commission agrees that the practice of giving discharge to each institution for their administrative expenditure should be pursued in the future;


### 3. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests; ### 3. considers that the conference on the future of europe gives citizens and civil society organisations the opportunity to express their views and to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests;


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


### 12. notes that in 2020 the court examined , without remarks , the public procurement procedures organised by the council to acquire personal protective equipment for its members of staff; ### 12. notes that in 2020 the court examined , without remarks , the public procurement procedures organised by the council and three other union institutions to acquire personal protective equipment for its members of staff which included strict minimum requirements in the tender specification such as european reference quality standards; is aware that in four cases the successful bidder did not include full evidence that all minimum quality requirements were met at the time of contracting , leading the council to organise laboratory tests that showed that the personal protective equipment was indeed compliant;


### 20. regrets the lack of information on the implementation of the council’s gender action plan and the measures taken to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities at the council as a workplace; calls on the council to provide information on gender balance , geographical distribution and disabilities of its members of staff and on the related internal policies in force; ### 20. regrets the lack of information on the implementation of the council’s gender action plan and the measures taken to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities at the council as a workplace; calls on the council to provide information to the budgetary authority on gender balance , geographical distribution and disabilities of its members of staff and on the related internal policies in force;


### 28. is aware of the council’s key role in nomination and appointment procedures for the union institutions and bodies , in particular for the european council , the commission , the court and the consultative committees (the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committees); strongly recommends considering a review of that role with a view to guaranteeing and strengthening the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders; ### 28. is aware of the council’s key role in nomination and appointment procedures for the union institutions and bodies , in particular the president of the european council , the president of the commission , the members of the court , and the members of both the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committee; strongly recommends a review of the exercise of that prerogative with a view to guaranteeing and strengthening the democratic participation of relevant stakeholders;


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


### 35. observes that the council’s buildings policy since 2004 aims to ultimately accommodate all its activities in brussels in geographically concentrated buildings under its ownership; encourages the council to adjust its building strategy in order to take into into account the working arrangements that will likely become part of long-lasting or permanent working modes (shared spaces or multipurpose areas); ### 35. observes that the council’s buildings policy since 2004 aims to ultimately accommodate all its activities in brussels in geographically concentrated buildings under its ownership; encourages the council to adjust its building strategy in order to take into account the working arrangements that will likely become part of long-lasting or permanent working modes , in particular with regard to shared spaces or multipurpose areas;