25 Amendments of Petra STEGER
Amendment 10 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction the strongthe collaboration with the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, notably the conclusion of a new working arrangement with European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the opening of 15 new cases where Eurojust supported European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as well as the cooperation on 42 cases with European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) including on a pilot project for the systematic and structural exchange of data for link detection purposes;
Amendment 25 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (Acknowledges the FRA)’s assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU fund; emphasizes the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination, including anti-European discrimination, to ensure a balanced approach that reflects the diversity of challenges faced by EU citizens; regrets however that the FRA was not able to elaborate more precisely on the reasons triggering a skyrocketing rise of antisemitism in EU Member States;
Amendment 28 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperatioUrges FRA to enhance transparency and accountability in with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as os reporting mechanisms, ensuring that its activities provide clear and measurable outcomes that directly benefit EU citizens; calls for an indentifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at seapendent evaluation of FRA’s added value in areas where its mandate overlaps with other EU agencies or national bodies;
Amendment 39 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes FRA's contribution toQuestions the competence of FRA in the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)3 , participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj ).considering that the agency already has Fundamental Rights monitoring;
Amendment 40 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 47 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with dismay that in 2023, over 1,1 million applications for international protection (+18 % compared to 2022) were submitted, and more than 1 million decisions granting temporary protection were issued in 29 EU+ countries; highlights the substantial support EUAA has provided tostresses the urgent need for the EUAA to assist Member States ion that context;4 _________________ 4 EU+ countries include the Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as Schengen associated countrmeasures to prevent illegal migration and processing returns efficiently, in line with their national policies.;
Amendment 55 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact thatQuestions the competence of the EUAA’s first fundamental rights officer (FRO) took office on 16 May 2023; appreciates the concept of a visible and easily accessible complaints mechanism developed by the FRO in consultation with the Commission and the Consultative Forumconsidering that the FRA is already providing expertise to the agency;
Amendment 61 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that 1 000 training sessions were organised by EUAA, and that there is a constant increase in terms of the number of asylum and reception officials and civil society actors trained (+6 % compared to 2022); welcomes the further development of the European asylum curriculum, with training modules such as the ones addressing gender-based violence and the situation of children in the asylum process in an attempt to offset the constant increase in the unstoppable migratory influx encouraged by the European Commission for almost 10 years now;
Amendment 73 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the significantWelcomes the increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including an impressive 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023notes, however, that the overall return rate in the European Union remained below 30%, indicating that current initiatives remain insufficient in the light of scale of illegal migration flows; emphasizes the need for Frontex to further prioritize and expand its return operations as a central element of its mandate and to work closely with Member States to enhance the effectiveness of return and reintegration programs;
Amendment 82 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the essential role Frontex plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts; recalls that in line with expectations expressed by many Member States, a sustainable EU border management policy should effectively explore the possibilities for Frontex to disembark rescued migrants in coastal third countries of departure;
Amendment 89 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execuAcknowledges the implementation of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights, with the majority being dismissed for non- admissibility; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountabilitynotes, however, that the emphasis on fundamental rights must not divert resources from Frontex’s core operational tasks, particularly its mandate to manage returns effectively; calls for a balanced approach where fundamental rights compliance supports, rather than hinders, the execution of operational priorities;
Amendment 93 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. SupportNotes Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, notincluding the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking, however, that these efforts must not detract from Frontex’s primary mission to safeguard Europe’s borders and increase the efficiency of its return operations; encourages Frontex to develop a clearer division of responsibilities between the FRO and operational units, ensuring that fundamental rights monitoring enhances, rather than impedes, the effectiveness of border management and return operations;
Amendment 119 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manageaddress migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.
Amendment 124 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with regret that the training activities in the area of fundamental rights and data protection decreased in 2023 (when 19 activities were implemented with 2063 participants) in comparison to 2022 (30 activities with 4 014 participants); underlines that the core objective of CEPOL is to support, develop, implement and coordinate training for law enforcement officials, while putting particular emphasis on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of law enforcement; acknowledges at the same time that the total number of participants increased to 46 431.
Amendment 152 #
2024/2030(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; cCalls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that this expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.
Amendment 10 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the increase in appropriations for the EPPO’s budget in 2023, amounting to EUR 64,6 million in total, which allowed for an 11 % increase in staff in that year; acknowledgeregrets that the acceleration of the disbursement of NextGenerationEU funding and the increase in the EPPO’s membership are projected to put further strain on the EPPO’s resources; underline instead of acknowledging the EC's responsibility for the negligent management of NextGenerationEU; questions the importance of additional funding for the EPPO’s budget in order for it to have the necessary means to carry out its tasks;
Amendment 16 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the importance of taking a holistic approach to combating white-collar crime, such as fraud and corruption, and more conventional types of crime, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, as they are often linked; recalls the fact that, in its upcoming evaluation report, the Commission should carefully analyse whether and to which categories of crimes the EPPO’s mandate needs to be extended in order for it to be best equipped to fulfil its role; regrets that this is being done to the detriment of, and instead of, strengthening controls and criteria for the allocation of funds by the EC;
Amendment 20 #
2024/2029(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the importantcomplementary role of the EPPO in the Union approach to combating corruption and the misuse of Union funds; expresses its satisfactionnotes that 24 Member States participate in the EPPO and encourages the remaining Member States to do so as well; calls on the Commission to continue engaging in an active dialogue with non-participating Member States to effectively facilitate the EPPO in carrying out its tasks; emphasises the fact that such a dialogue could also be of value to Member States that already participate in the EPPO as regards tackling difficulties in fighting rule of law violations and corruptio; underlines the importance of letting Member States decide whether or not to join;
Amendment 2 #
2024/2028(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the 2023 operating budget of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) amounted to EUR 22 711 559 and compared to the 2022 final budget, is concerned that the operating budget increased by 12 %; welcomes that, in 2023, the implementation rate of the commitment appropriations by the EDPS was 96 %;
Amendment 13 #
2024/2028(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses concern about the significant increase in EDPS staff mission costs, from EUR 28 789 in 2021 and EUR 176 903 in 2022, to EUR 284 580 in 2023; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively; notesexpresses deep concern that the EDPS ceased making public the number of missions funded by organisers, as well as information on which unit or sector participated in each mission, thus reducing transparency regarding mission expenses; calls on the EDPS to, even though transparency is the cornerstone of its mission; calls on the EDPS to retroactively and sustainably reinstate this practice.
Amendment 1 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the progress in the implementation of Member States' national programmes in 2023; notes with concern that, despite the requirement to spend all funds for the programming period 2014- 2020 by June 2024, 18% of AMIF funds and 25% of ISF funds allocated to Member States for that period remain undeclared; is concerned about the improper use of some funds, and calls on the Commission to account for them;
Amendment 9 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomStrongly opposes the Commission’s timely proposal to increase the ceilings of Headings 4 and 6 as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework mid- term revision with a view to ensuring sufficient funding for the implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum; stresses the need to ensure adequate and timely Union funding for Member States and Union agencies to facilitate the smooth implementation of Union law in the areas of asylum and migration; calls on the Commission to monitor and assist in the timely progress of the administrative, operational and legal steps required by Member States and Union agencies for the full implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum by Summer 2026; reiterates that the New Pact on Migration and Asylum will only exacerbate migration flows into Europe; calls instead for a redirection of resources toward stricter border controls, effective returns, and measures to address root causes of migration in cooperation with third countries;
Amendment 18 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that the number of migrants arriving irregularly in the Union increased again in 2023 as compared to previous years; further notes the Commisshighlights that Search and Rescue (SAR) operation’s ongoing efforts to assist Member States in addressing irregular arrivals and in successfully integin the Mediterranean, while vital for saving lives, may act as a pull factor encouratging legally residing third-country nationals; recalls that, while the Commission should continue to take action on migration andfurther dangerous crossings; stresses that the current framework, which combines the right to asylum within the framework of external action, the functioning of the ‘Team Europe’ approach must be clarified while safeguarding the role of Parliament; calls on the Commission to increase the transparency and accountability of the programming and implementation of the Union home affairs funds right to residence in Europe, incentivizes perilous journeys, leading to increased deaths at sea; warns that the New Migration Pact, by facilitating pathways to Europe, risks exacerbating third countries; renews its call on the Commission to support the Union agencies and the Member States in coordinating effective search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean,ese trends, resulting in more dangerous crossings, higher mortality rates, and a rise in illegal migration; calls for a thorough reassessment of the Pact to ensuringe that such actions are carried out in accordance with international and Union lawit does not unintentionally encourage irregular migration or undermine Member States’ control over their borders;
Amendment 22 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges the Commission’s continuous monitoring of rule of law benchmarks through the rule of law toolbox, including the annual rule of law report, while remaining concerned that, by adopting an overly diplomatic approach and failing to distinguish between individual and systemic issues, the annual rule of law report risks trivialising some of the most serious breaches of the rule of law; repolitical and arbiterates its regret and serious concern with respect to the lawfulness of the Commission’s decision concluding that, in Hungary, the horizontal enabling condition of the Charter had been fulfilled in relation to judicial independence which decision enabled the Hungarian authorities to start claiming reimbursements of up to approximately EUR 10,2 billion from Union funds; calls on the Commission to take steps towards the full implementation of Parliament’s recommendations on the establishment of an EU mechanism for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, contained in its resolution of 25 October 20161 , and to ensure that assessments of rule of law benchmarks are more precise and qualitative than is presently the case, relying not only on legislative changes, but also on real and independent evidence of their implementation in practice; _________________ 1 European Parliament resolution of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (2015/2254(INL)) (OJ C 215, 19.6.2018, p. 162).ry monitoring of rule of law benchmarks through the rule of law toolbox;
Amendment 32 #
2024/2019(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its great concern over the persistent delays in the Commission’s procedures for granting access to documents; urges the Commission to address these deficiencies promptly, in line with Parliament’s recommendations, and to apply first and foremost the rules of transparency it imposes on others entities;