### 149. proposes to offer an alternative to the buy-out vision of many ai start-ups by ensuring that government support is provided at all stages of their development; underlines in this regard that the eu should amplify its efforts at offering smes and start-ups development paths and services , especially by promoting the use of digital tools , developing ai transition plans and further expanding the exchange of best practices; urges the commission and the member states to provide better counselling and more concrete support through networks , digital hubs , ai trainers , business mentoring and site visits; ### 149. proposes to offer an alternative to the buy-out vision of many ai start-ups by ensuring that government support is provided at all stages of their development; underlines in this regard that the eu should amplify its efforts at offering smes and start-ups development paths and services , especially by promoting the use of digital tools , developing ai transition plans and further expanding the exchange of best practices; urges the commission and the member states to provide better counselling and more concrete support through networks , digital hubs , ai trainers , business mentoring and site visits; underlined the importance of people-to-people exchange programmes such as erasmus for young entrepreneurs , that should be further developed and encouraged;


### 150. points out that the eu should forge a strong international core value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to overcome regulatory divergence in the fields of privacy rights , data flows or competition rules and to remedy strategic vulnerabilities by building on each other’s assets and pooling resources in areas where it is mutually beneficial to do so; ### 150. points out that the eu should forge a strong international core value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to overcome regulatory divergence in the fields of privacy rights , data flows or competition rules and to remedy strategic vulnerabilities by building on each other’s assets and pooling resources in areas where it is mutually beneficial to do so; underlines that the eu should also actively support strengthened international cooperation on ethical , trustworthy and human centric ai in relevant multilateral fora , for example within the united nations system;


### 150. points out that the eu should forge a strong international core value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to overcome regulatory divergence in the fields of privacy rights , data flows or competition rules and to remedy strategic vulnerabilities by building on each other’s assets and pooling resources in areas where it is mutually beneficial to do so; ### 150. points out that the eu should promote a strong international value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to establish common and high regulatory standards in the field of ai and engage in enhanced cooperation in all relevant multilateral as well as bilateral fora , from the un to oecd to the ttc , to the council of europe;


### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted; ### deleted


### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted; ### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate serious crimes; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted;


### 153. urges member states to pursue an active policy of european cyber diplomacy by denouncing and attributing foreign-supported ai-powered cyberattacks , while leveraging the full toolbox of eu diplomacy; advises that this should include diplomatic responses , the termination of financial aid and sanctions against those countries or proxies that engage in malicious cyber activities or that sponsor cybercrimes; believes that the eu , in close cooperation with nato , should consider using ai to execute cyber counter-strikes against repeat offenders; ### 153. urges member states to pursue an active policy of european cyber diplomacy by enhancing dialogue with competing powers and sharing intelligence and cooperating at the eu level to prevent ai-powered cyberattacks; advises that this should include diplomatic responses , including the termination of financial aid and sanctions against those countries or proxies that engage in malicious cyber activities or that sponsor cybercrimes;


### 153. urges member states to pursue an active policy of european cyber diplomacy by denouncing and attributing foreign-supported ai-powered cyberattacks , while leveraging the full toolbox of eu diplomacy; advises that this should include diplomatic responses , the termination of financial aid and sanctions against those countries or proxies that engage in malicious cyber activities or that sponsor cybercrimes; believes that the eu , in close cooperation with nato , should consider using ai to execute cyber counter-strikes against repeat offenders; ### 153. urges member states to pursue an active policy of european cyber diplomacy by identifying , collectively attributing and sanctioning the perpetrators of foreign-supported ai-powered cyberattacks , while leveraging the full toolbox of eu diplomacy; welcomes that the eu cyber toolbox includes sanctions against those countries or proxies that engage in malicious cyber activities or that sponsor cybercrimes; calls for closer cooperation with nato in the cyber defence field , notably on the exchanges of concepts and doctrines , on cross participation in cyber exercises and on cross-briefings;


### 154. notes that exclusive military and national security uses of ai should be exempt from civilian ai legislation , since overregulation in the field of security and defence could pre-emptively restrict the eu’s capacity to innovate and deploy ai technologies , placing it at a disadvantage to its adversaries that do not have such constraints; ### deleted


### 154. notes that exclusive military and national security uses of ai should be exempt from civilian ai legislation , since overregulation in the field of security and defence could pre-emptively restrict the eu’s capacity to innovate and deploy ai technologies , placing it at a disadvantage to its adversaries that do not have such constraints; ### 154. underlines that the european court of auditors pointed to capability gaps in the eu in the area of ict technologies , cyber warfare and ai; welcomes that the edf call for project comprises a grant for frugal learning for rapid adaptation of ai systems; welcomes the fact that the edidp and the edf do not make eligible research on defence products and technologies that are specifically designed to carry out lethal strikes without and human control over the engagement decisions;


### 5. conclusion: an urgent call for action! ### 5. conclusions


### 155. believes that the ongoing digital transformation , where ai plays the key role , has triggered a global tech race that will determine the future political and economic power status of the european union; urgently stresses that the eu is so far falling further and further behind in this race with the result that current technological standards are being actively developed and determined outside of europe , presenting an existential threat to our democracy and prosperity; concludes that in order to remain both competitive and a global power , the eu needs to become a global leader in ai; ### 155. believes that the eu needs to become a global leader in ai standard-setting;


### 156. highlights that ai , while often portrayed as an unpredictable threat , is in reality a powerful digital tool that is already a game changer in core fields that bring benefits for the good of society , including in our aspirations to combat climate change , provide innovate healthcare , revolutionise employment , strengthen our security and democratic systems and boost our competitiveness on a global scale; stresses that these benefits should guide and inform regulation and public communication on ai; ### 156. highlights that ai , despite the current fears due to its opacity and unpredictability , is in reality a powerful digital tool and can be a game changer in core fields and brings benefits for the good of society , including in combating climate change , preventing and tackling pandemics and providing cutting-edge healthcare , and improving working conditions; stresses that these benefits as well as the inherent risks , should guide and inform regulation and public communication on ai;


### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology , fully in line with european principles and values; highlights , however , that the window of opportunity for consolidating such a distinctive european approach to ai on the international stage is closing fast , which is why the eu needs to join forces and agree on a joint ai strategy , including a balanced regulatory framework , very soon; ### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common high standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology , in line with european principles and values;


### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology , fully in line with european principles and values; highlights , however , that the window of opportunity for consolidating such a distinctive european approach to ai on the international stage is closing fast , which is why the eu needs to join forces and agree on a joint ai strategy , including a balanced regulatory framework , very soon; ### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology globally , fully in line with european principles and values; highlights , however , that the window of opportunity for consolidating such a distinctive european approach to ai on the international stage is closing fast , which is why the eu needs to join forces and agree on a joint ai strategy , including a balanced regulatory framework , very soon;


### 158. stresses that currently , the eu does not meet any of the preconditions that would allow us to fully capture the potential of ai , especially compared to the ai frontrunners china and the us; finds that a lack of legal certainty , access to and sharing of high-quality data , harmonised rules and standards , funding , research , skills and infrastructure for core technologies , as well as high regulatory burdens , have led to a situation in which the eu’s competitiveness is constantly decreasing; is convinced that only by executing a bold and comprehensive eu roadmap for ai will the eu manage to catch up; states that parliament needs an ad hoc digital committee with legislative powers in order to be able to respond effectively to these horizontal challenges , ; notes that as long as this committee is not established , clear competences among existing committees need to be defined in order to enable them to follow up effectively on all specific parts of this roadmap; ### 158. stresses that currently , the eu still lags behind in several areas , preventing it to fully exploit ai opportunities and become a true leader in ai especially compared to china and the us; finds that a lack of legal certainty , access to and sharing of high-quality data , harmonised rules and standards , funding , research , skills and infrastructure need to be addressed to improve eu’s capacity for innovation and for its competitiveness on ai; is convinced that in order to do so , europe needs a bold and comprehensive roadmap for ai;


### 159. concludes that it is the eu’s responsibility to quickly set up a favourable regulatory environment for ai that provides for swift digital law-making , effective governance and balanced ethical standards , while at the same time preventing overregulation and giving enough leeway for innovation; urges that the adequate development and training of ai will require better access to high-quality data , common standards and incentives for voluntary data sharing; calls on its committees on legal affairs (juri) , internal market and consumer protection (imco) , industry , research and energy (itre) , civil liberties , justice and home affairs (libe) , and constitutional affairs (afco) to ensure that these goals are met; ### 159. concludes that it is the eu’s responsibility to set up a favourable regulatory environment for ai that provides for clear rules and requirements , effective governance and balanced ethical standards enabling positive innovation; underlines that the adequate development and training of ai will require better access to high-quality data , common standards and incentives for voluntary data sharing;


### 160. concludes that our digital ambitions in fields such as ai can only be achieved through a fully integrated and fully harmonised digital single market that promotes cross-border exchange and that guarantees that the same rules and standards apply to all ai researchers and companies across the eu; stresses in this regard that the eu also needs to target abuses of market power in order to level the playing field; calls on the economic and monetary affairs (econ) , imco and juri committees to guarantee this; ### 160. concludes that our digital ambitions in fields such as ai can only be achieved through a fully integrated and fully harmonised digital single market that promotes cross-border exchange and that guarantees that the same rules and standards apply to all ai researchers and companies across the eu; stresses in this regard that the eu also needs to target abuses of market power in order to level the playing field;


### 161. concludes that ai systems require robust infrastructure and connectivity; stresses that digital green infrastructure which is in line with the green deal will target all sectors , including agriculture , electricity , housing , transport , businesses , value chains and the circular economy; stresses that ai will not , however , be functional without strong deployment of broadband , fibre , edge nodes and 5g , or if key emerging technologies such as quantum computing are not made a priority; calls on the environment , public health and food safety (envi) , agriculture and rural development (agri) , regional development (regi) , transport and tourism (tran) , itre , econ and imco committees to follow up on these points; ### 161. concludes that ai systems require robust infrastructure and connectivity capacities; stresses that digital infrastructure in line with the green deal will target all sectors , including agriculture , energy , housing , transport , industry , value chains and the circular economy; stresses that ai will not , however , be functional without the adequate deployment of broadband , fibre , edge nodes and 5g , or if key emerging technologies such as quantum computing are not made a priority;


### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai , it is necessary to provide eu citizens with the means to acquire digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience and to combat the digital divide among citizens in the digital age , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and remain available at all levels of employment; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance; calls on the culture and education (cult) , employment and social affairs (empl) and itre committee to focus their resources on these fields; ### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai , it is necessary to provide eu citizens with the means to acquire both basic and more advanced digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience , to empower citizens to take active role in digital societies and to combat the digital divide among citizens in the digital age , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and from basic level and remain available at all levels of employment; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance; calls on the culture and education (cult) , employment and social affairs (empl) and itre committee to focus their resources on these fields;


### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai , it is necessary to provide eu citizens with the means to acquire digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience and to combat the digital divide among citizens in the digital age , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and remain available at all levels of employment; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance; calls on the culture and education (cult) , employment and social affairs (empl) and itre committee to focus their resources on these fields; ### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai and to avoid leaving anyone behind , it is necessary to provide all eu citizens with the means to acquire at least basic digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience and to combat the digital divide , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and remain accessible at all stages of life; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance;


### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations and to strengthen democratic structures as well as the eu’s core ethical principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if provided with the means to securely access patients’ data , will revolutionise healthcare systems; calls on the envi , itre , juri and libe committees to monitor and accelerate these developments; ### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations and to strengthen democratic structures as well as the eu’s core ethical principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if provided with the means to securely access patients’ data , and with the adequate training and up-skilling of healthcare professionals , will revolutionise healthcare systems; calls on the envi , itre , juri and libe committees to monitor and accelerate these developments;


### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations and to strengthen democratic structures as well as the eu’s core ethical principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if provided with the means to securely access patients’ data , will revolutionise healthcare systems; calls on the envi , itre , juri and libe committees to monitor and accelerate these developments; ### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations in line with the eu’s fundamental values and principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if the inherent risks are appropriately managed , can revolutionise healthcare systems;


### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook military and security considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to safeguard our ethical principles and values but also to protect our continent against new technological threats; finds that our entire security system is affected by the digital transformation; urges the eu , therefore , to come up with new policy responses and tactics; calls on the foreign affairs (afet) , international trade (inta) and libe committees , and the subcommittee on security and defence (sede) to develop effective responses; ### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook geopolitical and geostrategic considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to uphold our core values and at the same time to cooperate to minimise new technological threats;


### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook military and security considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to safeguard our ethical principles and values but also to protect our continent against new technological threats; finds that our entire security system is affected by the digital transformation; urges the eu , therefore , to come up with new policy responses and tactics; calls on the foreign affairs (afet) , international trade (inta) and libe committees , and the subcommittee on security and defence (sede) to develop effective responses; ### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook military and security considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with democratic like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to safeguard our ethical principles and values but also to protect our continent against new technological threats; finds that our entire security system is affected by the digital transformation; urges the eu , therefore , to come up with new policy responses and tactics; calls on the foreign affairs (afet) , international trade (inta) and libe committees , and the subcommittee on security and defence (sede) to contribute to developing effective responses;


### 28. observes that in 2021 the cjeu recruited 255 trainees , out of which 173 received a monthly income; notes that in 2021 the percentage of paid trainees (68 %) decreased in comparison to the previous year (72 % in 2020); welcomes the recent adoption , on 29 november 2021 , of an amending decision on traineeships according to which all trainees have to be remunerated by the cjeu , except those remunerated by other bodies , and are as well entitled to receive besides the flat-rate travel allowance a monthly grant similar to those granted by other union institutions; ### 28. observes that in 2021 the cjeu recruited 255 trainees , out of which 173 received a monthly income; notes that in 2021 the percentage of paid trainees (68 %) decreased in comparison to the previous year (72 % in 2020); welcomes the recent adoption , on 29 november 2021 , of an amending decision on traineeships according to which all trainees have to be remunerated by the cjeu , except those remunerated by other bodies , and are as well entitled to receive besides the flat-rate travel allowance a monthly grant similar to those granted by other union institutions; acknowledges the progress made by cjeu in reducing the percentage of unpaid traineeships and calls however on the cjeu to make sure that all the trainees receive a decent remuneration on the level of the other eu institutions , except for trainees paid from other resources;


### 33. regrets that the new code of conduct for members of staff that was expected to be completed by the end of 2021 is still in the adoption process; underlines the importance of providing staff with an updated and comprehensive term of reference on many sensitive topics such as revolving doors , outside activities and occupational activities after leaving the service , and reiterates its request to be kept duly informed about the final contents and adoption of that the new code of conduct for staff; ### 33. regrets that the new code of conduct for members of staff , that was expected to be completed by the end of 2021 , is still in the adoption process , and thus calls on the cjeu to complete this adoption process of their new code of conduct for staff as soon as possible; underlines the importance of providing staff with an updated and comprehensive term of reference on many sensitive topics such as revolving doors , outside activities and occupational activities after leaving the service , and reiterates its request to keep the discharge authority duly informed about the final contents and adoption of the new code of conduct for staff;


### 38. remarks the high-level of cyberattacks suffered in 2021 compared to previous years and appreciates the fact that all have been handled without meaningful impacts; praises the cjeu’s active role in supporting initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity across union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , as part of the steering board of cert-eu and as member of the interinstitutional committee for digital transformation (icdt); is aware that the cjeu has renewed its cybersecurity awareness program , has developed a cybersecurity elearning mandatory training for its staff and it has performed a study on “zero-trust” as part of the multi-annual digital transformation program while starting work , in 2021 , on the detailed design of the new network incorporating a “zero-trust architecture”; ### 38. remarks the high-level of cyberattacks suffered in 2021 compared to previous years and appreciates the fact that all have been handled without meaningful impacts; praises the cjeu’s active role in supporting initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity across union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , as part of the steering board of cert-eu and as member of the interinstitutional committee for digital transformation (icdt); is aware that the cjeu has renewed its cybersecurity awareness program , has developed a cybersecurity elearning mandatory training for its staff and it has performed a study on “zero-trust” as part of the multi-annual digital transformation program while starting work , in 2021 , on the detailed design of the new network incorporating a “zero-trust architecture”; also encourages the cjeu to carry out regular risk assessments of their it infrastracture and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences;


### 11. welcomes the fact that the proportion of women in managerial posts (40% in 2021) has continued to remain at a high level; notes as well that despite a slight decrease in 2021 , the occupancy rate of women in management posts has shown a clear upward trend since 2018 (41% in 2020 , 39% in 2019 and 37.5% in 2018). ### 11. welcomes the fact that the proportion of women in managerial posts (40% in 2021) has continued to remain at a high level; notes as well that despite a slight decrease in 2021 , the occupancy rate of women in management posts has shown a clear upward trend since 2018 (41% in 2020 , 39% in 2019 and 37.5% in 2018); notes , however , the still existing imbalanced situation in terms of women’s representation among the judges of both the court of justice and the general court; exhorts , once again , the members of the council to address this situation by actively promoting gender parity in the appointment of judges , in line with the principles enshrined in article 8 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , and with the commitments taken under regulations (eu , euratom) 2015/24221a and (eu , euratom) 2019/6291b of the european parliament and of the council.


### c. whereas the court of auditors stated in its audit that , in its specific assessment of administrative and other expenditure in 2021 , it did not identify any serious weaknesses in the annual activity reports of the institutions and bodies it examined as required by regulation (eu , euratom) 2018/1046; ### c. whereas the court of auditors stated in its audit that , in its specific assessment of the administrative expenditure in 2021 the annual activity reports of the institutions did not show material levels of error , which is consistent with the court’s findings;


### 10. recalls that the court of auditors (the ‘court’) performs a specific assessment of administrative and other expenditure as a single policy group for all union institutions; highlights that administrative and related expenditure includes expenditure on human resources (salaries , allowances and pensions) , accounting for 68% of the total , and on buildings , equipment , energy , communications and information technology; ### 10. recalls that the court of auditors (the ‘court’) performs a specific assessment of administrative expenditure as a single policy group for all union institutions; highlights that administrative expenditure includes expenditure on human resources (salaries , allowances and pensions) , accounting for 68% of the total , and on other categories , such as buildings , equipment , energy , communications and information technology;


### 12. notes with concern that the court’s annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2021 presents specific findings on parliament , namely errors in two payments: (i) a minor over-payment for it services caused by an incorrect application of contract terms , and (ii) one payment by parliament to one of its political groups; is concerned that the internal procurement rules adopted by the bureau and parliament’s guidelines on their application allow the use of negotiated procurement procedures for high-value contracts whereas the financial regulation stipulates the use of open or restricted procurement procedures; notes with concern , furthermore , the court’s finding that the political group failed to fully follow these internal rules , as it did not seek enough tenders and did not adequately document the criteria used to award the contract; highlights that the court has previously reported shortcomings in transactions relating to procurement by political groups; ### 12. notes that the court’s annual report on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2021 presents specific findings on parliament , namely errors in two payments: (i) a minor over-payment for it services caused by an incorrect application of contract terms , and (ii) one payment by parliament to one of its political groups; is concerned that the internal procurement rules adopted by the bureau and parliament’s guidelines on their application allow the use of negotiated procurement procedures for high-value contracts whereas the financial regulation stipulates the use of open or restricted procurement procedures; notes with concern , furthermore , the court’s finding that the political group failed to fully follow these internal rules , as it did not seek enough tenders and did not adequately document the criteria used to award the contract; highlights that the court has previously reported shortcomings in transactions relating to procurement by political groups;


### 20. acknowledges that , in accordance with article 118(9) of the financial regulation , “the reports and findings of the internal auditor , as well as the report of the union institution concerned , shall be accessible to the public after validation by the internal auditor of the action taken for their implementation”; calls on the internal auditor to regularly report to the committee on budgetary control on the annual audit activities carried out; ### 20. acknowledges that , in accordance with article 118(9) of the financial regulation , “the reports and findings of the internal auditor , as well as the report of the union institution concerned , shall be accessible to the public after validation by the internal auditor of the action taken for their implementation”; calls on the internal auditor to report as often as necessary to the committee on budgetary control on the annual audit activities carried out;


### 24. recalls that once the plenary calls for different rules or measures to be implemented by parliament , such proposed rules or measures should be discussed and voted on by the bureau , pursuant to rule 25 of and annex v to the rules of procedure and articles 6 and 166 of the financial regulation; is deeply disappointed , however , that each year very concrete demands adopted by plenary in discharge resolutions are not reflected in the discussions of the bureau meetings despite the fact that both bureau members and the secretary-general are aware of the discharge resolutions and have the capacity to submit proposals under the aforementioned rule 25; is disappointed that the secretary-general's written replies to parliament’s committee on budgetary control are often limited to quoting the current rules without any dedicated discussion in the bureau and thus , lacking a genuine effort or intention to review those rules in accordance with parliament’s will; believes that this situation is detrimental to the exercise of democratic scrutiny which is carried out via the discharge procedure and for which parliament should be a role model for all union institutions and bodies; ### 24. recalls that once the plenary calls for different rules or measures to be implemented by parliament , such proposed rules or measures should be discussed and voted on by the bureau , pursuant to rule 25 of and annex v to the rules of procedure and articles 6 and 262 of the financial regulation; is deeply disappointed , however , that each year very concrete demands adopted by plenary in discharge resolutions are not reflected in the discussions of the bureau meetings despite the fact that both bureau members and the secretary-general are aware of the discharge resolutions and have the capacity to submit proposals under the aforementioned rule 25; is disappointed that the secretary-general's written replies to parliament’s committee on budgetary control are often limited to quoting the current rules without any dedicated discussion in the bureau and thus , lacking a genuine effort or intention to review those rules in accordance with parliament’s will; believes that this situation is detrimental to the exercise of democratic scrutiny which is carried out via the discharge procedure and for which parliament should be a role model for all union institutions and bodies;


### 30. is concerned that the measures introduced as a result of the covid-19 pandemic resulted in modified working conditions in specific services within parliament which had a negative impact on staff , for example at the copy shop in brussels where members of staff had to work in isolation for a long period of time even after the safety measures were lifted; asks parliament’s administration to proactively re-evaluate the working conditions changed in possible similar situations; ### 30. is concerned that in certain cases , some of the measures introduced as a result of the covid-19 pandemic resulted in modified working conditions in specific services within parliament which had a negative impact on staff , for example at the copy shop in brussels where members of staff had to work in isolation for a long period of time even after the safety measures were lifted; asks parliament’s administration to proactively re-evaluate the working conditions changed in possible similar situations;


### 31. praises the key role of parliament’s medical services at the forefront of the covid-19 pandemic response and acknowledges the enormous workload involved , which included treatment , testing and vaccination of staff , providing psychological support and advising on mitigation measures; regrets the fact that the staff annual medical check-up was cancelled in 2021 and recalls that is a statutory right laid down in article 59(6) of the staff regulations; welcomes the creation , in october 2021 , of the medical preparedness and crisis management unit (mpcmu) made up of staff from the medical services in brussels and luxembourg with the objective of enhancing parliament’s response capacity for future crisis; ### 31. praises the key role of parliament’s medical services at the forefront of the covid-19 pandemic response and acknowledges the enormous workload involved , which included treatment , testing and vaccination of staff , providing psychological support and advising on mitigation measures; notes the fact that the staff annual medical check-up had to be cancelled in 2021 , recalls that is a statutory right laid down in article 59(6) of the staff regulations , and welcomes the fact that the progression of the pandemic situation has made it possible to resume it; welcomes the creation , in october 2021 , of the medical preparedness and crisis management unit (mpcmu) made up of staff from the medical services in brussels and luxembourg with the objective of enhancing parliament’s response capacity for future crisis;


### 32. notes that the total cost of the testing centres was eur 5 415 789 in brussels , eur 302 288 in luxembourg and eur 39 370 in strasbourg; welcomes the fact that the public health authorities provided the vaccines and all other material free of charge for parliament’s vaccination campaign; notes that the total cost of the vaccination centre in brussels in 2021 was eur 230 502 , including a reinforcement by six interim nurses and the adaptation of an existing it tool for the administrative aspects (eur 45 655 and eur 184 847 respectively); praises the work of the medical service and volunteers in parliament’s vaccination centre in brussels; notes that in both strasbourg and luxembourg , the vaccination campaigns were organised by the national authorities , and thus no cost was incurred by parliament; ### 32. notes that the total cost of the testing centres was eur 5 415 789 in brussels , eur 302 288 in luxembourg and eur 39 370 in strasbourg; welcomes the fact that the public health authorities provided the vaccines and all other material free of charge for parliament’s vaccination campaign; notes that the total cost of the vaccination centre in brussels in 2021 was eur 230 502 , including a reinforcement by six interim nurses and the adaptation of an existing it tool for the administrative aspects (eur 45 655 and eur 184 847 respectively); praises the work of the medical service , the staff of the contracted laboratory and the volunteers in parliament’s tests and vaccination centres in brussels; notes that in both strasbourg and luxembourg , the vaccination campaigns were organised by the national authorities , and thus no cost was incurred by parliament;


### 35. stresses the major negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on parliament’s catering staff which led to worsening working conditions and even dismissals; welcomes the solidarity measures implemented from april 2020 to december 2021 , namely the provision of ‘charity meals’ and a business continuity fee in the three places of work , that at least helped to safeguard 37 jobs for catering staff; welcomes the fact that there 20 new jobs have been created since the restart of all catering activities in march 2022 , but regrets the fact that parliament’s administration has not communicated how many jobs were lost during the pandemic with the pretext that it is a concession contract; is of the opinion that the internalization of essential services such as catering and cleaning should be considered by the governing bodies , as parliament has recently done with security and it services , and it was also made with the cpe2 crèche in luxembourg; ### 35. stresses the major negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on parliament’s catering staff which led to worsening working conditions and even dismissals; welcomes the solidarity measures implemented from april 2020 to december 2021 , namely the provision of ‘charity meals’ and a business continuity fee in the three places of work , that at least helped to safeguard 37 jobs for catering staff; welcomes the fact that there 20 new jobs have been created since the restart of all catering activities in march 2022 , but regrets the fact that parliament’s administration has not communicated how many jobs were lost during the pandemic with the pretext that it is a concession contract; is of the opinion that the internalization of essential services such as catering and cleaning should be considered by the governing bodies , as parliament has recently done with security , drivers and it services , and it was also made with the cpe2 crèche in luxembourg; calls on the secretary-general to carry out a feasibility study on the internalisation of these services and to report back to the committee on budgetary control on the outcome;


### 49. recalls that the bureau approved on 13 january 2020 new and more ambitious targets for gender balance at senior and middle management levels of parliament’s administration to be achieved by 2024 , namely 50% female heads of unit , 50% female directors and 40% female directors-general; welcomes the fact that 42 ,7% of heads of unit and 50% directors are women , while women occupying director-general positions have increased from 15 ,4% to 28. ,% since 2021; notes that in 2021 parliament recruited 536 women (50 ,3%) and 530 men (49 ,7%) across all categories of staff combined; ### 49. recalls that the bureau approved on 13 january 2020 new and more ambitious targets for gender balance at senior and middle management levels of parliament’s administration to be achieved by 2024 , namely 50% female heads of unit , 50% female directors and 40% female directors-general; recalls that a gender action plan for the years 2021-2022 aimed at facilitating the implementation of these targets , as well as comprehensively mainstreaming gender into all activities of parliament , was subsequently developed and approved by the bureau on 6 july 2020; welcomes the fact that 42 ,7% of heads of unit and 50% directors are women , while women occupying director-general positions have increased from 15 ,4% to 28% since 2021; notes that in 2021 parliament recruited 536 women (50 ,3%) and 530 men (49 ,7%) across all categories of staff combined; notes the difficulties to achieve a satisfactory gender balance in some specific services , such as dg safe with 81% men and 19% women; asks the administration for an assessment of the 2021-2022 roadmap based on the selected progress monitoring indicators in the context of the forthcoming discharge;


### 52. recalls parliament’s recommendation to the commission in its resolution of 18 april 2018 ‘to review its administrative procedure for the appointment of senior officials with the objective of fully ensuring that the best candidates are selected within a framework of maximum transparency and equal opportunities , thereby also setting an example for the other european institutions’; is of the opinion that an accelerated appointment procedure and an interview made up of only three questions to select its secretary-general falls short of what is expected of parliament in terms of transparency , accountability and good administration , and it is profoundly damaging to the institution’s reputation; recalls furthermore its own recommendation that officials from staff representatives bodies should sit on parliament’s senior management selection panels; calls therefore on the secretary-general to submit a proposal to the bureau to modify its decision of 16 may 2000 laying down the steps in the procedure for appointing senior officials , in order to enable staff representatives to participate as observers in the advisory committee , which is fully compatible with article 3(4) of annex iii of the staff regulations; ### 52. recalls parliament’s recommendation to the commission in its resolution of 18 april 2018 ‘to review its administrative procedure for the appointment of senior officials with the objective of fully ensuring that the best candidates are selected within a framework of maximum transparency and equal opportunities , thereby also setting an example for the other european institutions’; is of the opinion that an ad hoc accelerated appointment procedure that lasted less than 4 months , setting the required grade lower than that of direct subordinates and a single interview made up of only three questions to select its secretary-general , a position that oversees over 9 000 staff members and a eur 2 billion annual budget , falls short of what is expected of parliament in terms of transparency and good administration , and has generated public criticism preventing it from being perceived as an open , fair and transparent procedure , which is a barrier to attracting candidates and is also damaging to the institution’s reputation; recalls furthermore its own recommendation that officials from staff representatives bodies should sit on parliament’s senior management selection panels; calls therefore on the bureau to modify its decision of 16 may 2000 laying down the steps in the procedure for appointing senior officials , in order to include the appointment to the post of secretary-general as well as to enable staff representatives to participate as observers in the advisory committee , which is fully compatible with article 3(4) of annex iii of the staff regulations;


### 53. reiterates its opinion that the particular working relationship between members and apas can encompass a situation where both parties decide to terminate the contract by mutual agreement earlier than anticipated but without loss of trust; urges the bureau to review the implementing measures for title vii of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union (ceos) to allow the contract to be terminated by mutual agreement before its expiry date; ### 53. reiterates its opinion that the particular working relationship between members and apas can encompass a situation where both parties decide to terminate the contract by mutual agreement earlier than anticipated but without loss of trust; urges the bureau to consult with parliament’s legal service and dg pers on the feasibility of the contract to be terminated by mutual agreement before its expiry date and to inform the committee on budgetary control of the answer;


### 57. recalls that members may offer a traineeship to nationals of third countries , provided that they ensure that trainees comply with visa requirements of the country of designation; notes that third-country workers coming to belgium for a traineeship in brussels longer than 90 days must apply for a prior authorisation with the competent regional public service , i.e. brussels economy and employment; is alarmed that parliament’s competent service agreed with the latter that the relevant member’s office would submit the candidate’s dossier which in practice means that an apa is appointed responsible before the public authorities , including the provision of their personal data and being legally accountable; calls on parliament’s administration to find a different solution that will not endanger the privacy and legal security of the apas or be a risk to the security of parliament; ### 57. recalls that members may offer a traineeship to nationals of third countries , provided that they ensure that trainees comply with visa requirements of the country of designation; notes that third-country workers coming to belgium for a traineeship in brussels longer than 90 days must apply for a prior authorisation with the competent regional public service , i.e. brussels economy and employment; is alarmed that parliament’s competent service agreed with the latter that the relevant member’s office would submit the candidate’s dossier which in practice means that an apa is appointed responsible before the public authorities , including the provision of their personal data and being legally accountable; recalls that the parliament cannot put the apas in a situation that could be detrimental to their rights as statutory personnel and calls on parliament’s administration to find a different solution that will not endanger the privacy and legal security of the apas or be a risk to the security of parliament;


### 61. stresses that transparency , accountability , and integrity are essential ethics principles within the union institutions and particularly parliament as house of the european democracy; recalls that unethical behaviours must be prevented , persecuted and condemned for significantly damage the credibility and legitimacy of the union and constitute a serious threat to democracy and public trust; recalls the court’s conclusions and recommendations in its special report 13/2019 on the ethnical frameworks of union institutions , as well as parliament’s resolution of 16 september 2021 on strengthening transparency and integrity in the union institutions by setting up an independentunion ethics body; ### 61. stresses that transparency , accountability , and integrity are essential ethics principles within the union institutions and particularly parliament as house of the european democracy; recalls that unethical behaviours must be prevented , persecuted and condemned for significantly damage the credibility and legitimacy of parliament and the union as a whole and constitute a serious threat to democracy and public trust; recalls the court’s conclusions and recommendations in its special report 13/2019 on the ethical frameworks of union institutions , as well as parliament’s resolution of 16 september 2021 on strengthening transparency and integrity in the union institutions by setting up an independent union ethics body;


### 62. calls for a thorough overhaul of parliament’s ethical framework that integrates lessons learned and strengthens the current rules to ensure that there are stronger deterrents to address effectively current and future threats and interferences , whether they affect members or staff; stresses that illegal activities funded by paid lobbying constitutes a profound attack on democracy and should be met with zero tolerance and heightened vigilance; calls in particular for a revision of the rules of procedure and the members’ code of conduct , as well as for an urgent upgrade of the current european parliament’s advisory committee on the conduct of members , in order to ensure that members act without any undue influence from interest representatives by means of a strict regulation of paid activities during the mandate , gifts or travel invitations , future employment expectations , and of undue use of information or contacts; ### 62. calls for a thorough overhaul of parliament’s ethical framework that integrates lessons learned , ensures fully implementation and strengthens the current control rules to ensure that there are stronger deterrents to address effectively current and future threats and interferences , whether they affect members or staff; stresses that illegal activities funded by paid lobbying constitutes a profound attack on democracy and should be met with zero tolerance and heightened vigilance; calls in particular for a revision of the rules of procedure and the members’ code of conduct , as well as for an urgent upgrade of the current european parliament’s advisory committee on the conduct of members , in order to ensure that members act without any undue influence from interest representatives by means of a strict regulation of paid activities during the mandate , gifts or travel invitations , future employment expectations , and of undue use of information or contacts; echoes the proposal to create a special advisory committee on integrity , transparency and corruption with the participation of representatives of the administration , apas representatives , and also independent experts; recommends mandatory anti-corruption and transparency training for members , apas and staff members;


### 62. calls for a thorough overhaul of parliament’s ethical framework that integrates lessons learned and strengthens the current rules to ensure that there are stronger deterrents to address effectively current and future threats and interferences , whether they affect members or staff; stresses that illegal activities funded by paid lobbying constitutes a profound attack on democracy and should be met with zero tolerance and heightened vigilance; calls in particular for a revision of the rules of procedure and the members’ code of conduct , as well as for an urgent upgrade of the current european parliament’s advisory committee on the conduct of members , in order to ensure that members act without any undue influence from interest representatives by means of a strict regulation of paid activities during the mandate , gifts or travel invitations , future employment expectations , and of undue use of information or contacts; ### 62. calls for a thorough overhaul of parliament’s ethical framework that integrates lessons learned and strengthens the current rules to ensure that there are stronger deterrents to address effectively current and future threats and interferences , whether they affect members or staff; stresses that illegal activities funded by paid lobbying constitutes a profound attack on democracy and should be met with zero tolerance and heightened vigilance; calls in particular for a revision of the rules of procedure and the members’ code of conduct , as well as for an urgent upgrade of the current european parliament’s advisory committee on the conduct of members , amongst others through appointing external independent experts on integrity to the committee , in order to ensure that members act without any undue influence from interest representatives by means of a strict regulation of paid activities during the mandate , gifts or travel invitations , future employment expectations , and of undue use of information or contacts; highlights in this regard also the need for stricter rules , more transparency , and monitoring on side-income of members as this may lead to conflicts of interest , as well as requiring more detailed declarations of interests;


### 68. welcomes parliament’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and the awareness-raising campaigns carried out; is concerned , however , that on 28 october 2022 only 245 sitting members (36 ,3%) had completed the training on respect and dignity in the workplace; recalls that parliament has requested on several occasions the implementation of mandatory anti-harassment training courses for all members; stresses the importance of early intervention , together with training and awareness-raising actions and notes the initiative taken by the administration to set up internal mediators as a step towards early conflict resolution; ### 68. welcomes parliament’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and the awareness-raising campaigns carried out; is concerned , however , that on 28 october 2022 only 245 sitting members (36 ,3%) had completed the training on respect and dignity in the workplace; recalls that parliament has requested on several occasions the implementation of mandatory anti-harassment training courses for all members , as well as staff , including persons in managerial roles in the different directorates-general and political groups; stresses the importance of early intervention , together with training and awareness-raising actions and notes the initiative taken by the administration to set up internal mediators as a step towards early conflict resolution;


### 69. notes that the ‘advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace’ is composed of three members designated by the appointing authority (including the chair) , two staff committee members and one expert advisor from the medical service; notes that the ‘advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning members’ is composed of three quaestors (including the chair) , the chair of the first committee , two apa committee members , one staff committee member (only for cases concerning a member of staff) , and two expert advisors , namely from the legal and the medical services respectively; is concerned by the lack of independent experts on harassment issues in both committees , as well as the absence of the legal service in the first case; calls for a secretary-general decision reviewing the composition of both advisory committees and stipulating mandatory training on harassment prevention and equal opportunities for all their members; ### 69. notes that the ‘advisory committee on harassment and its prevention at the workplace’ is composed of three members designated by the appointing authority (including the chair) , two staff committee members and one expert advisor from the medical service; notes that the ‘advisory committee dealing with harassment complaints concerning members’ is composed of three quaestors (including the chair) , the chair of the first committee , two apa committee members , one staff committee member (only for cases concerning a member of staff) , and two expert advisors , namely from the legal and the medical services respectively; is concerned by the lack of independent experts on harassment issues in both committees , as well as the absence of the legal service in the first case; calls on the bureau to review the composition of both advisory committees in order to include the pertinent independent expertise and to stipulate mandatory training on harassment prevention and equal opportunities for all their internal members; strongly recommends a complete review of the functioning of the advisory committees with the assistance of independent legal and harassment prevention specialists , so that parliament is equipped with clear , effective and robust rules of procedure while focusing on adequate response times and the necessary procedural safeguards , information , counselling and protection measures for all parties as appropriate;


### 72. reiterates that apas are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their particular employment situation; therefore calls on the secretary-general to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 december 2015 to align them to directive (eu) 2019/1937 of the european parliament and of the council2 , as well as to provide whistleblower apas with a similar protection to that of victims of harassment , in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity , pay until the end of the contract , transfer of post and protection from retaliation; ### 72. reiterates that apas are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their particular employment situation; therefore calls on the secretary-general to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 december 2015 to align them to directive (eu) 2019/1937 of the european parliament and of the council2 , as well as to provide whistleblower apas and staff with a similar protection to that of victims of harassment , in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity , pay until the end of the contract , transfer of post and protection from retaliation;


### 72. reiterates that apas are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their particular employment situation; therefore calls on the secretary-general to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 december 2015 to align them to directive (eu) 2019/1937 of the european parliament and of the council2 , as well as to provide whistleblower apas with a similar protection to that of victims of harassment , in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity , pay until the end of the contract , transfer of post and protection from retaliation; ### 72. reiterates that apas are in a particularly vulnerable position in whistleblowing cases due to their specific employment situation; therefore calls on the secretary-general to modify the internal rules on whistleblowing adopted on 4 december 2015 to align them to directive (eu) 2019/1937 of the european parliament and of the council , as well as to provide whistleblower apas with reinforced protection , in the same line as for victims of harassment , in particular with regard to provisional measures during the administrative investigation and protection measures concerning anonymity , pay until the end of the contract , transfer of post and protection from retaliation;


### 73. highlights the importance of its communication strategy to engage with union citizens through a varied multichannel series of projects and activities despite the challenges encountered in 2021; notes that the house of european history , the parlamentarium and the europa experiences remained closed or operated at reduced capacity for parts of 2021; welcomes the fact that the european youth event could finally be held in 2021 in a hybrid format and that it was a success with 10 000 young people taking part , although regrets a certain lack of preparation for the security checks which delayed access to parliament's premises; notes the first editions of the lux audience award , with 6 000 voters , and the daphne caruana galizia prize for journalism , which drew over 200 applications from across the union; ### 73. highlights the importance of its communication strategy to engage with union citizens through a varied multichannel series of projects and activities despite the challenges encountered in 2021; notes in parliament social media channels an average growth in engagement rate between 2020 and 2021 of 69% and an average growth in the number of followers in 2021 of 11%; notes that , following a president decision in june 2021 , visitors’ facilities were partially reopened and were able to welcome a total of 337 984 visitors until the end of the year and budgetary commitments of eur 15 982 020 for 2021; notes that the works of the zweig visitor centre continued as planned in 2021 and it was inaugurated in november 2022 , and in this respect asks that consideration be given to the amount of time visitors' groups invest in moving from the zweig building to the spaak building , including security and identification checks , which may reduce the number of groups that can be received on a daily basis; notes that the house of european history , the parlamentarium and the europa experiences remained closed or operated at reduced capacity for parts of 2021; welcomes the fact that the european youth event could finally be held in 2021 in a hybrid format and that it was a success with 10 000 young people taking part , although regrets a certain lack of preparation for the security checks which delayed access to parliament's premises; notes the first editions of the lux audience award , with 6 000 voters , and the daphne caruana galizia prize for journalism , which drew over 200 applications from across the union;


### 90. notes the architectural competition on the design of the renewal of the spaak building in which the competitors handed over their proposals in january 2021 , the jury analysed the 15 entries and ranked the five laureates in february 2021 and the bureau endorsed the five laureates proposed by the jury at its meeting of 6 july 2022; believes that the current economic context calls for renovation projects to be reconsidered in order to explore money-saving opportunities to bring safe working conditions to members and parliament’s staff without unreasonable budgetary implications; ### 90. notes the architectural competition on the design of the renewal of the spaak building in which the competitors handed over their proposals in january 2021 , the jury analysed the 15 entries and ranked the five laureates in february 2021 and the bureau endorsed the five laureates proposed by the jury at its meeting of 6 july 2022; believes that the current economic context calls for renovation projects to be reconsidered in order to explore money-saving opportunities to bring safe working conditions to members and parliament’s staff without unreasonable budgetary implications; also calls in this light for proper information and consultation to the relevant parliament committees on next actions in the renovation plans , as well as where the purchase of new buildings is concerned , particularly regarding possible plans to acquire the osmose building;


### 96. notes the secretary-general’s decision of 22 march 2021 to abolish the supervisory committee for canteens , cafeterias and the staff shop (coreca) based on the fact that since october 2020 all activities in the sector on parliament’s premises have operated under concession contracts , which function without any direct involvement from parliament’s budget; believes , however , that coreca was a useful contact point between parliament’s competent services and the staff committee on the food offer and the catering services , and that it would have been useful , for instance , to involve and receive feedback from the staff about the recent adaptation of the food offer in several venues; calls , therefore , on the secretary-general to reinstate coreca or a similar contact point to involve staff representatives; ### 96. notes with concern the secretary-general’s decision of 22 march 2021 to abolish the supervisory committee for canteens , cafeterias and the staff shop (coreca) based on the fact that since october 2020 all activities in the sector on parliament’s premises have operated under concession contracts , which function without any direct involvement from parliament’s budget; believes , however , that coreca was a useful contact point between parliament’s competent services and the staff committee on the food offer and the catering services , and that it would have been useful , for instance , to involve and receive feedback from the staff about the recent adaptation of the food offer in several venues and its noticeable deterioration in quality; regrets also that the astrid lulling lounge no longer serves hot meals and has reduced its offer; calls , therefore , on the secretary-general to reinstate coreca or a similar contact point to involve staff representatives;


### 100. observes that the evacuation system in parliament’s buildings is largely based on security volunteers , as well as the difficulties to recruit them in buildings with less presence of administrative staff; stresses the importance of counting on trained volunteers capable of guiding and supporting people present in parliament’s building during evacuation simulations and real emergencies; ### 100. observes that the evacuation system in parliament’s buildings is largely based on security volunteers , as well as the difficulties to recruit them in buildings with less presence of administrative staff and taking into account that volunteers can also be on a teleworking mode; stresses the importance of counting on trained volunteers capable of guiding and supporting people present in parliament’s building during evacuation simulations and real emergencies;


### 103. recalls that transport of persons accounts for roughly two-thirds of parliament’s carbon footprint; notes that the co2 emissions from the monthly commutes to strasbourg in 2021 were approximately 490 tonnes of co2 including travel of staff and apas , and transport of documents and equipment; ### 103. recalls that transport of persons accounts for roughly two-thirds of parliament’s carbon footprint; notes that the co2 emissions from the monthly commutes to strasbourg in 2021 were approximately 490 tonnes of co2 including travel of staff and apas , and transport of documents and equipment; also notes that the suspension of strasbourg part-sessions contributed to total savings of eur 26 260 608 according to parliament’s secretariat , while also significantly reducing parliament’s carbon footprint; highlights that the court estimates that “the end of moving from strasbourg to brussels could generate annual savings of eur 114 million plus a one-off saving of eur 616 million if the strasbourg buildings are successfully divested , or a one-off cost of eur 40 million if they are not"1a; considers that given the current climate crisis , retaining the strasbourg seat is untenable , calls on the council to take parliament’s position into account and act on it as a matter of urgency;


### 108. understands that the core business of the service cars is the transport of members , including the journey between brussels and strasbourg; points out , however , the waste of resources resulting from the fact that on average 15% of the seats available in the service fleet were been occupied for that journey in 2021; reiterates its call on parliament’s administration to widen the user group while making sure that members’ seats are secured , i.e. establishing a reserve list and coherent deadlines to confirm the journey; ### 108. understands that the core business of the service cars is the transport of members , including the journey between brussels and strasbourg; points out , however , the waste of resources resulting from the fact that on average 15% of the seats available in the service fleet were not been occupied for that journey in 2021; reiterates its call on parliament’s administration to widen the user group while making sure that members’ seats are secured , i.e. establishing a reserve list and coherent deadlines to confirm the journey;


### 113. suggests the creation of a bureau ad-hoc working group to carry out a thorough overhaul of the implementing measures for the statute for members of the european parliament (imms) while striking a balance between the freedom of the exercise of the mandate , the reputational risks to parliament and managerial ethics; strongly recommends that a comprehensive consultation of members is carried out before the end of the current mandate to provide this working group with first-hand information from experienced members on the practical application of the rules governing parliament and the ability to identify inconsistencies such as the fact that the members’ attendance on fridays is not registered in brussels during plenary weeks or even if a parliament’s committee official mission is carried out on thursdays; ### 113. suggests the creation of a joint task force with members and the relevant services of the administration to carry out a thorough overhaul of the implementing measures for the statute for members of the european parliament (imms) while striking a balance between the freedom of the exercise of the mandate , the reputational risks to parliament and managerial ethics; strongly recommends that a comprehensive consultation of members is carried out before the end of the current mandate to provide this task force with first-hand information from experienced members and officials on the practical application of the rules governing parliament and the ability to identify inconsistencies , such as the fact that the members’ attendance on fridays is not registered in brussels during plenary weeks or even if a parliament’s committee official mission is carried out on thursdays;


### 116. is concerned that the actuarial deficit of the voluntary pension fund (vpf) on 31 december 2021 amounted to eur 379 million (compared to eur 371.3 million on 31 december 2020); is concerned that the complete exhaustion is expected by the end of 2024 or 2025 at the latest and that in the meantime the vpf continues to sell assets in order to meet its pension obligations , which probably means that the remaining capital is being reduced; notes that in its judgment of 15 september 2021 in cases t-720/19 to t-725/19 , ashworth and others v parliament3 , the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) concluded that already acquired rights were not impacted by the contested bureau decision of 10 december 2018 and confirmed the bureau's competence to adopt decisions aiming at improving the sustainability of the fund provided that they respect the principle of proportionality; notes that an appeal was lodged before the cjeu against its judgment of the 15 september 2021 and that parliament’s bureau will examine the implications for future proposals for options to improve the sustainability of the fund while reducing parliament`s liability; ### 116. is concerned that the actuarial deficit of the voluntary pension fund (vpf) on 31 december 2021 amounted to eur 379 million (compared to eur 371.3 million on 31 december 2020); is concerned that the complete exhaustion is expected by the end of 2024 or 2025 at the latest and that in the meantime the vpf continues to sell assets in order to meet its pension obligations , which probably means that the remaining capital is being reduced; notes that in its judgment of 15 september 2021 in cases t-720/19 to t-725/19 , ashworth and others v parliament3 , the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) concluded that already acquired rights were not impacted by the contested bureau decision of 10 december 2018 and confirmed the bureau's competence to adopt decisions aiming at improving the sustainability of the fund provided that they respect the principle of proportionality; notes that an appeal was lodged before the cjeu against its judgment of the 15 september 2021 and that parliament’s bureau will examine the implications for future proposals for options to improve the sustainability of the fund while reducing parliament`s liability; recalls that the parliament does not have a legal obligation to guarantee particular levels of payouts of the fund , nor would have to assume and take over its obligations in case of its insolvency as no contract between the fund and parliament exists1a; recalls that the fund has always constituted a purely supplementary pension1b; also notes that the fund's beneficiaries contributed to fund only through the general expenditure allowance and is concerned by reports that the fund's investment portfolio included , and possibly still includes , shares in the arms , tobacco , mining and fossil-fuels industries1c; calls in light of these characteristics of the fund for the secretary-general to guarantee that no taxpayer money is used for any future bail-out; considers that a review of the financial model of the fund would not be sufficient to prevent additional taxpayers money from being used for future payments; urges the secretary-general therefore to also propose measures to the bureau on adjusting the modalities of the fund , including a further increase of the retirement age and a reduction of pension benefits paid out;


### 116. is concerned that the actuarial deficit of the voluntary pension fund (vpf) on 31 december 2021 amounted to eur 379 million (compared to eur 371.3 million on 31 december 2020); is concerned that the complete exhaustion is expected by the end of 2024 or 2025 at the latest and that in the meantime the vpf continues to sell assets in order to meet its pension obligations , which probably means that the remaining capital is being reduced; notes that in its judgment of 15 september 2021 in cases t-720/19 to t-725/19 , ashworth and others v parliament3 , the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) concluded that already acquired rights were not impacted by the contested bureau decision of 10 december 2018 and confirmed the bureau's competence to adopt decisions aiming at improving the sustainability of the fund provided that they respect the principle of proportionality; notes that an appeal was lodged before the cjeu against its judgment of the 15 september 2021 and that parliament’s bureau will examine the implications for future proposals for options to improve the sustainability of the fund while reducing parliament`s liability; ### 116. is concerned that the actuarial deficit of the voluntary pension fund (vpf) on 31 december 2021 amounted to eur 379 million (compared to eur 371.3 million on 31 december 2020); is concerned that the complete exhaustion is expected by the end of 2024 or 2025 at the latest and that in the meantime the vpf continues to sell assets in order to meet its pension obligations , which probably means that the remaining capital is being reduced; acknowledges that parliament is not involved in the management of the portfolio but expresses its concern regarding the articles published in the press about the investments made by the fund and the potential reputational risk for the institution; recalls the bureau decision of 10 december 2018 increasing the retirement age from 63 to 65 years and introducing a levy of 5% to pension payments for future pensioners with a view to improving the vpf sustainability; notes that in its judgment of 15 september 2021 in cases t-720/19 to t-725/19 , ashworth and others v parliament3 , the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) concluded that already acquired rights were not impacted by the contested bureau decision of 10 december 2018 and confirmed the bureau's competence to adopt decisions aiming at improving the sustainability of the fund provided that they respect the principle of proportionality; notes that an appeal was lodged before the cjeu against its judgment of the 15 september 2021 and that in the meantime parliament’s bureau is in the process of examining the implications for future proposals for options to improve the sustainability of the fund while reducing parliament`s liability;


### 125. recalls the key role of a lively and resilient european democracy underpinned by pluralism of political parties at union level; emphasises therefore that a level playing field has to be ensured and compliance has to be controlled in full respect of procedural rights; welcomes in this context the essential work of the authority which independently and in close cooperation with parliament controls compliance of european political parties and foundations with the legal framework , provides transparency to the citizens , and contributes to the integrity of parliament elections; urges the budgetary authority to ensure that the authority is equipped with the necessary resources , in particular human and it resources , to continue fulfilling its existing mandate including in light of evolving threats of foreign interference , as well as any new tasks to be provided by the legislator; underlines in this context that the european election year 2024 will be pivotal for financial and functional integrity of european democracy and create a significant surcharge of work for the authority; ### 125. recalls the key role of a lively and resilient european democracy underpinned by pluralism of political parties at union level; emphasises therefore that a level playing field has to be ensured and compliance has to be controlled in full respect of procedural rights; welcomes in this context the essential work of the authority which independently and in close cooperation with parliament controls compliance of european political parties and foundations with the legal framework , provides transparency to the citizens , and contributes to the integrity of parliament elections; urges the budgetary authority to ensure that the authority is equipped with the necessary resources , in particular human and it resources , to continue fulfilling its existing mandate including in light of evolving threats of foreign interference , especially to protect union values , to counter abuses of personal data for electoral purposes and to identify the origin of donations , as well as any new tasks to be provided by the legislator; underlines in this context that the european election year 2024 will be pivotal for financial and functional integrity of european democracy and create a significant surcharge of work for the authority;


### 10. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , gender balance , teleworking , geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 10. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and the offer of specific training possibilities for career development , gender balance at all staff levels , teleworking , the right to disconnect , the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all member states , and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;


### 15. insists on the need to put in place more systematic rules on transparency , incompatibilities , conflict of interests , illegal lobbying and revolving doors; calls on the agency to strengthen its internal control mechanisms , including the setting up of an internal anticorruption mechanism; ### 15. notes that the agency has a policy for the prevention and management of conflicts of interest adopted by an administrative board’s decision from 31 january 2015; insists on the need to put in place more systematic rules on transparency , incompatibilities , conflict of interests , illegal lobbying and revolving doors , and if needed to update its policy of conflict of interests; calls on the agency to strengthen its internal control mechanisms , including the setting up of an internal anticorruption mechanism;


### 27. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed; ### 27. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;


### 32. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , cooperation and exchange of good practices with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency; ### 32. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , and to reinforce its cooperation , its exchange of good practices and its discussion regarding areas of mutual interest with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;


### 11. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , gender balance , teleworking , geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 11. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and the offer of specific training possibilities for career development , gender balance at all staff levels , teleworking , right to disconnect , the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all member states , and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;


### 23. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed; ### 23. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;


### 24. encourages the agency to work in closely cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity); suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes for all staff within the agency; calls on the agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter , deliver it before 31 december 2023 and report back to the discharge authority; ### 24. encourages the agency to work in close cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity) and cert-eu (computer emergency response team for the eu institutions , bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its it infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes to all staff members within the agency; calls on the agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter , deliver it before 31 december 2023 and report back to the discharge authority;


### 28. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , cooperation and exchange of good practices with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency; ### 28. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , and to reinforce its cooperation , its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;


### 8. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , gender balance , teleworking , geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 8. recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and the offer of specific training possibilities for career development , gender balance at all staff levels , teleworking , right to disconnect , the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all member states , and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;


### 15. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed; ### 15. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;


### 16. encourages the agency to work in closely cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity); suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes for all staff within the agency; calls on the agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter , deliver it before 31 december 2023 and report back to the discharge authority; ### 16. encourages the agency to work in close cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity) and cert-eu (computer emergency response team for the eu institutions , bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its it infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; ; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes to all staff members within the agency; calls on the agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter , deliver it before 31 december 2023 and report back to the discharge authority;


### 20. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , cooperation and exchange of good practices with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency; ### 20. calls the agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , and to reinforce its cooperation , its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;


### 24. notes with concern that in 2021 , the authority was one of thousands of organisations that were subjects of a state actor’s cyberattack exploring zero day vulnerability in microsoft exchange; acknowledges the authority’s reaction , stopping the breach , re-securing and fully restoring the service; encourages the authority to work in close cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity) and cert-eu (computer emergency response team for the eu institutions , bodies and agencies); suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes for all staff within the authority; ### 24. notes with concern that in 2021 , the authority was one of thousands of organisations that were subjects of a state actor’s cyberattack exploring zero day vulnerability in microsoft exchange; acknowledges the authority’s reaction , stopping the breach , re-securing and fully restoring the service; encourages the authority to work in close cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity) and cert-eu (computer emergency response team for the eu institutions , bodies and agencies) to carry out regular risk assessments of its it infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity-related training programmes to all staff members , including management , within the authority;


### 25. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the authority in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the authority to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed; ### 25. recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the authority in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the authority to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies; draws attention , however , to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;


### 29. calls the authority to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , cooperation and exchange of good practices with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency; ### 29. calls the authority to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources , building management , it services and security) , and to reinforce its cooperation , its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;


### 7. acknowledges that the eeas does not always consider that rules on public procurement are easy to implement in third countries; nevertheless , encourages the eeas to focus on bringing the number of errors down when it comes to procurement and recruitment procedures organised by eu delegations and report to the discharge authorities about measures taken; ### 7. acknowledges that the eeas does not always consider that rules on public procurement are easy to implement in third countries; nevertheless , encourages the eeas to take the appropriate measures such as enhancing training and improving guidelines and templates for procurement documentation to bring the number of errors down when it comes to procurement and recruitment procedures organised by eu delegations and report to the discharge authorities about measures taken;


### 28. notes with satisfaction that all member states are represented in the staff and that especially the relative number of staff members from the member states that joined in 2004 or later (eu13) have increased and ensured a more reasonable distribution in the overall staff; notes however , that only 24 member states are represented among the eeas ambassadors and that the distribution is more unequal and that the five member states with most ambassadors (france 19 , germany 18 , spain 17 , italy 16 and belgium 12) have 82 out of 135 posts , equivalent to 61%; ### 28. notes with satisfaction that all member states are represented in the staff and that especially the relative number of staff members from the member states that joined in 2004 or later (eu13) have increased and ensured a more reasonable distribution in the overall staff; notes however , that only 24 member states are represented among the eeas ambassadors and that the distribution is more unequal and that the five member states with most ambassadors (france 19 , germany 18 , spain 17 , italy 16 and belgium 12) have 82 out of 135 posts , equivalent to 61%; underlines its concern about the geographical imbalance concerning the position of heads of delegation and reiterates its call for eeas to continue improving the geographical balance respresentation in order to have a proper representation of nationals from all member states;


### 30. notes that in 2021 , 15 middle management and five senior management posts in eeas headquarters and five middle management posts in eu delegations were vacant for an average period of three months and that 15 staff members acted in management positions during the vacancies; ### 30. notes that in 2021 , 15 middle management and five senior management posts in eeas headquarters and five middle management posts in eu delegations were vacant for an average period of three months and that 15 staff members acted in management positions during the vacancies; encourages the eeas to better promote its vacancies and career opportunities and to explore ways to improve the recruitment of personnel;


### 31. notes that the eeas has continued implementing the reform of conditions for local agents and that 62% of local agents signed up for the reform , which together with new recruitments after 1 june 2020 , implies that more than 66% of local agents were covered by the new rules by 31 march 2022; ### 31. notes that the eeas has continued implementing the reform of conditions for local agents and that 62% of local agents signed up for the reform , which together with new recruitments after 1 june 2020 , implies that more than 66% of local agents were covered by the new rules by 31 march 2022; calls the eeas to enhance training and guidance on the eu delegations' recruitment procedures for local agents to ensure compliance with the principals of transparency and equal treatment;