### 33. notes that the number of persons who had absence due to illness increased by 9 ,3% , while the number of days of absence due to illnesses increased from by 36%; considers that this is a relatively large increase and calls on the eeas to investigate further if there is anything that can be done in terms of improving physical and mental work conditions to ensure that the situation improves in subsequent years; ### 33. notes that the number of persons who had absence due to illness increased by 9 ,3% , while the number of days of absence due to illnesses increased from by 36%; considers that this is a relatively large increase and calls on the eeas to investigate further if there is anything that can be done in terms of improving physical and mental work conditions to ensure that the situation improves in subsequent years; calls the eeas to take the necessary measures to mitigate the risk of burnout and to ensure the wellbeing of its staff;


### 37. notes that adhering to rules and norms concerning ethical behaviour and transparency is essential for all public institutions and even more for the eeas representing eu values around the world in its 144 delegations and offices; welcomes therefore that the eeas has recently adopted the “principles of professional behaviour”; ### 37. notes that adhering to rules and norms concerning ethical behaviour and transparency is essential for all public institutions and even more for the eeas representing eu values around the world in its 144 delegations and offices; welcomes therefore that the eeas has recently adopted the “principles of professional behaviour”; encourages eeas to organise systematic training and awareness sessions in the area of proper conduct for all its staff;


### 50. notes with concern that the security incident and event monitoring (siem) solution of the eeas has generated in 2021 more than 16 ,000 cyber alerts , which yielded to the identification of 236 real cyberattacks that did not all succeed in data breaches; calls on the eeas to continue to have a strong focus on cybersecurity and hybrid threats , especially those that are sponsored by foreign states , and work together with other eu institutions and member states in order to identify such threats and protect eu infrastructure as much as possible; ### 50. notes with concern that the security incident and event monitoring (siem) solution of the eeas has generated in 2021 more than 16 ,000 cyber alerts , which yielded to the identification of 236 real cyberattacks that did not all succeed in data breaches; calls on the eeas to continue to have a strong focus on cybersecurity and hybrid threats , especially those that are sponsored by foreign states , and work together with other eu institutions and member states in order to identify such threats and protect eu infrastructure as much as possible; underlines that cyber awareness and a systematic training programme for all staff , including management , are a key element in an effective cyber security framework;


### 7. acknowledges the authority’s efforts towards the achievement of a more gender balanced staff; notes the authority’s gender breakdown reported for 2021 with five men (63%) and three women (38%) in senior management positions , three men (43%) and four women (57%) in its management board , and 98 men (52%) and 89 women (48%) in its overall staff; calls on the authority to keep developing a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , enhance teleworking , promote gender and geographical balance as well as the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 7. acknowledges the authority’s efforts towards the achievement of a more gender balanced staff; notes the authority’s gender breakdown reported for 2021 with five men (63%) and three women (38%) in senior management positions , three men (43%) and four women (57%) in its management board , and 98 men (52%) and 89 women (48%) in its overall staff; calls on the authority to keep developing 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;


### 27. encourages the authority to work in closely cooperation with enisa (european union agency for cybersecurity); suggests offering regular updated cybersecurity-related training programmes for all staff; calls on the authority to keep developing its cybersecurity policy , and to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in this regard; ### 27. 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) 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 , including management; calls on the authority to keep developing its cybersecurity policy , and to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in this regard;


### 28. finds it unacceptable that , as in previous years , some international organisations provided only limited access to documents (e.g. in read-only format) , preventing the court from making copies of the documents , thus hindering the planning and execution of the audit and leading to delays and thus preventing the court from fulfilling its fundamental prerogative as ensured by the tfeu , as previously mentioned in related observations in the court’s 2018 e 2020 annual reports; ### 28. finds it unacceptable that , as in previous years , some international organisations provided only limited access to documents (e.g. in read-only format) , preventing the court from making copies of the documents , thus hindering the planning and execution of the audit and leading to delays and thus preventing the court from fulfilling its fundamental prerogative as ensured by the tfeu , as previously mentioned in related observations in the court’s 2018 e 2020 annual reports; calls on the commission once more to ensure transparency and access to documents for the court of auditors;


### 48. underlines that eu budget support is a means to deliver effective assistance , including in situations of crisis , it helps strengthen country systems and budget processes to implement public policies and deliver sustainable results; stresses , moreover , that it has been instrumental during the covid-19 pandemic , offering additional fiscal space to tackle the negative impact of the pandemic; acknowledges that these efforts may continue in the near future in view of the devastating global effects of the russian war of aggression against ukraine; ### 48. underlines that eu budget support is a means to deliver effective assistance , including in situations of crisis , it helps strengthen country systems and budget processes to implement public policies and deliver sustainable results; stresses , moreover , that it has been instrumental during the covid-19 pandemic , offering additional fiscal space to tackle the negative impact of the pandemic; acknowledges that these efforts should continue in the near future in view of the devastating global effects of the russian war of aggression against ukraine;


### 49. draws attention to the fact that poverty eradication and environmental degradation remain among the greatest challenges we face today; recalls that a world with 1.2 billion people in 111 developing countries17that live in acute multidimensional poverty is both inequitable and ecologically unsustainable; ### 49. draws attention to the fact that poverty eradication and environmental degradation remain among the greatest challenges we face today; recalls that a world with 1.2 billion people in 111 developing countries17 that live in acute multidimensional poverty is both inequitable and ecologically unsustainable; calls for appropriate funding in order to halt the ongoing movement away from the un’s sustainable development goals (sdgs);


### 53. stresses that an estimated 64 million children in development countries do not attend primary school; stresses that notably girls have been particularly affected , as their rights to quality education continued to be further compromised due to school closures , lack of access to remote learning including digital , and reduction of national education budgets brought by the stress on country economies; stresses , furthermore , that one major reason is violence in the world’s ongoing conflict areas , and the other large barrier – often closely intertwined with conflict – is poverty; ### 53. stresses that an estimated 64 million children in development countries do not attend primary school; stresses that notably girls have been particularly affected , as their rights to quality education continued to be further compromised due to school closures , lack of access to remote learning including digital , and reduction of national education budgets brought by the stress on country economies; stresses , furthermore , that one major reason is violence in the world’s ongoing conflict areas , and the other large barrier – often closely intertwined with conflict – is poverty; stresses that access to adequate education in developing countries , especially for girls and women , is an important step in the fight against poverty; emphasises that women's empowerment is of great importance in combating food insecurity , in particular by addressing regulatory gaps with regard to land rights in developing countries;


### 61. considers that the edf , alike other eu programmes , suffers from lack of visibility and publicity with local populations who benefit from the eu funding not being aware of the eu’s support and solidarity; ### 61. considers that the edf , alike other eu programmes , suffers from lack of visibility , understanding and publicity with local populations who benefit from the eu funding not being aware of the eu’s support and solidarity; also considers that the edf needs to be better explained to the public;


### 1. draws attention to the steadily worsening context in which the union’s development and humanitarian aid policies are conducted , characterised in particular by the covid pandemic , the relentless aggravation of the impacts of climate change and the mounting repercussions of russia’s war in ukraine; notes the ever-growing gap between the funds needed and those available to respond to the deepening hunger , debt and other crises and to halt the ongoing movement further away from the un’s sustainable development goals (sdgs) instead of towards them; ### 1. draws attention to the steadily worsening context in which the union’s development and humanitarian aid policies are conducted , characterised in particular by the covid pandemic , the relentless aggravation of the impacts of climate change and the mounting repercussions of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine; notes the ever-growing gap between the funds needed and those available to respond to the deepening hunger , debt and other crises generating growing inequality and increasing poverty levels for the first time in decades; calls for appropriate funding in order to halt the ongoing movement further away from the un’s sustainable development goals (sdgs) instead of towards them;


### 2. deplores the absence of the move “from billions to trillions” in financing for development recognised as necessary when the sdgs were adopted in 2015; notes the urgency of mobilising much more of the world’s privately held resources , through investment promotion and more effective taxation , but also of scaling up public financing for development , in accordance with international commitments on levels the union remains far from; ### 2. deplores the absence of the move “from billions to trillions” in financing for development recognised as necessary when the sdgs were adopted in 2015; notes the urgency of mobilising much more of the world’s privately held resources , through investment promotion and more effective taxation , while ensuring that their actions are aligned with agenda 2030 objectives and the policy coherence for development , but also of scaling up public financing for development , in accordance with international commitments on levels the union remains far from;


### 9. 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; ### 9. 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;


### 16. 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; ### 16. notes that the revised policy for managing and preventing conflicts of interest was adopted by the management board in 2019 to include the evaluation of conflict of interest and the mitigation measures imposed in the event of potential or confirmed conflict of interest of the members of the management board; 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 berec office to strengthen its internal control mechanisms , including the setting up of an internal anticorruption mechanism;


### 24. 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; ### 24. 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;


### 30. 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; ### 30. calls the berec office 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;


### 10. acknowledges that 2021 was a challenging year , in particular due to the ongoing effects of the covid-19 pandemic , and the continuation of the need to safeguard staff wellbeing and create new working methods; ### 10. acknowledges that 2021 was a challenging year , in particular due to the ongoing effects of the covid-19 pandemic , and the continuation of the need to safeguard staff wellbeing and create new working methods; encourages the ombudsman to adopt a comprehensive communication framework integretaing the lessons learnt from the two years of covid-19 in order to be prepared against possible future disruptive events and to be able to ensure business continuity;


### 16. notes with satisfaction that at the end of 2021 the number of union nationalities represented among the staff was 18 , which is unchanged from 2020 , and that management posts are distributed across 5 nationalities (compared to 4 in 2020); calls on the ombudsman to continue its efforts to achieve a balanced geographical distribution , taking into account the small size of the office; ### 16. notes with satisfaction that at the end of 2021 the number of union nationalities represented among the staff was 18 , which is unchanged from 2020 , and that management posts are distributed across 5 nationalities (compared to 4 in 2020); urges the ombudsman to continue its efforts to achieve a balanced geographical distribution of nationals from all member states within its staff (particularly the management level) , taking into account the small size of the office;


### 23. congratulates the ombudsman for publishing its schedule on its website and consistently using the transparency register to check that speakers or interlocutors in events or meetings organised by the ombudsman are registered therein; welcomes that the ombudsman committed to link the host of the events and the participants of the meetings published on its website to their entries in the transparency register; ### 23. congratulates the ombudsman for publishing its schedule on its website and consistently using the transparency register to check that speakers or interlocutors in events or meetings organised by the ombudsman are registered therein; welcomes that the ombudsman committed to link the host of the events and the participants of the meetings published on its website to their entries in the transparency register; congratulates the ombudsman for the progress made in this regard and encourages the ombudsman to continue pursuing its commitment for more transparency;


### 42. notes that the budgetary control committee is very much looking forward to learning about the ombudsman’s work on the transparency and accountability of the recovery and resilience facility , where the committee fears there will be major difficulties in controlling that funds are spent in a correct way; ### 42. notes that the budgetary control committee is very much looking forward to learning about the ombudsman’s work on the transparency and accountability of the recovery and resilience facility , which the committee will examine to ensure funds are spent in a correct way; calls the ombudsman to inform periodically the budgetary authority about the difficulties encountered , but also about the lessons learnt for future funding;


### 5. notes that the final budget of the committee for 2021 was eur 106 740 880 , with a slight increase of 5 ,15% from eur 101 508 480 in 2020 and from eur 98 751 065 in 2019; observes that the most important budgetary lines were those for remuneration and allowances , followed by rent and lease of buildings , it equipment and software , and then allowances , attendance at meetings and associated expenditure and interpreting services; ### 5. notes that the final budget of the committee for 2021 was eur 106 740 880 , with a slight increase of 5 ,15% from eur 101 508 480 in 2020 and from eur 98 751 065 in 2019; observes that as expressed in last year's resolution , the most important budgetary lines have been used for the expenditure of remuneration and allowances , followed by rent and lease of buildings , it equipment and software , and then allowances , attendance at meetings and associated expenditure and interpreting services;


### 32. notes that the overall gender ratio in the committee’s staff in 2021 was 56 ,8 % of women in the overall staff , the same as in 2020; regrets the gender imbalance in senior management in 2021 with 62 ,5 % men and 37 ,5 % women; equally regrets the imbalance in middle management , where the ratio is 68 ,4 % men and 31 ,6 % women; understands that the responsible for recruitment is committed to make vacancy notices more inclusive and to encourage more women to apply for management positions , including by ensuring a balanced representation on selection boards; ### 32. notes that the overall gender ratio in the committee’s staff in 2021 was 56 ,8 % of women in the overall staff , the same as in 2020; regrets the gender imbalance in senior management in 2021 with 62 ,5 % men and 37 ,5 % women; equally regrets the imbalance in middle management , where the ratio is 68 ,4 % men and 31 ,6 % women; encourages the responsible for recruitment to thoroughly commit to making vacancy notices more inclusive and to encourage more women to apply for management positions , including by ensuring a balanced representation on selection boards but also by offering training possibilities for female staff that wishes to prepare for a managerial career and proposing more flexible arrangements;


### 44. observes that the committee welcomed a total of 58 trainees in 2021 , out of which 48 were selected for a 5-month traineeship during which they received a monthly grant as well as a mobility allowance and a reimbursement of travel costs , and 10 were short-term study visitors for shorter traineeship periods of 1 to 4 months , three of which receiving a monthly income from the government of their country; ### 44. observes that the committee welcomed a total of 58 trainees in 2021 , out of which 48 were selected for a 5-month traineeship during which they received a monthly grant as well as a mobility allowance and a reimbursement of travel costs , and 10 were short-term study visitors for shorter traineeship periods of 1 to 4 months , three of which receiving a monthly income from the government of their country; welcomes the committee's commitment to propose teleworking arrangements for its trainees as well;


### 55. notes the increasing number of cyber-threats to the it infrastructure and online communication channels , such as the committee external website; encourages the committee to keep an high level of attention on the cybersecurity matters and ensure a close cooperation with cert-eu for prevention and management of incidents; ### 55. notes the increasing number of cyber-threats to the it infrastructure and online communication channels , such as the committee external website; encourages the committee to keep a high level of attention on the cybersecurity matters , strengthen its it system and ensure a close cooperation with cert-eu for an early identification of vulnerabilities , prevention and management of incidents but also by raising the cybersecurity awareness of their members and staff ; encourages the committee to carry out regular risk assessments of their it infrastracture and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences;


### 64. is aware of the robust cooperation with the eesc , via the joint services where some 460 staff (of which around 170 staff belonging to the committee) and more than eur 55 million yearly (of which some eur 24 million from the committee) are pooled together by both committees; acknowledges that the new administrative cooperation agreement between the committee and the eesc , that entered into force on 1 november 2021 for the duration of five years , has reinforced the governance of the cooperation and the control mechanisms and is a renewed expression of the will to efficiently share resources and create synergies; notes that the new administrative cooperation agreement includes the creation of a directorate for innovation and information technology and , within the joint services , the establishment of a centralised public procurement and financial management unit and a procurement expert group; ### 64. is aware of the robust cooperation with the eesc , via the joint services where some 460 staff (of which around 170 staff belonging to the committee) and more than eur 55 million yearly (of which some eur 24 million from the committee) are pooled together by both committees; welcomes that the new administrative cooperation agreement between the committee and the eesc , that entered into force on 1 november 2021 for the duration of five years; hopes that the new cooperation agreement will contribute substantially to governance reinforcement in cooperation and control mechanisms and is a renewed expression of the will to efficiently share resources and create synergies; notes that the new administrative cooperation agreement includes the creation of a directorate for innovation and information technology and , within the joint services , the establishment of a centralised public procurement and financial management unit and a procurement expert group;


### 16. notes that , as from january 2016 , joint undertakings that are only partly financed from the eu budget should pay the part of the employer’s contributions to the eu pension scheme , corresponding to the ratio of their non-eu subsidised revenues to their total revenues4 ; notes that , as the commission has neither provided for this expenditure in the joint undertakings’ budgets , nor formally requested the payments , the joint undertaking has not yet paid such contributions; ### 16. notes that , as from january 2016 , joint undertakings that are only partly financed from the eu budget should pay the part of the employer’s contributions to the eu pension scheme , corresponding to the ratio of their non-eu subsidised revenues to their total revenues4 ; notes that , as the commission has neither provided for this expenditure in the joint undertakings’ budgets , nor formally requested the payments , the joint undertaking has not yet paid such contributions; calls for the commission to take steps to avoid similar issues in the future.


### 12. 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; ### 12. 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;


### 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 discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;


### 23. observes that the report on the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the european parliament and the european economic and social committee shows , in 2021 , a doubling of the number of meetings with parliament counterparts in the preparation of the committee’s opinions compared to 2020 which confirms the committee’s strengthened involvement in the legislative cycle; notes that , in addition to bilateral meetings on ongoing files , members from both parliament and the committee took part in various events , conferences and meetings and that 156 meetings were held with parliament counterparts , 538 meetings with commission counterparts and 139 meetings with council and member states counterparts; ### 23. observes that the report on the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the european parliament and the european economic and social committee shows , in 2021 , a doubling of the number of meetings with parliament counterparts in the preparation of the committee’s opinions compared to 2020 which confirms the committee’s strengthened involvement in the legislative cycle and calls on the committee to ensure that its opinions are shared with the members of the relevant committees of the parliament in line with the cooperation agreement between parliament and the committee; notes that , in addition to bilateral meetings on ongoing files , members from both parliament and the committee took part in various events , conferences and meetings and that 156 meetings were held with parliament counterparts , 538 meetings with commission counterparts and 139 meetings with council and member states counterparts;


### 28. observes that a large number of temporary and contract agents were employed in 2021 (107 temporary agents and 46 contract agents out of a total of 699 staff , compared to 93 and 81 temporary agents respectively in 2020 and 2019 , and to 47 and 43 contract agents respectively in 2020 and 2019); believes that this situation entails the risk of considerable loss of knowledge and expertise for the committee when those temporary employments come to an end; invites the committee to further deepen its administrative cooperation with the cor via the joint services arrangement to enhance the synergic effects of pooling staff; ### 28. observes that a large number of temporary and contract agents were employed in 2021 (107 temporary agents and 46 contract agents out of a total of 699 staff , compared to 93 and 81 temporary agents respectively in 2020 and 2019 , and to 47 and 43 contract agents respectively in 2020 and 2019); expresses concern that this situation entails the risk of considerable loss of knowledge and expertise for the committee when those temporary employments come to an end; invites the committee to further deepen its administrative cooperation with the cor via the joint services arrangement to enhance the synergic effects of pooling staff;


### 32. underlines that , while every member state is represented on the committee’s staff , the geographical balance is suboptimal (with few member states over represented); observes that managers from the 13 member states that joined the union after 2004 made up 19 % in 2021 , compared to 15 % in 2020 , while the distribution of administrators per grade shows that 65 % of nationals from those member states are currently in grade brackets ad 8 – ad 10 , making them eligible to apply for a management position; encourages the committee to continue to take action to reach a proper geographical distribution within its staff , with a particular focus on the management level; ### 32. underlines that , while every member state is represented on the committee’s staff , the geographical balance is suboptimal (with few member states over represented); observes that managers from the 13 member states that joined the union after 2004 made up 19 % in 2021 (same level as 2019) , compared to 15 % in 2020 , while the distribution of administrators per grade shows that 65 % of nationals from those member states are currently in grade brackets ad 8 – ad 10 , making them eligible to apply for a management position; calls the committee to continue to take action and to commit itself to reach a proper geographical distribution of nationals from all member states within its staff , with a particular focus on the management level;


### 34. urges the committee to adopt an updated diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan; expects that such strategy and action plan will take stock of the lessons learnt during the pandemic and will offer flexible tools to match diverse needs among different staff groups; asks the committee to inform the parliament about the progress in that regard; ### 34. urges the committee to adopt an updated diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan; expects that such strategy and action plan will take stock of the lessons learnt during the pandemic , offer flexible tools to match diverse needs among different staff groups and promote diversity and inclusion but also work-life balance and equal opportunities for its staff; asks the committee to inform the parliament about the progress in that regard;


### 40. regrets that , also in 2021 , the committee was not able to provide data on cases of burnout within the committee; respects the data protection limitations , but reminds the committee of the importance of anonymised statistical data for managerial decisions within an organisation; reiterates that awareness-raising actions , good practices in relation to workload management , communication and conflict solving , as well as return-to-work policy , should be taken into account; ### 40. regrets that , also in 2021 , the committee was not able to provide data on cases of burnout within the committee; respects the data protection limitations , but reminds the committee of the importance of anonymised statistical data for managerial decisions within an organisation but also expresses the need to safeguard staff wellbeing; reiterates that awareness-raising actions , good practices in relation to workload management , communication and conflict solving , as well as return-to-work policy , should be taken into account;


### 41. notes that a revised decision on procedures for preventing and dealing with psychological and sexual harassment at work (decision 090/22a) was prepared and discussed in 2021 , to be adopted in march 2022; observes that this is part of a wider action plan on ethics adopted in january 2021 , based on the recommendations of a joint working group comprised of staff and administration representatives; ### 41. notes that a revised decision on procedures for preventing and dealing with psychological and sexual harassment at work (decision 090/22a) was prepared and discussed in 2021 , to be adopted in march 2022; observes that this is part of a wider action plan on ethics adopted in january 2021 , based on the recommendations of a joint working group comprised of staff and administration representatives; believes that only a zero tolerance of harassment policy will prevent the committee from future allegations of harassment and serious misconduct.


### 51. deeply regrets that parliament’s unambiguous calls for an external investigation specifically to review the committee’s hr procedures and the effectiveness thereof , with a focus on addressing harassment claims and ensuring the well-being of the staff are still ignored; believes that it is material to guarantee the well-being of the staff and to effectively prevent further cases , as those occurred; ### 51. deeply regrets that parliament’s unambiguous calls for an external and independent investigation specifically to review the committee’s hr procedures and the effectiveness thereof , with a focus on addressing harassment claims and ensuring the well-being of the staff are still ignored; urges the committee to take all necessary measures to efficiently prevent potential cases of harassment in the future; believes that it is material to guarantee the well-being of the staff and to effectively prevent further cases , as those occurred;


### 56. notes that training on ethics became mandatory for all members of staff in 2021 and that it includes additional , more specific training dedicated to managers; observes that training for members of the committe on ethics has been revised to be aligned with the new code of conduct and to cover the full range of ethical issues; appreciates the setting up of a new team of ethics counsellors to provide the best possible advice to colleagues who consult them on ethical questions , including whistleblowing , and that information on ethics counsellors is disseminated to all newcomers; underlines that a new guide for staff on respect at work at the committee was published in early may 2022 and that the committee is also in the process of establishing a new charter of values of the staff of the committee; ### 56. notes that training on ethics became mandatory for all members of staff in 2021 and that it includes additional , more specific training dedicated to managers; observes that training for members of the committe on ethics has been revised to be aligned with the new code of conduct and to cover the full range of ethical issues; appreciates the setting up of a new team of ethics counsellors to provide the best possible advice to colleagues who consult them on ethical questions , including the committee's internal rules on the protection of whistleblowers against negative action , their right to stay anonymous and to support them during the process , and that information on ethics counsellors is disseminated to all newcomers; underlines that a new guide for staff on respect at work at the committee was published in early may 2022 and that the committee is also in the process of establishing a new charter of values of the staff of the committee;


### 62. notes the increased number of cyber-threats to the it infrastructure and online communication channels and that the committee has paid increasing attention to strengthening the it system configuration , identifying vulnerabilities in cooperation with cert-eu , raising the cybersecurity awareness of members and staff and adopting advanced computer-network authentication protocol; calls on the committee to keep an high level of attention on the cybersecurity matters; ### 62. notes the increased number of cyber-threats to the it infrastructure and online communication channels and that the committee has paid increasing attention to strengthening the it system configuration , identifying vulnerabilities in cooperation with cert-eu , raising the cybersecurity awareness of members and staff and adopting advanced computer-network authentication protocol; calls on the committee to keep an high level of attention on the cybersecurity matters , especially because the number of serious cyber attacks increased considerably in the last years , making the institutions attractive targets for potential attackers; encourages the committee to carry out regular risk assessments of their it infrastracture and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences;


### 77. observes that the committee started working in the second semester of 2021 on its external communication strategy aiming at improving the quality , outreach and impact of its communication; notes that the committee’s communication commission decided , as an overarching priority , to improve image , impact and governance and to better integrate communication into legislative work; observes that , to this aim , the committee streamlined its communication during and around the plenaries to make sure that each opinion is communicated to the right audience , with the most appropriate tools available and at the most appropriate time; encourages the committee to adopt a comprehensive communication framework integrating the lessons learnt from the two covid-19 years; ### 77. observes that the committee started working in the second semester of 2021 on its external communication strategy aiming at improving the quality , outreach and impact of its communication; notes that the committee’s communication commission decided , as an overarching priority , to improve image , impact and governance and to better integrate communication into legislative work; observes that , to this aim , the committee streamlined its communication during and around the plenaries to make sure that each opinion is communicated to the right audience , with the most appropriate tools available and at the most appropriate time; encourages the committee to adopt a comprehensive communication framework integrating the lessons learnt from the two covid-19 years in order to be prepared against possible future disruptive events and to ensure business continuity;


### 11. notes the gender distribution within the authority’s senior management members , with 4 out of 5 being women (80%); notes the gender distribution within the authority’s management board (mb) , with 3 out of 5 being women (60%); further notes the gender distribution within the authority’s overall staff , with 162 out of 308 being men (53%); underlines the importance of candidate’s skills , knowledge and experience when recruiting and promoting staff; ### 11. notes the gender distribution within the authority’s senior management members , with 4 out of 5 being women (80%); notes the gender distribution within the authority’s management board (mb) , with 3 out of 5 being women (60%); further notes the gender distribution within the authority’s overall staff , with 162 out of 308 being men (53%); recalls the importance to ensure gender balance and calls on the authority to take this aspect into consideration with regards to future appointments; underlines the importance of candidate’s skills , knowledge and experience when recruiting and promoting staff;


### 13. calls on the authority to keep developing a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , enhance teleworking , promote gender and geographical balance as well as the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 13. calls on the authority to keep developing 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;


### 30. encourages the authority to work in close cooperation with the european union agency for cybersecurity (enisa); suggests offering regular updated cybersecurity-related training programmes for all staff; calls on the authority to keep developing its cybersecurity policy further , and to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in this regard; ### 30. encourages the authority to work in close cooperation with the european union agency for cybersecurity (enisa) 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 offering regular updated cybersecurity-related training programmes to all staff members; calls on the authority to keep developing its cybersecurity policy further , and to report to the discharge authority on the progress made in this regard;


### 9. understands that in 2021 , in line with its 2021-2025 strategy , the court stepped up its efforts to make the best use of modern technology and new techniques in audit to deliver more and better information for the accountability process; understands that the travel restrictions and public health measures limited the court’s ability to carry out audit fieldwork , but the increased use of remote auditing allowed interacting with stakeholders and deliver results timely and meaningfully; ### 9. understands that in 2021 , in line with its 2021-2025 strategy , the court stepped up its efforts to make the best use of modern technology and new techniques in audit to deliver more and better information for the accountability process; understands that the travel restrictions and public health measures limited the court’s ability to carry out audit fieldwork and has strongly impacted their on-the-spot audits , but the increased use of remote auditing allowed interacting with stakeholders and deliver results timely and meaningfully;


### 11. points out parliament’s interest in an effective and timely monitoring of the implementation of the new court strategy 2021-2025 to guarantee the consistency with the highest standards of transparency and accountability; believes that this requires the design of performance indicators and the definition of milestones and measurable outcomes when establishing the action plan and a periodic reporting of the progress made in implementing the strategy , including mid-term review and peer review; ### 11. points out parliament’s interest in an effective and timely monitoring of the implementation of the new court strategy 2021-2025 to guarantee the consistency with the highest standards of transparency and accountability but also to provide an effective public audit service in the eu; believes that this requires the design of performance indicators and the definition of milestones and measurable outcomes when establishing the action plan and a periodic reporting of the progress made in implementing the strategy , including mid-term review and peer review;


### 27. maintains that the lack of gender balance within the court’s college requires actions; underlines that in the court’s history , out of 116 members , only 16 have been women , and that in the current college out of 27 members , 8 are women; points out that gender equality is enshrined as one of the core values in article 2 of the treaty on european union; highlights that gender equality should not only play a role in all the union’s policies , but also in the internal organisation of its institutions; ### 27. maintains that the lack of gender balance within the court’s college requires actions; considers unacceptable that in the court’s history , out of 116 members , only 16 have been women , and that in the current college out of 27 members , 8 are women; understands that the nomination procedure of its members is challenging for achieving gender balance because national nomination is solely the responsibility of member state; however calls on the court to analyse its overall composition in order to inform the council and the member states involved so that the gender balance is taken into consideration in the nomination decision; points out that gender equality is enshrined as one of the core values in article 2 of the treaty on european union; highlights that gender equality should not only play a role in all the union’s policies , but also in the internal organisation of its institutions;


### 37. reminds the experience learnt from the irregularities committed previously by karel pinxten when he was member of the court with respect to whom no action could be undertaken to comprehensively remedy the financial and reputational prejudice given to the court and to the union as a whole , because no legal basis exists to recover mr pinxten’s salary for days of absence in the course of missions outside the performance of his duties and for other unjustified absences; stresses that , as indicated by the court of justice in its judgement of 30 september 20211 , his misbehaviour was favoured by the vagueness of the internal rules and allowed by the shortcomings of the controls put in place; acknowledges the actions undertaken by the court in this matter , by cooperating with european anti-fraud office (olaf) , waiving immunities and bringing to successful conclusion the procedure under article 286(6) tfeu; is aware of the court’s determination to prevent similar cases from arising in the future and for this reason is committed to support and work with the court in the necessary adjustment to its internal rules; ### 37. reminds the experience learnt from the irregularities committed previously by karel pinxten when he was member of the court with respect to whom no action could be undertaken to comprehensively remedy the financial and reputational prejudice given to the court and to the union as a whole , because no legal basis exists to recover mr pinxten’s salary for days of absence in the course of missions outside the performance of his duties and for other unjustified absences; stresses that , as indicated by the court of justice in its judgement of 30 september 20211 , his misbehaviour was favoured by the vagueness of the internal rules and allowed by the shortcomings of the controls put in place; acknowledges the actions undertaken by the court in this matter , by cooperating with european anti-fraud office (olaf) , waiving immunities and bringing to successful conclusion the procedure under article 286(6) tfeu; underlines that the court should do everything that is in its power to prevent similar cases from arising in the future and for this reason is committed to support and work with the court in the necessary adjustment to its internal rules; notes that the court should act as the guardian of the union budget implementation and that it should apply the highest ethical standards;


### 38. notes that until 2020 the establishment of a register of attendance covered only the few physical meetings of the college of members of the court; appreciates that by decision no 21-2021 , the participation of the members is to be recorded in the attendance register for other meetings; acknowledges that the members’ attendance register for 2021 was made available to the members of parliament’s committee on budgetary control in january 2022; reiterates its request to receive annual updates of the register of attendance so it can be considered during the discharge procedure; ### 38. notes that until 2020 the establishment of a register of attendance covered only the few physical meetings of the college of members of the court despite the requirements expressed by parliament; notes that by decision no 21-2021 , the participation of the members is to be recorded in the attendance register for other meetings and reiterates the request made each year since the 2017 discharge that the register of attendance be extended to working days , missions , periods of leave and justified absences in order to represent an accurate mapping of the work carried out by the members; points out that the members of the court have the obligation to fully devote themselves to the fulfilment of their mandate; acknowledges that the members’ attendance register for 2021 was made available to the members of parliament’s committee on budgetary control in january 2022; reiterates its request to receive annual updates of the register of attendance so it can be considered during the discharge procedure;


### 39. appreciates that the court’s amended code of conduct for its members and former members , published on 2 may 2022 , includes a new article 10(1) , which stipulates that “members of the court shall devote themselves to the fulfilment of their mandate. they shall reside at the place where the court has its seat”; deems this revised provision to be in line with the interpretation expressed by parliament , the principle of sound financial management and the ethical standards expected of the court; notes that currently all members of the court have their primary residence in luxembourg; ### 39. notes with satisfaction that , following parliament's recommendation , the court’s amended code of conduct for its members and former members , published on 2 may 2022 , includes a new article 10(1) , which stipulates that “members of the court shall devote themselves to the fulfilment of their mandate. they shall reside at the place where the court has its seat”; deems this revised provision to be in line with the interpretation expressed by parliament , the principle of sound financial management and the ethical standards expected of the court; notes that currently all members of the court have their primary residence in luxembourg;


### 41. welcomes the set of rules and the terms of use recently adopted by the court to govern the private use of the car fleet; understands that members of the court are now obliged to cover the actual costs incurred for the use of a car unrelated to a mission or to cover other journeys in connection with the performance of duties when not covered by the set standard number of kilometres allocated for that kind of use; ### 41. notes the set of rules and the terms of use recently adopted by the court to govern the private use of the car fleet; notes that members of the court are now obliged to cover the actual costs incurred for the use of a car unrelated to a mission or to cover other journeys in connection with the performance of duties when not covered by the set standard number of kilometres allocated for that kind of use; is concerned that the new system introduced by that decision is confusing and does not demonstrate its alleged administrative efficiency; reiterates its opinion expressed in previous discharge resolutions that the use of the car fleet outside of the strict performance of the duties of the members of the court should not take place under any circumstance and calls again for a ban on such use;


### 42. maintains that missions are essential to fulfil the role of the court and to allow its members to act as ambassadors of the court in their respective home countries; welcomes that the court publishes information on the missions carried out by its members on its website; reiterates its call for transparency in relation to purposes and costs of the missions of the court and asks the court to report to the discharge authority about the cases where ex ante and ex post controls have detected irregularities; ### 42. maintains that missions are essential to fulfil the role of the court and to allow its members to act as ambassadors of the court in their respective home countries; welcomes that the court publishes information on the missions carried out by its members on its website but insists that not keeping missions carried out in previous years published is contrary to the standards of transparency and accountability expected of the court; reiterates likewise its call for transparency in relation to purposes and costs of the missions of the court and asks the court to report to the discharge authority about the cases where ex ante and ex post controls have detected irregularities; encourages the court to reflect on the possibility of joining the eu transparency register;


### 51. welcomes the update of the code of conduct for members and former members of the court which follows up on the parliament’s observations in the previous discharge; stresses that the code of conduct introduces the obligation for the members to reside at the place where the seat of the court is located , regulates the contractual relations between the members and the staff , and limits the possibilities for the members’ involvement in politics; ### 51. welcomes the update of the code of conduct for members and former members of the court which follows up on the parliament’s observations in the previous discharge; stresses that , building on parliament’s recommendations , the code of conduct introduces the obligation for the members to reside at the place where the seat of the court is located , regulates the contractual relations between the members and the staff , and limits the possibilities for the members’ involvement in politics;


### 59. welcomes the completed implementation of the cybersecurity plan for the period 2018-2021 and the adoption of a new cybersecurity plan for the next three years (2022-2024) , which envisages a gradually move to a zero trust architecture in line with the provisions set out in the proposal for a regulation laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the union institutions; notes that no relevant successful cyber-attack against the court was detected in 2021 and appreciates the importance of the cooperation of the court with cert-eu; invites the court to maintain an high level of attention towards cyber-threats and information security; ### 59. welcomes the completed implementation of the cybersecurity plan for the period 2018-2021 and the adoption of a new cybersecurity plan for the next three years (2022-2024) , which envisages a gradually move to a zero trust architecture in line with the provisions set out in the proposal for a regulation laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the union institutions; notes that no relevant successful cyber-attack against the court was detected in 2021 and appreciates the importance of the cooperation of the court with cert-eu; invites the court to maintain an high level of attention towards cyber-threats and information security , especially because the number of serious cyber attacks increased considerably in the last years , making all the eu institutions attractive targets for potential attackers; encourages the court to carry out regular risk assessments of their it infrastracture;


### 76. welcomes the signature of a working arrangement with the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) , which provides a structured framework for cooperation and allows the court to transfer cases directly to the eppo; appreciates the intense dialogue with olaf which resulted in 2021 in the swift opening of investigations in 6 cases following the court’s transmission of relevant information; ### 76. welcomes the signature of a working arrangement with the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) , which provides a structured framework for cooperation and allows the court to transfer cases directly to the eppo; appreciates the intense dialogue with olaf which resulted in 2021 in the swift opening of investigations in 6 cases following the court’s transmission of relevant information; stresses out the importance of a stronger cooperation among the court , eppo , olaf and ombudsman in order to avoid the duplication of investigations and emphasises the need to discuss areas of mutual interest;


### 21. notes that the joint undertaking is working with dg budg to clarify the situation on the joint undertaking’s staff pension contributions , in line with the recommendations of the european court of auditors made in late 2021; ### 21. notes that the joint undertaking is working with dg budg to clarify the situation on the joint undertaking’s staff pension contributions , in line with the recommendations of the european court of auditors made in late 2021 and calls for the commission to take steps to avoid similar issues in the future ;


### 5. reiterates its concern about the gender imbalance within the agency’s senior management , namely 5 (71%) men and 2 women (29%); notes the gender balance within the agency’s management board , with 24 out of 28 (86%) being men; further notes the gender balance within the agency’s overall staff , with 57 out of 106 (54%) being men; calls on the agency to take concrete measures to increase gender balance at all levels of hierarchy as soon as possible and report back to the discharge authority; ### 5. reiterates its concern about the gender imbalance within the agency’s senior management , namely 5 (71%) men and 2 women (29%); notes with concern the lack of gender balance within the agency’s management board , with 24 out of 28 (86%) being men; further notes the gender balance within the agency’s overall staff , with 57 out of 106 (54%) being men; calls on the agency and member states to observe gender balance when nominating and appointing members of the senior management or of the management board; asks the agency to report back to the discharge authority about the concrete measures to increase gender balance;


### 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;


### 25. 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; ### 25. 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;


### 29. 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; ### 29. 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;


### 9. stresses that the current situation , where parliament can only check the reports of the court and of the ombudsman as well as the information on the council’s website but does not receive written or oral answers from the council during the annual discharge procedure , i.e. the council refuses to collaborate with parliament in the context of the annual discharge procedure , makes it impossible for parliament to make an informed decision on granting discharge; ### 9. stresses that the current situation , where parliament can only check the reports of the court and of the ombudsman as well as the information on the council’s website but does not receive written or oral answers from the council during the annual discharge procedure , i.e. the council refuses to collaborate with parliament in the context of the annual discharge procedure , makes it impossible for parliament to carry out its duties properly and to make an informed decision on granting discharge;


### 10. deplores that the council for more than a decade has shown that it does not have any political willingness to collaborate with parliament in the context of the annual discharge procedure; underlines that this attitude has had a lasting negative effect on both institutions and has discredited the management and democratic scrutiny of the union budget and on the trust of citizens in the union as a transparent entity; deeply regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure that has lasted for more than a decade; ### 10. deplores that the council for more than a decade has shown that it does not have any political willingness to collaborate with parliament in the context of the annual discharge procedure; underlines that this attitude has had a lasting negative effect on both institutions jeopardising the image of the union as a whole and has discredited the management and democratic scrutiny of the union budget and on the trust of citizens in the union as a transparent entity; deeply regrets the council’s continuing refusal to engage in loyal cooperation in the framework of the discharge procedure that has lasted for more than a decade;


### 16. recalls that pursuant to article 286(2) tfeu , the council appoints the members of the court after consultation with parliament; regrets that the council repeatedly has failed to take into consideration the recommendations of parliament in its consultative role regarding the appointment of the members of the court; ### 16. recalls that pursuant to article 286(2) tfeu , the council appoints the members of the court after consultation with parliament; regrets that the council repeatedly has failed to take into consideration and disregards completely the recommendations of parliament in its consultative role regarding the appointment of the members of the court and continues to endorse them despite being rejected by the parliament;


### 25. reiterates its call on the rotating council presidencies to decline any corporate sponsorship to contribute to covering their expenses; understands that financial resources from national budgets vary significantly among member states and that each member state , irrespective of its size and available budget , should have equal opportunities to organise a successful council presidency , but believes that the acceptance of corporate sponsorship causes reputational damage because it risks creating conflicts of interest; reiterates its call on the council to budget the council presidencies to ensure adequate and uniform standards of efficiency and effectiveness of the working process; ### 25. reiterates its call on the rotating council presidencies to decline any corporate sponsorship to contribute to covering their expenses; understands that financial resources from national budgets vary significantly among member states and that each member state , irrespective of its size and available budget , should have equal opportunities to organise a successful council presidency , but believes that the acceptance of corporate sponsorship causes reputational damage because it risks creating conflicts of interest; reiterates its call on the council to budget the council presidencies to ensure adequate and uniform standards of efficiency and effectiveness of the working process; is disappointed with the non-binding guidance issued on corporate sponsors by the council and deems it should be revised;


### 10. takes note of the specific finding , concerning parliament , contained in the court’s report on parliament’s annual accounts for the financial year 2018 (the ‘court’s report’); notes that , owing to terrorist attacks in recent years , the institutions , including parliament , have found it necessary to reinforce the protection of people and premises as a matter of urgency; observes that the court found weaknesses in the procedures organised by parliament and the commission; notes that , in order to procure specific security-related building works , parliament had recourse to framework contracts that were already in place and that the design of these framework contracts allowed parliament to order works not included in the original price schedule on the basis of a single quotation from the contractor; notes that parliament used this approach in two of the four procedures the court examined , which may mean that the works were not procured at the lowest price; ### 10. takes note of the specific finding , concerning parliament , contained in the court’s report on parliament’s annual accounts for the financial year 2018 (the ‘court’s report’); notes that , owing to terrorist attacks in recent years , the institutions , including parliament , have found it necessary to reinforce the protection of people and premises as a matter of urgency; notes the court’s observations on the procedures organised by parliament and the commission; notes that , in order to procure specific security-related building works , parliament had recourse to framework contracts that were already in place and that the design of these framework contracts allowed parliament to order essential security works not included in the original price schedule on the basis of a single quotation from the contractor; notes that parliament has used this method in two out of the four procedures examined by the court;


### 10. takes note of the specific finding , concerning parliament , contained in the court’s report on parliament’s annual accounts for the financial year 2018 (the ‘court’s report’); notes that , owing to terrorist attacks in recent years , the institutions , including parliament , have found it necessary to reinforce the protection of people and premises as a matter of urgency; observes that the court found weaknesses in the procedures organised by parliament and the commission; notes that , in order to procure specific security-related building works , parliament had recourse to framework contracts that were already in place and that the design of these framework contracts allowed parliament to order works not included in the original price schedule on the basis of a single quotation from the contractor; notes that parliament used this approach in two of the four procedures the court examined , which may mean that the works were not procured at the lowest price; ### 10. takes note of the specific finding , concerning parliament , contained in the court’s report on parliament’s annual accounts for the financial year 2018 (the ‘court’s report’); notes that , owing to terrorist attacks in recent years , the institutions , including parliament , have found it necessary to reinforce the protection of people and premises as a matter of urgency; observes with concern that the court found weaknesses in the procedures organised by parliament and the commission; notes that , in order to procure specific security-related building works , parliament had recourse to framework contracts that were already in place and that the design of these framework contracts allowed parliament to order works not included in the original price schedule on the basis of a single quotation from the contractor; notes that parliament used this approach in two of the four procedures the court examined , which may mean that the works were not procured at the lowest price;


### 11. notes the response given by parliament in the adversarial procedure with the court , acknowledging that competition may have been suboptimal; notes with appreciation that the new framework contracts awarded in this sector , with five contractors , are based on a reopening of competition in order to ensure adequate price competition; ### 11. takes note of the response given by parliament in the contradictory procedure with the court , in which it recognises that , given the specific context (time pressure and market-specific structure) , competition may have been suboptimal; notes with appreciation that the new framework contracts awarded in this sector , with five contractors , are based on a reopening of competition in order to ensure adequate price competition;


### 11. notes the response given by parliament in the adversarial procedure with the court , acknowledging that competition may have been suboptimal; notes with appreciation that the new framework contracts awarded in this sector , with five contractors , are based on a reopening of competition in order to ensure adequate price competition; ### 11. notes with concern the response given by parliament in the adversarial procedure with the court , acknowledging that competition may have been suboptimal; notes with appreciation that the new framework contracts awarded in this sector , with five contractors , are based on a reopening of competition in order to ensure adequate price competition;


### 16. notes that two audits on visitors’ groups and parliamentary assistance allowance are part of the 2019 activity and will be reported in early 2020; ### 16. notes that two audits on visitors’ groups and parliamentary assistance allowance are part of the 2019 activity and will be reported in early 2020; asks the auditor to inform the budget control committee on both outcomes as soon as they will be available;


### 21. highlights that , in view of the 2019 european elections , the communication campaign was successfully launched; points out the increased participation of citizens in the 2019 european elections; ### 21. highlights that , in view of the 2019 european elections , the communication campaign was successfully launched; points out the increased participation of citizens in the 2019 european elections , although the turnout remained too low in certain countries; considers that this type of campaign should be ongoing , with a particular focus on those countries;


### 23. regrets that despite the fact that parliament’s committee on budgets rejected the budget requested for the creation of an observatory on artificial intelligence , this initiative still seems to be ongoing in the form of a working group; is strongly concerned by the apparent circumvention of a democratic decision made by the members of parliament , which represents a very regrettable precedent; recommends that the activity of this working group be immediately interrupted until the budgetary authority has decided to provide it with a budget; ### 23. regrets that despite the fact that parliament’s committee on budgets rejected the budget requested for the creation of an observatory on artificial intelligence , this initiative still seems to be ongoing in the form of a working group; is strongly concerned by the apparent circumvention , once again , of a democratic decision made by the members of parliament; considers this situation very dangerous and regrettable; recommends that the activity of this working group be immediately interrupted until the budgetary authority has decided to provide it with a budget;


### 27. is of the opinion that the protection of whistleblowers is a key element of democracy; recalls that , among others , accredited parliamentary assistants (apa) may find themselves in a particular situation due to their contract of employment; calls on secretary-general to take that specificity into account when apas act as whistleblowers , and to extend the contract protection options granted by parliament for apas victim of harassment to apas who act as whistleblowers; ### 27. is of the opinion that the protection of whistleblowers is a key element of democracy; recalls that , among others , accredited parliamentary assistants (apa) may find themselves in a particular situation due to their contract of employment; stresses that the lack of proper protection for apas constitutes an important breach of parliament's policy to protect whistleblowers; consequently , calls once again on secretary-general to take that specificity into account when apas act as whistleblowers , and to look into the contract protection options granted by parliament and extend them from apas who are victims of harassment to apas who act as whistleblowers;


### 27. is of the opinion that the protection of whistleblowers is a key element of democracy; recalls that , among others , accredited parliamentary assistants (apa) may find themselves in a particular situation due to their contract of employment; calls on secretary-general to take that specificity into account when apas act as whistleblowers , and to extend the contract protection options granted by parliament for apas victim of harassment to apas who act as whistleblowers; ### 27. is of the opinion that the protection of whistleblowers is a key element of democracy; recalls that , among others , accredited parliamentary assistants (apa) may find themselves in a particular situation due to their contract of employment; calls on secretary-general to take that specificity into account when apas act as whistleblowers , and to extend the contract protection options granted by parliament for apas victim of harassment to apas who act as whistleblowers; asks the secretary-general to find a solution for the fact that apa's salaries can exclusively go to belgian bank accounts which runs counter to the idea of a single monetary and payments union; furthermore highlights the fact that current rules on the termination of contract for apas do not foresee the possibility of a termination by “mutual consent” , which would be a way to recognise the special political relation between members and assistants , where both parties can acknowledge the mutual trust is no longer persisting , and benefit from a common solution.


### 31. draws attention to the 5% staff reduction target , that in 2018 required parliament to eliminate 60 posts from its administration establishment plan; is concerned that this significant reduction may have negative effects on parliament’s performance , both at short and long term; ### 31. draws attention to the 5% staff reduction target , that in 2018 required parliament to eliminate 60 posts from its administration establishment plan; emphasises that , in spite of the reduction target , parliament created a new directorate-general , eprs , and that the elimination of 60 posts from its administration establishment plan was offset by the recruitment of 60 translators from the eesc and the cor posted to this new service under the 2014 cooperation agreement concluded between the two committees and parliament; at all events , is concerned that this significant reduction has affected other services which also suffer from a staff shortage , such as dg inlo and dg pers , which certainly has negative effects on parliament’s performance , both at short and long term;


### 32. is worried about the number of members of staff on long-term sick leave and is concerned that some of those cases may relate to exhaustion and disturbed work-life balance; calls on the administration to be proactive towards the concerned staff , to carefully evaluate the staff workload and to ensure a balanced distribution of tasks; asks for a report on measures taken in response to long-term sick leave by 30 june 2020; ### 32. is worried about the number of members of staff on long-term sick leave and the steep rise in the number of cases of burnout and is concerned that some of those cases may relate to exhaustion and disturbed work-life balance; is particularly concerned about understaffing and , at the same time , considers hard to justify the expansion in senior management positions leading to an imbalanced , top-heavy management structure; calls on the administration to be proactive towards the concerned staff , to carefully evaluate the staff workload and to ensure a balanced distribution of tasks; asks for a report on measures taken in response to long-term sick leave and burnout by 30 june 2020;


### 33. within a context of increased expectations towards staff , insists on the importance of a constructive dialogue with the staff committee and trade unions; counts on continuing the constructive dialogue with those bodies , particularly on matters related to working conditions such as mobility , working environment and flexitime; ### 33. within a context of increased expectations towards staff , insists on the importance of a regular and constructive dialogue with the staff committee and trade unions; counts on continuing the constructive dialogue with those bodies , particularly on matters related to staff policy and to working conditions such as mobility , working environment and flexitime;


### 34. is convinced that the attractiveness of parliament is a key component of its success; draws attention to the difficulties encountered in recruiting some nationalities; calls on the secretary-general to do his utmost in order to reach a geographical balance , both on the total number by country and on the number of management positions; recognises the very positive steps taken in order to reach a gender balance; presses for gender balance at all levels , including directors-general level; ### 34. is convinced that the attractiveness of parliament is a key component of its success; draws attention to the difficulties encountered in recruiting some nationalities; calls on the secretary-general to do his utmost in order to reach a geographical balance , both on the total number by country and on the number of management positions; recognises the very positive steps taken in order to reach a gender balance; insists on better gender balance at all levels , including directors-general level;


### 35. understands the difficulty of recruiting staff at lower grades in luxembourg , especially in the assistant-secretaries category; calls on a reform of the european personnel selection office based recruitments to be closer to the institutions’ needs , including shorter recruitment procedures; ### 35. regrets the difficulty of recruiting staff at lower grades in luxembourg , especially in the assistant-secretaries category; stresses that the introduction of a correction coefficient that takes account of the higher living costs in this place of work together with recruitment at higher grades is necessary to solve this structural problem; calls on a reform of the european personnel selection office based recruitments to be closer to the institutions’ needs , including shorter recruitment procedures;


### 49. recalls that 2018 marked the first full year of operation for the house of european history; notes that the house of european history welcomed 164 158 visitors; welcomes the co-financing agreement with the commission , ensuring a yearly contribution to the exploitation costs; ### 49. recalls that 2018 marked the first full year of operation for the house of european history; notes that the house of european history welcomed 164 158 visitors; welcomes the co-financing agreement with the commission , ensuring a yearly contribution to the exploitation costs; remains deeply concerned by reports on working conditions in the european house of history under the previous contractor and urgently requests the secretary-general to inform parliament's committee on budgetary control on the situation of european house of history employees under the new contractor; also asks the secretary-general to publish figures on the total costs of the contractor and the amount spent on the wage of the european house of history employees;


### 54. notes the bureau decision of 11 february 2019 regarding parliamentary support to the eu mission to asean in jakarta , the eu delegation to the african union in addis ababa and the eu delegation to the un in new york; considers that given the specific nature of this parliamentary support , parliament’s committee on budgetary control should be provided with detailed output on an annual basis in the framework of the parliament discharge; ### 54. notes with concern the bureau decision of 11 february 2019 regarding parliamentary support to the eu mission to asean in jakarta , the eu delegation to the african union in addis ababa and the eu delegation to the un in new york; considers that given the specific nature of this parliamentary support , parliament’s committee on budgetary control should be provided with detailed information on resources and output on an annual basis in the framework of the parliament discharge; asks the secretary-general to carry out a cost/benefit analysis of this parliamentary diplomacy support before the end of 2020 and prior to any envisaged extension to other regions of the world;


### 61. draws attention to the court of auditors’ special report no 15/201912 : implementation of the 2014 staff reform package at the commission - big savings but not without consequences for staff; is concerned that less favourable conditions of employment have reduced the attractiveness of working for the union at a time when it is struggling to attract sufficient staff from a number of member states; ### 61. draws attention to the court of auditors’ special report no 15/201912 : implementation of the 2014 staff reform package at the commission - big savings but not without consequences for staff; notes with concern the observations of the court that are applicable to other union institutions , including parliament , and thus welcomes the commission's readiness to accept the recommendations of the court; supports the position expressed by its committee on budgetary control12b on the matter; deplores the very negative impact of the 2014 reform package on a number of crucial aspects of human resources within the union institutions; is thus concerned that less favourable conditions of employment have reduced the attractiveness of working for the union at a time when it is struggling to attract sufficient staff from a number of member states; warns of the serious consequences that any budgetary cut in administration or staff reduction may have in the future of the european union civil service and the implementation of the union's policies; calls on the union institutions to carry out a calm and comprehensive assessment of the impact on the human ressources management and staff well-being of any future reform or revision of the staff regulations;


### 64. approves of the solutions found for apas who have worked for two consecutive parliamentary terms without interruption but who were lacking up to 2 months to complete the ten years of service needed to be entitled to a pension under the pension rights scheme of the union institutions; welcomes that the solutions found allowed concerned apas to complete the necessary ten years of service; notes with satisfaction that a solution was found for 170 cases out of 173; ### 64. takes note of the solutions found for apas who had worked for two consecutive parliamentary terms without interruption but who were lacking up to 2 months to complete the ten years of service needed to be entitled to a pension under the pension rights scheme of the union institutions; criticises the fact that a solution was put forward too late , despite the numerous and continuous warnings during the previous parliamentary term; criticises , further , the fact that the only solution found depended solely on the goodwill of certain members who were aware of the situation and were in solidarity with these apas; criticises , also , the fact that the administration did not inform members elected for the new parliamentary term of this matter and of the fact that they could issue contracts of less than six months in these instances , as a result of which many of these apas had great difficulties finding a member willing to employ them on a contract without interruption for a short period of time , and some did not even manage to do so (according to the administration , this was the case for at least 3 of the 170 apas concerned);


### 65. welcomes the setting up of an extended teleworking scheme for the secretariat-general of parliament; ### 65. welcomes the extension and streamlining of teleworking possibilities for the secretariat-general of parliament but calls for a rapid move towards structural teleworking , as at the commission and other institutions;


### 76. acknowledges the start of the work , in 2018 , to extend the wayenberg nursery; is concerned however by the way the access to the building was provided during those building works , and suggests that dg inlo pay closer attention to ensuring the safety of users during such building works in the future; ### 76. acknowledges the start of the works in 2018 to extend the wayenberg nursery; is concerned however by the way the access to the building was provided during those building works , and suggests that dg inlo and dg safe pay closer attention to ensuring the safety of users during such building works in the future;


### 78. acknowledges that the bureau instructed the secretary-general to authorise dg inlo to launch an architectural competition for the refurbishment of the paul-henri spaak building considering only 2 options: renovation or redesign of the building; presses for the building to be prepared for a further evolution of parliament’s activities in the decades ahead; recalls that an architectural competition was launched in order to have concrete architectural proposals and that a final decision on the project should be taken by the political and budgetary authorities; ### 78. acknowledges that the bureau instructed the secretary-general to authorise dg inlo to launch an architectural competition for the refurbishment of the paul-henri spaak building considering only 2 options: renovation or redesign of the building; presses for the building to be prepared for a further evolution of parliament’s activities in the decades ahead; recalls that an architectural competition was launched in order to have concrete architectural proposals and that a final decision on the project should be taken by the political and budgetary authorities; stresses that such a decision take place following the publication of an assessment of the safety of the building a budgetisation of the plan on which the decision is taken;


### 80. supports the internalisation of the drivers’ service and notes the very high satisfaction rate (99 ,9%) for the official car service in 2018; believes that official cars should be allowed to take members and staff with mission orders on board when driving from brussels to strasbourg and back; ### 80. supports the internalisation of the drivers’ service and notes the very high satisfaction rate (99 ,9%) for the official car service in 2018; notes with satisfaction the measures taken by dg inlo to ensure that official cars are used to transport members and staff with mission orders when travelling from brussels to strasbourg and back;


### 81. expresses strong concern for the working conditions of the cleaning staff of parliament , and strongly recommends that dg inlo liaise with the cleaning company subcontracted by parliament , in order to verify that belgian law is abided by and to ensure that the subcontractor is aligned with parliament’s policy of respect and dignity at work; ### 81. expresses strong concern for the working conditions of two of the external concessions contracted by parliament , namely the cleaning and the restauration staff of the parliament , and strongly recommends that dg inlo organises an independent survey about the satisfaction with the working conditions of the staff concerned subcontracted by the parliament , in order to ensure respect and dignity at work; calls for an evaluation of parliament’s public procurement policy in light of improving transparent and predictable working conditions for all subcontracted services; calls on parliament to report to the discharge authority on the results of such evaluation;


### 81. expresses strong concern for the working conditions of the cleaning staff of parliament , and strongly recommends that dg inlo liaise with the cleaning company subcontracted by parliament , in order to verify that belgian law is abided by and to ensure that the subcontractor is aligned with parliament’s policy of respect and dignity at work; ### 81. emphasises the interest shown in the working conditions of parliament’s cleaning staff , acknowledges that dg inlo is working with the cleaning company contracted by parliament and has established that the relevant legislation should be respected , including social , labour and environmental and contract legislation; social , working and environmental conditions need to be aligned with parliament’s policy on respect and dignity at work; nevertheless calls on dg inlo to monitor this matter rigorously in the coming years and to conduct a satisfaction survey of subcontractual cleaning staff , as well as an assessment of the european parliament’s public procurement policy;


### 82. welcomes the diversification of the offer in parliament’s self-service canteen; is concerned that , despite the competition being brought into that sector , the cost/benefit assessment of prices and quality of the food in parliament’s self-service canteen has become more unbalanced; calls for a user satisfaction survey to be launched on quality-price ratio; ### 82. welcomes the diversification of the offer in parliament’s self-service canteen; is concerned that , despite the competition being brought into that sector , the cost/benefit assessment of prices and quality of the food in parliament’s self-service canteen has become more unbalanced; calls for a user satisfaction survey to be launched on quality-price ratio; is concerned about the increasing use of temporary/interim staff by the outside catering company and the impact this is having on the quality of the services provided and on the amenities and quality of life and working conditions for permanent staff;


### 82. welcomes the diversification of the offer in parliament’s self-service canteen; is concerned that , despite the competition being brought into that sector , the cost/benefit assessment of prices and quality of the food in parliament’s self-service canteen has become more unbalanced; calls for a user satisfaction survey to be launched on quality-price ratio; ### 82. welcomes the diversification of what is on offer in parliament’s self-service canteen; stresses that , despite the competition being brought into that sector , the cost/benefit assessment of prices and quality of the food in parliament’s self-service canteen requires constant monitoring; acknowledges that regular use is made of the user satisfaction survey , and that this also covers value for money aspects;


### 101. notes that parliament’s new travel agency started operating on 1 january 2019 , following a public call for tenders; welcomes the availability of the travel service’s call centre at all times , including at weekends; presses for a simple and user-friendly complaints mechanism , which allows for speedy resolution of any problems; deplores that tickets proposed by the agency are not always the most cost effective ones and that members experience delays in the reimbursement of their travel costs; calls on dg fins to launch a satisfaction survey on the services of the travel agency , in order to present the results by 30 june 2020 at the latest; ### 101. notes that parliament’s new travel agency started operating on 1 january 2019 , following a public call for tenders; welcomes the availability of the travel service’s call centre at all times , including at weekends; presses for a simple and user-friendly complaints mechanism , which allows for speedy resolution of any problems; deplores that tickets proposed by the agency and by the corresponding competent service in dg fins are not always the most cost effective ones and that members experience delays in the reimbursement of their travel costs; calls on dg fins to launch a satisfaction survey on the services of the travel agency and , with the aim of presenting the results by 30 june 2020 at the latest , to inform customers of the organisation and responsibilities of dg fins and parliament's travel agency;


### 106. notes that the voluntary pension scheme has an estimated actuarial deficit of eur 286 ,1 million at the end of 2018; further notes that at the end of 2018 , the amount of net assets to be taken into account and the actuarial commitment amount to eur 112 ,3 million and eur 398 ,4 million respectively; ### 106. notes that the voluntary pension scheme has an estimated actuarial deficit of eur 286 ,1 million at the end of 2018; further notes that at the end of 2018 , the amount of net assets to be taken into account and the actuarial commitment amount to eur 112 ,3 million and eur 398 ,4 million respectively; considers that whereas national pension funds normally have to meet strict standards and are not allowed to have any actuarial deficit at all , the voluntary pension fund is now facing an deficit of 72% of the actuarial commitment; asks the secretary-general to urgently consider bold measures to resolve this lingering situation , including cuts and the possibility of liquidation of all assets.


### 116. highlights the increasing risks related to data and privacy; calls on parliament to develop an information security policy and strategy; stresses that close cooperation between dg itec and dg safe is of utmost importance; encourages the directorate-general’s to plan common activities over the medium and long term; ### 116. highlights the increasing risks related to data and privacy; points with concern to recent reporting on storing and processing user's data when logging in to parliament's wi-fi; strongly questions the need to retain data for up to six months1a; calls on parliament to develop an information security policy and strategy; stresses that close cooperation between dg itec and dg safe is of utmost importance; encourages the directorate-general’s to plan common activities over the medium and long term;


### 150. underlines the importance of holding the authority accountable in order to build assurance , and therefore calls for increased transparency on the annual activity of the authority , including on its working methods and principles applied; ### 150. emphasises the importance of the authority reporting on its activities as part of its accountability and showing greater transparency as regards its annual activities , including on the working methods and principles applied;


### 1. notes that the court of auditors (the ‘court’) , in its report on the european ombudsman’s (the ‘ombudsman’) annual accounts , observed no significant weaknesses with respect to the audited topics related to human resources and procurement for the ombudsman; ### 1. notes with satisfaction that the court of auditors (the ‘court’) , in its report on the european ombudsman’s (the ‘ombudsman’) annual accounts , observed no significant weaknesses with respect to the audited topics related to human resources and procurement for the ombudsman;


### 2. notes the conclusion of the court that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 december 2018 for the administrative expenditure of the ombudsman were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems were effective; ### 2. welcomes the conclusion of the court that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 december 2018 for the administrative expenditure of the ombudsman were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems were effective;