733 Amendments of Marta ANDREASEN
Amendment 1 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Article 311 TFEU also stipulates that the budget shall, without prejudice to other revenue, be financed wholly from own resources and allows the Council to establish new categories of own resources or abolish an existing category, providing thus thea legal basis for an in- depth reform of the own resources system;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Parliament has continuously called for the EU budget to be financed wholly by genuine own resources, as stipulatedprovided for in the Treaty; whereas it has regularly highlighted the shortcomings and limits of the existing system of own resources, the lack of transparency and high complexity of which make it totally incomprehensible to European citizens, who ultimately bear the consequencescitizens of the member states who do not at present see a deduction on their payslip or a specific tax on their fuel, alcohol or financial transactions to fund the EU;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas national contributions to the EU budget, which amount nowadays to around 85 % of the total EU revenue, cannot be considered as a genuinen own resource as they simply constitute transfers from national treasuries; whereas this situation has reinforced, over decades, the logic of ‘fair return’ that has also clearly prevailed in the conclusions of the European Council of 7-8 February 2013 on the MFF 2014-2020 and has largely prevented a structural reform of the EU budgetin fact been beneficial as it has enabled some restraint to be exercised in difficult times;
Amendment 9 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 11 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 15 #
2014/2020(INI)
G. whereas the High-Level Group on Own Resources aims at producing a first assessment of the current system’s shortcomings by the end of 2014, with a final outcome in 2016 to be assessed at an inter-institutional conference in the presence of national parliaments; whereas the High-Level Group shall examine all aspects of the reform of the own resources system with a view of providing the Commission with the necessary means to propose a successful reform for the period covered by the next Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the Council’s agreement to lay down implementing measures for the Union’s own resources as provided for in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the factNotes that the Council has not been able to make any progress on the reform of the own resources system on the basis of the legislative proposals put forward by the Commission;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Maintains its call for reform of the own resources system of the European Union in order to make it simple, transparent, visible and understandable to EU citizens, thereby reinforcing the EU citizens’ link to the European project and, at the same time, reducing the burden on Member States’ national treasuries;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 2 #
2014/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes thatWhile the European economy is showing some signs of recovery and, considers that the European budget can be a very strongis not an suitable tool to increase strategic investment with European added value and put the European economy back on track, generating sustainable growth and employment while aiming to foster economic and social cohesion throughout the EU;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights in particular the importance of the European Structural and Investment Funds, which form the biggest single block of expenditure in the EU budget; underlines the fact that these ESIFs are particularly important in helping Member States and regions to exit the current crisis and achieve the Europe 2020 targets; stresses the need to endow citizens with the tools to find a way out of the crisis; stresses in this regard the special need to invest in areas such as education and mobility, research and innovation, SMEs and entrepreneurship, in order to boost the creation of employment – in particular youth employmentNotes that the Court of Auditors report for 2012 states that the level of irregularities of the policy area which includes European Structural Funds is 6.8%, calls on the Commission to reduce the 2015 Structural Fund budget by this amount from 2014;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that the overall level of payment appropriations agreed for the 2014 budget is below the level considered necessary and proposed by the Commission in its original draft budget; is deeply concerned that the unprecedented level of outstanding bills at the end of 2013, up to EUR 23.4 billion under Heading 1b alone, cannot be covered within 2014 ceilings; stresses therefore that, even if all the new flexibility mechanisms are mobilised in payments in 2014, this will again lead to a large implementation deficit at the end of 2014; underlines the fact that the recurrent shortages of payment appropriations have been the main cause ofstresses that it is essential that restraint is exercised at the commitments stage; considers moreover that the unprecedentedly high level of outstanding commitments (RALs) especially in the last yearsin the last years has been caused by commitments of projects that never materialised;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2004(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 7 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Supports the Commission’s main objectives as set out in the Roadmap, in particular, achieving a more balanced governance, especially the objective of enhancing the agencies’ efficiency and accountability and introducing greater coherence in the way they function; welcomes the actions proposed thereon, in particular regarding the streamlining of management boards, efforts to seek synergies between agencies and the possibility of merging some of them;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Urges the agencies to examine their internal administrative processes with a view to reducing administrative costs, which are generally too high across the agencies;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2256(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Acknowledges that the results of a survey conducted by agencies about services shared between them show that they already cooperate and that awareness- raising could help develop those good practices further; welcomes the good example set by, for instance, the European Maritime Safety Agency (based in Lisbon) which shares its Internal Audit Capability with the European Fisheries Control Agency (based in Vigo), whereas European Railway Agency (based in Valenciennes) is preparing an agreement for sharing the services of the Accounting Officer with the European Securities and Markets Authority (based in Paris); proposes, furthermore, that some smaller agencies which may not be suitable for outright mergers be relocated in the same city – possibly even in the same building – so that they can benefit from common central resources and reduce overhead costs;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2252(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2252(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2251(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the IMI Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2251(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the IMI Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2250(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Artemis Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2250(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Artemis Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2249(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2249(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2248(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2248(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the SESAR Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2247(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Director of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2247(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2245(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes withExpresses serious concern that a carry- over of EUR 2 000 00 was not covered by a legal commitment (contract) and was therefore irregular; calls on the Office to inform the discharge authority on the steps taken to prevent similar situations in the future;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012 / Grants the Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for the financial year 2012 / Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2242(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes with concernIs appalled that the Institute did not have an internal auditor for the entire calendar year 2013, as the previous auditor left the Institute on 31 December 2012, and the current auditor took over the task only on 1 January 2014; believes that such a situation should have been avoided, especially given the problems shown to exist in the Institute as regards the 2012 discharge;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on granting the Administrative Manager of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications discharge in respect of the implementation of the Body's budget for the financial year 2012 / Grants the Administrative Manager of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications discharge in respect of the implementation of the Body's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications for the financial year 2012 / Approves the closure of the accounts of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes withExpresses serious concern that there is considerable room for improvement regarding the preparation, execution and documentation of procurement procedures; notes in particular that award procedures did not give sufficient attention to the price-quality ratio and that general award criteria had not been broken down further into sub criteria to allow a clear and comparable evaluation of the offers;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. RegretsDeplores the fact that the Body does not have a treasury policy; notes that as a result, at the end of 2012, all cash held by the Body (EUR 1 600 000) was held in one bank, which has a BBB credit rating;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2241(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the office toDemands that the Body remedy the situation and to report on its progress by 1 September 2014;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2240(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes from the Court of Auditors' report that regarding the three comments made in 2011, two corrective actions taken in response to the previous year's comments are still marked as 'ongoing' and one as 'completed';
Amendment 3 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes withExpresses serious concern that the Authority made 22 budget transfers amounting to EUR 3 200 000, representing 16 % of total 2012 budget, which indicates serious weaknesses in budget planning;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsExpresses serious concern that according to the Court of Auditors’ annual audit, there is considerable room for improving the timeliness and documentation of procurement procedures; demands that the Authority address these concerns as a matter of priority and inform the discharge authority on the results of the measures taken;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2239(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes withExpresses serious concern that according to the Court of Auditors’ annual audit, the level of transparency of the Authority's recruitment procedures needs to be improved; calls ondemands that the Authority to implement corrective measures and to inform the discharge authority on the results of measures taken;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that one contract related to the design of a financial database was subdivided into four lots of EUR 60 000 each, which were all directly awarded to two companies; is strongly of the opinion that given the total value of the services to be procured for the same project (EUR 240 000), an open or restricted procedure should have been applied and that the related commitments and payments are thus irregular;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2238(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets that while a physical verification of assets was carried out in May and June 2012, no physical verification report was produced; regrets, moreovexpresses serious concer,n that the Authority has not adopted any procedures or guidelines on physical checks on tangible assets;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Banking Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Banking Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern that in order to cover higher school fees, the Authority grants staff whose children attend primary or secondary school a top-up allowance, which amounted to some EUR 76 000 in 2012, in addition to the education allowances provided for in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities (‘the Staff Regulations’);notes that these allowances are not covered by the Staff Regulations and are, therefore, rightly considered irregular by the Court of Auditors; acknowledges, however, that this situation is due to the lack of European Schools in the city the Authority is based in and that the purpose of these top-ups is to ensure equal treatment of the Authority’s employees under the Staff Regulations; but questions if this level of additional expenditure is justifiable;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes withExpresses concern that carry-overs of committed appropriations were high for title II (45 %); acknowledges that this was mainly due to reasons beyond the Authority’s control, such as the unsuccessful attempt to find new premises and delays in the implementation of some IT projects for which it was difficult to obtain the information needed from the predecessor organisation;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2237(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors' audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules and commends the Authority for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to consider merging the Fundamental Rights Agency with the Institute; is of the opinion that such a merger could result in greater administrative and operational efficiency as well as, in the long run, save costs to Union taxpayer;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Institute to urgently address the shortcomings identified by the Court of Auditors in the Institute's documentation of recruitment procedures; notes in particular that there was no evidence that questions for written tests and interviews, as well as their respective weightings, were prepared before the examination of the applications;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concernDeplores the fact that the Institute does not have a formalised procurement planning and monitoring procedure; notes in particular that its annual work programme does not include a procurement schedule linked to the planned activities that would define the optimal scope and timing of procurements;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges from the Institute that in order to improve the planning and monitoring of the procurement, the Institute is in process of creating a monitoring tool to follow up the expected dates of each step of the annual procurement proceedings; calls on the Institute to inform the discharge authority ifwhen it succeeds in fully implementing this tool or, if that is not the caseand up until then, to keep it informed of the state of play regarding its creation and implementation;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2236(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges from the Institute that in 2012, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) carried out audit work in accordance with the Institute's strategic audit plan; notes that this work included an audit on budget execution, which identified good practices, but also led to four very important recommendations; takes note of the Institute's action plan to address the risks and notes that the IAS considered this to be adequate; notes that no critical recommendations were open as of 31 December 2012; but expresses great concern, however, that the implementation of two very important recommendations from 2011 hasve been delayed;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2235(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Police Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Police Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2235(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Police Office for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Police Office for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2235(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes withIs concerned that the Office carried over EUR 1 200 000 for changes to its premises in connection with the setting up of the European Cybercrime Centre; notes that although the Office agreed upon those changes with the host state in July 2012, the contract for the works required was only signed in April 2013; notes, in addition, that the Office carried over EUR 100 000 related to the introduction of a new human resources system; expresses concernis appalled that both of those carry-overs did not correspond to legal commitments made at the end of the year and were thus irregular; calls on the Office to urgently take steps in order to prevent similar situations in the future and to report on this within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow- up;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2234(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director-General of the Euratom Supply Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director-General of the Euratom Supply Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2234(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report as well as the Court of Auditors’ audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules; commends the Agency for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2233(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsExpresses concern that physical inventory results show serious weaknesses in the safeguarding and tracking of fixed assets and that there is no tracking procedure for software and internal components (2 370 items out of the 5 878 ICT fixed assets recorded); expresses concernis appalled, moreover, that 306 items could not be found, of which 93 were laptops and 29 were computers; calls ondemands that the Agency to remedy this situation and to duly follow this up before initiating the 2013 discharge procedure;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2232(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges that in response to the Court of Auditors' 2011 report, the Agency took corrective action in June 2012 to improve the transparency of recruitment procedures; noteregrets that in 2012, the Court of Auditors still identified weaknesses related to three audited recruitment procedures that were initiated prior to the Court’s 2011 report, namely that vacancy notices did not provide information to the candidates on complaint and appeal procedures, that candidates were given a global score instead of one score for each of the selection criteria and that there was no evidence that the questions for interviews and written tests had been set before the date of the examinations;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European GNSS Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European GNSS Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European GNSS Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European GNSS Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2231(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the carry-over of committed appropriations was relatively high for title II (administrative expenditure) at EUR 1 700 000 (38 %); acknowledges that this was partly due to events beyond the Authority's control, such as the relocation of its seat to Prague in September 2012 (EUR 400 000) and the setting-up of the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (EUR 400 000) which necessitated the provision of certain goods and services in the last quarter of the year; notes, moreover, that several contracts relating to IT and legal services included in the 2013 work programme were signed in December 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2230(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2230(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Police College discharge in respect of the implementation of the College's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Police College discharge in respect of the implementation of the College's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Police College for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2229(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern that discussions about the College's future, which have been ongoing for several years, have created a situation of uncertainty which continues to hamper business planning and implementation;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Railway Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Railway Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Railway Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2228(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that using two locations (Lille and Valenciennes) to carry out its activities exposes the Agency to additional costs; acknowledges the efforts made by the Agency to minimise the negative impact of the decision on the Agency's seatnd represents a waste of European taxpayers' money; demands that this issue be addressed in order to restore value for taxpayers' money and operational efficiency, while also avoiding needless indirect costs such as "wasted" working hours due to travelling or additional administrative work;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2222(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Network and Information Security Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Network and Information Security Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2222(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Network and Information Security Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Network and Information Security Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2220(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the procedure for assessing possible conflicts of interests at the Authority, where declarations of interest are screened by Heads of Unit and are generally assessed on a case by case basis, is overly burdensome and is subject to criticism, raising questions aboutserious concerns regarding its credibility and effectiveness; notes withexpresses serious concern that even a revised procedure has not helped dispel fears about the Authority’s expert impartiality; calls ondemands that the Authority to come up with a simplified procedure with less uncertainty which would validate and streamline the process and save both human resources and money;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes withExpresses great concern that carry-overs of committed appropriations were high for title III at 46 %; stresses that, although this is partly justified by the multiannual nature of the Agency’s operations and by the duly justified carry-overs included in the Court of Auditors' sample, nevertheless such a high level is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2219(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets that the Agency continues to have high administration costs and fails to understand how the Agency can justify such a situation, given an increase in revenue from the fees charged to outside businesses for its services; acknowledges that the large increase in revenue stems from an increase in the number of certification applications received, rather than as a result of an increase in tariffs;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern from the Court of Auditors’ report that the status of one corrective action taken in response to the previous year's comments is marked as 'ongoing', one is marked as 'completed' and one is marked as partially 'completed' and partially 'outstanding';
Amendment 10 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concernDeplores that the Court of Auditors’ annual audit has found a budget commitment amounting to EUR 800 000 which was not related to an existing legal commitment and was thus irregular;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds the Agency that it has a duty to ensure that through the use of all possible efficient savings and the intelligent use of existing administrative structures, it can carry out its newly assigned competences without an undue budget increase, being mindful of the fact that the Agency must avoid the unnecessary duplication of the work of national authorities;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2218(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concern that accounting procedures and information in respect of costs for internally generated intangible assets are not fully reliable; expectsdemands that the Agency to implement corrective measures and inform the discharge authority on the results;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Training Foundation discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Training Foundation discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Training Foundation for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Training Foundation for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that in 2012, the overall level of committed appropriations was 99,9 %, indicating that commitments were made in a timely manner; notes, however, that the level of committed appropriations carried over to 2013 was high for title II (administrative expenditure) at EUR 600 000 (36,8 %); appreciatcknowledges that one of the main reasons for such a high level wereas the late receipt of invoices for building- related services delivered in 2012 (EUR 300 000) and a number of IT hardware and software purchases ordered as planned during the last months of 2012 (EUR 300 000) but not delivered until 2013;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2217(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges from the Foundation that as of 23 May 2013, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) has formally closed 12 out of the 14 recommendations from the 2011 IAS audit on communication and that the Foundation does not have any outstanding open recommendations ranked as ‘very important’; notes however, that there are still two open IAS audit recommendations from the 2011 IAS audit on external and internal communication, both ranked as ’important’, one of which is considered to have been implemented by the Foundation and is currently pending IAS review and closure, while the other is in the process of implementation and was expected to be fully implemented in 2013 in line with planned actions;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Administrative Director of Eurojust discharge in respect of the implementation of Eurojust’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Administrative Director of Eurojust discharge in respect of the implementation of Eurojust’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of Eurojust for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of Eurojust for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes from the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts that out of four comments made in 2011, two corrective actions taken in response to the previous year's comments are still marked as 'outstanding' and two as 'completed';
Amendment 11 #
2013/2216(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Draws the attention of Eurojust to the needRequires Eurojust to improve the transparency of recruitment procedures; notes that there was no evidence that questions for tests and interviews were set before the examination of the applications by the Selection Board and there is no evidence that the weighting between written tests and interviews was set before candidates’ screening; calls on Eurojust to follow this up within the framework of discharge 2012 follow-up report;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2215(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2215(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2215(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with concern that in 2012, the Agency issued multiple framework contracts for the provision of services; expresses concern that the procurement procedure presented some irregularities affecting the principle of transparency and demands that the Agency address this issue;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2214(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concernIs appalled that according to the Court of Auditors’ report, the Centre held cash and short term deposits amounting to EUR 35 million at the end of 2012; notes that the Centre cannot adjust prices during the year in order to balance income and expenditure, although it has occasionally refunded its clients in order to reduce the surplus; calls ondemands that the Centre, together with the Commission, to propose a remedy to this situation as a matter of urgency;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2213(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes withExpresses concern that EUR 3 200 000 (22 % of the budget) have been carried over to 2013 and that the level of committed appropriations carried over is high for both Title II at 36 % and Title III at 33 %; acknowledges that for Title II, this was mainly caused by the renewal of annual IT contracts concluded as planned in the fourth quarter of 2012; acknowledges that for Title III, the high level was a result of both the multiannual nature of major projects and of delays in the awarding of specific contracts;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that for the year 2012, the mission expenses of the Executive Director of the Agency were remarkably higher than those of the executive directors of other agencies and considers this level of discrepancy unacceptable; calls on the Agency to provide further explanation for this situation to the discharge authority in the framework of the 2012 discharge follow-up;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2212(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. RegretsNotes with concern that existing controls provide only limited assurances to the Agency’s management as to the eligibility and accuracy of the costs claimed by beneficiaries; believes that a random verification of supporting documents for staff expenses and a higher coverage of beneficiaries by means of on- the-spot verifications could considerably increase assurances; calls on the Agency to take steps to that effect and to report to the discharge authority on its progress;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with concernRegrets that no ex post verifications were carried out for any transactions made after 2008, except for grants; calls ondemands that the Centre to address the issue and to report to the discharge authority, within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow- up, on the steps taken;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2211(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern from the Court of Auditors’ annual audit report that the Centre currently bears the annual cost of about EUR 200 000 for unused office space in its former building and in the new headquarters; calls on the Centre to continue,, as a matter of priority, to work in cooperation with the Commission and national authorities, to seek adequate solutions for this unused office space and to report to the discharge authority, within the framework of the 2012 discharge follow-up, on the steps taken;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2210(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the IAS identified a number of strengths during the audit and that it believes that the Foundation's internal control system in place provides reasonable assurances regarding the achievement of those objectives; notes, however, that 12 recommendations were made, one of which was classified as ‘very important’; notes that those recommendations are still only in the process of being implemented;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
– for the 2012 financial year, the Court of Auditors already noted satisfactory rates of the implementation of payment appropriations for Titles I and II (98 % and 89 %, respectively); acknowledges that for Title III, the rate of payment implementation of 49 % was well justified and carry forwards of this level are unavoidable and are not the result of delays in the planning and implementation of the Agency’s annual work programme,
Amendment 10 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concern that in 2012, the Agency procured cleaning services via cascading framework contracts to two suppliers and due to a clerical error during the evaluation of offers,that the ranking of the contractors was incorrect; notes that as a result of thisan error, one specific contract for EUR 56 784 was awarded in 2012 and that the related payments are irregular; acknowledges that following the Court of Auditors' audit, the Agency has amended the ranking of the contractors accordingly;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors' findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules; and commends the Agency for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2209(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges from the Agency that in 2012, the Commission's Internal Audit Service (IAS) carried out an audit on procurement within the Agency and made two very important and seven important recommendations; notes that the Agency proposed an action plan which was accepted by the IAS and regrets that by the cut-off date of 31 December 2012, eight of thoseone important recommendations were closed; not had still not been closed; acknowledges that the one remaining important recommendation was closed in 2013;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with satisfaction that according to the annual activity report, as well as the Court of Auditors’ audit findings, the level and nature of transfers in 2012 have remained within the limits of the financial rules and commends the Centre for its good budgetary planning;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2208(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concernIs appalled that according to the Court of Auditors’ findings, members of the pre- selection committee did not sign a declaration as regards the absence of conflicts of interests for the two recruitment procedures for the post of the Centre’s Director, which had been launched in 2010 and 2011 and had been declared unsuccessful; expresses concern that questions for interviews and their weightings, as well as the threshold scores for inclusion in the list of suitable candidates, were set after the screening of candidates;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2206(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2206(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Approves the closure of the accounts of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012 / Postpones the closure of the accounts of the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the European External Action Service's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the European External Action Service's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that in the 2012 annual report, the Court of Auditors did not identify any significant weakness in respect of the topics audited for the European External Action Service ('EEAS'); takes noteexpresses concern that some weaknesses still persist in the management of social allowance and regrets that the same problems which occurred in 2011 were repeatedly reported in the 2012 Annual Report of the Court of Auditors;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recognises that efforts have been made to reduce the top-heavy EEAS administration; is extremely concerned, however, that the EEAS has the biggest proportion of high graded staff out of all Union institutions, having 514 individuals employed in AD 12 or grades above (over 50 % of all EEAS AD staff), making it difficult to achieve significant reductions in the top-heavy administration; considers that the reversion of this situation cshould be achieved in the coming years through efficient management policies;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. FindsExpresses concern at the excessive the number of officials being promoted after two years in the grade, especially the quick promotions in the higher grades; invites the EEAS to establish stricter criteria for the quick promotion in higher grades especially taking into account the high number of posts at high grades and additional costs this entails in real terms;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. InviteAsks the EEAS to explain why it was necessary to create the post of Deputy Head of Delegation for Afghanistan;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. SupportDemands the EEAS' intensify its efforts towards increasing savings with regards to housing policy of staff employed in the Union Delegations; considers that there is room for significant savings in this field as in year 2012 the housing costs paid for the accommodation of 675 officials in Union Delegations had a total cost of EUR 30 million;
Amendment 51 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Welcomes the fact that the EEAS could immediately impose savings of EUR 4 million in the 2014 budget with the new Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union entering into force; points out, however, the extremely high costs of employment in Union Delegations, as all entitlements, allowances, weightings coefficients, rest leaves and annual travel costs, moving and housing expenses add up to over EUR 8 000 per month per employee above the monthly salary of the individuals working in the Union Delegations and questions whether the level of additional benefits can be justified to the European taxpayer;
Amendment 59 #
2013/2205(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Asks forDemands that the EEAS's building policy to be attached to the annual activity report., especially given that it is important that such costs are properly rationalised and that such costs are not excessive;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2204(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2203(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Ombudsman's budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Ombudsman's budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Committee of the Regions' budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Committee, as an institution designed to offer a relatively small number of bodies privileged access to the Union's legislative and policy- making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those local and regional institutions that believe it serves a valuable purpose;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Shares the viewtrongly believes that some improvements should be made to rationalise human resources in the Joint Services and in translation; finds the on- going contacts between the Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee ('EESC') and Parliament in this matter a positive contribution to the rationalisation of resources;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Economic and Social Committee’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the EESC, as an institution designed to offer privileged access to the Union’s legislative and policy-making processes, to fund its activities by means of subscription for those few bodies that have secured representation;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that Parliament’s recommendation to the EESC to base the reimbursement of members’ travel expenses on real costs was not implemented due to the Council’s still pending decision on the level of allowances; recalldemands that the system should be fully operational by the beginning of the next EESC term;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Shares the viewtrongly believes that some improvements should be made to rationalise human resources in the Joint Services and in translation; finds the on- going contacts between the EESC, the CoR and Parliament in this matter a positive contribution to the rationalisation of resources;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subtitle and paragraph 1 a (new)
Subtitle and paragraph 1 a (new)
- Added value of Parliament's discharge procedure 1a. Highlights the added value of the parliamentary procedure leading up to the annual Parliament discharge; 1b. Points out that this resolution remains principally focussed on the budget implementation and discharge for the financial year 2012 and that its main goal is to ensure that taxpayers' public money is used in the best possible way while highlighting where improvements can be made; encourages the Parliament's responsible bodies to continue to improve, at all possible levels, efficiency in Parliament's daily work; 1c. Repeats its call on the Bureau to distribute more 'White Papers' regarding the policy matters to all Members which would allow for the policy items to be discussed within the political groups in advance to a final decision;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out the highexcessive level of carry- overs into 2012 (EUR 244 600 38423 ) and calls for the improved planning of expenditure; __________________ 23 Automatic carry-overs: EUR 222 900 384, non-automatic carry-overs: EUR 21 700 000.
Amendment 26 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Notes the Secretary-General’s reply indicating that the cost for the LUX prize was reduced, as proposed by the Committee on Budgetary Control and voted in plenary in the 2010 discharge report, and that a series of concrete measures have been taken in order to minimise the LUX Prize expenditure, in particular cutting costs related to promotional activities at international festivals and within Parliament premises; takes note that the expenditure of LUX Prize in 2012 was EUR 434 421, which represents a reduction of 24 % as compared to 2011 (EUR 573722); calls for further efficiencies to be found;
Amendment 88 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 a (new)
Paragraph 60 a (new)
60a. Suggests that the current buildings strategy be urgently re-examined, with a view to halting expansion;
Amendment 89 #
2013/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 b (new)
Paragraph 60 b (new)
60b. Notes the opening in April 2010 of the EP Liaison Office (EPLO) in Washington; calls for a review of its structure, activities and costs to be presented to the Bureau with copies to the relevant competent committees;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge/Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 5
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the European Research Council Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the European Research Council Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 6
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Research Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its Decision on granting the Director of the Research Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 7
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Director of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (formerly the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency) discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012 / Postpones its decision on granting the Director of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 8
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovesPostpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ObservesExpresses concern that in the 2012 financial year the error rate rose for the third time in succession;
Amendment 158 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Calls for further investigation of the policies in question in order to clarify political reservations and considers such clarifications as a necessary condition to granting discharge;
Amendment 220 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 a (new)
Paragraph 70 a (new)
70a. Requests that the Commission submit to Parliament's competent committee by September 2014 a report on its activities to encourage whistle-blowing by the wider public;
Amendment 221 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70 b (new)
Paragraph 70 b (new)
70b. Recalls the Parliament's proposal for a full-time Commissioner for Budgetary Control;
Amendment 294 #
2013/2195(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 141
Paragraph 141
141. Agrees with the Court of Auditors that Member States bear primary responsibility forhave a duty to preventing or detecting and correcting irregular expenditure and reporting on this subject to the Commission; observes that the administrative and certification authorities in the Member States therefore have a key role to play in ensuring the regularity of the expenditure reimbursed by the Commission (Paragraph 5.12 of the Annual Report);
Amendment 2 #
2013/2151(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the drop in TOR forecast, by some EUR 3 955 million, and in the VAT based own resource, by EUR 384 million, is compenspartly mitigated by the above-mentioned fines for a cumulatedn amount of EUR 1 229 million leaving a net shortfall in income of EUR 3 110 million;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2151(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. While aAcknowledging the significant burdenes that this will represent a significant burden for national budgets,; underlines that this technical adjustment on the revenue side should not come at the expense of fully covering justified payment needs, notably due to the artificial undhas arisen due to the over- budgeting of previous years, as strongly requested by Council; stresses, in this respect, that the accumulation of annual budgets for the period 2007-2013 reaches a level that is by EUR 60 billion inferior to the agreed MFF ceilings, while an additional surplus of EUR 12 billion has returned to Members Statecommitments of previous years;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Strongly believes, however, that within these broad priorities greater focus should be placed on investing in long-term growth and job creation and on, generating a durable and visible impact in the real economy, and therefore calls, in this respect, for an in- depth evaluation providing viable figures on the long-term employment created through, and the impact on the economy as a result of, EIB lending, in all areas, following the financial crisis;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges that it is fundamental for the EIB to maintain its triple A rating in order to preserve its financial strength and capacity to inject money in the real economy; urges, however, the EIB to test the limits of the triple A rating, and to increase itsry to reduce its level of exposure to risks by teaming up with creditworthy partners at the local, regional or international level in order to maintain its triple A rating while engagementing in morsome risk- related activities, in order to safeguard a reasonable cost-benefit perspective;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the Projects Bonds Pilot Phase first six-monthly report indicating the approval of nine projects in six countries; calls for a regular review of the efficiency of such bonds in order to boost viable investment in debt instruments that channel private capital into needed transport, energy and ICT infrastructure projects; recalls that the EU budget is providing EUR 230 million in support of EIB credit enhancement activity for infrastructure investment in the transport, energy and communications sectors;
Amendment 74 #
2013/2131(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68
Paragraph 68
68. Welcomes the updated Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the EIB and the EBRD reflecting the willingness on the part of the EU to intensify the level of coordination and cooperation between these two major international financial institutions; further to this, encourages the EIB to negotiate and conclude Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) with regional development banks active in its regions of operations to foster synergies, share risks and costs, and ensure sufficient lending to the real economy;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the incapacitycontradictions of the positions of Heads of State and Government to come to an agreement on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) at the European Council of 22 and 23 November 2012who are divided between those who want the European budget to reflect the austerities in their national budgets and those who want more money;
Amendment 25 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that, due to the intransigent position of the Council in the negotiations, the overall level of payments set in the 2013 budget is EUR 5 billion lower than the Commission’s estimates for payment needs in the draft budget; is extremely worried about the level of payments in the 2013 budget and believes that this level of appropriations will be insufficient to cover actual payment needs in 2013Believes that amounts agreed after the negotiation of the annual budget should be respected by the Commission when approving programmes and their implementation to avoid having to inject more money at the end of the year; this practice of asking for more renders budget negotiations a useless exercise;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 34 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 39 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Further calls on the Commission and the Council to work constructively, together with Parliament, to avoid any repetition of this situation in future budget cycles by improving forecasting accuracy and agreeing on realistic budget estimatenot setting commitments at unrealistic levels that do not match the level of payments;
Amendment 55 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 64 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 77 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 82 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 98 #
2013/2010(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 26 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Fourth Railway Package proposes important changes to improve the functioning of the Single European railway area through amendments by way of recast to Directive 2004/49/EC and Directive 2008/57/EC, both directly linked to the tasks of the Agency. Those Directives, together with this Regulation, provide in particular for performing tasks related to issuing vehicle authorisations and safety certificates at the Union level. It implies a greatergives an overriding role tof the Agency.
Amendment 27 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Agencyintention of the Agency is threefold. Firstly it should contribute to the creation and effective functioning of a Single European railway area without frontiers an. Secondly it should guaranteeing a high level of safety while. Thirdly it should improvinge the competitive position of the railway sector. That should be attained by contributing, on technical matters, toe intention is that the implementation of European Union legislation by enhancthrough the Agency should attaing the level of interoperability of railway systems and to developing a common approach to safety on the European railway system. The Agency should also perform the role of European authority responsible for issuing authorisations for placing on the market for railway vehicles and for types ofse objectives by technical contribution to the development of a common approach to safety on the European railway system and enhanced interoperability between individual systems. It is also intended that the Agency assume responsibility for type approval of railway vehicles and approval of individual vehicles, safety certificates forion of railway undertakings and authorisations for placing in servicethe introduction of trackside control- command and signalling sub-systems. Moreover, it should monitor national railway rulesegulation and the performance of national authorities acting in the railwayin the areas of interoperability and safety fields.
Amendment 28 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In pursuing its objectives, the Agency should take full account of the process of enlargement of the Union and of the specific constraints relating to rail links with third countries. The Agency should have sole responsibility for the functions and powers assigned to it.
Amendment 29 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The Agency should have sole responsibility for the functions and powers assigned to it.
Amendment 30 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Currently Directive 2008/57/EC provides, in the case of rail vehicles, an authorisation of placing in service in each Member State, except in specific cases. The Task Force on vehicle authorisation set up by the Commission in 2011 discussed several cases where manufacturers and railway undertakings have suffered from excessive duration and cost of the authorisation process and proposed a number of improvements. As some problems are due to the complexity of the current vehicle authorisation process, it should be simplified. Each rail vehicle should only receive one authorisation and this authorisation for placing on the market for vehicles and for types of vehicles should be issued by the Agency. This would bring tangible benefits for the sector byEach rail vehicle should only receive one type approval and market authorisation, to be issued by the Agency. This is intended to reducinge the costsduration and timecost of the procedure, and would diminish the risk of potential discrimination, especially of new companies wishing to enter a railway marketagainst new market entrants. The revised Directive … [Railway Interoperability] provides a basis for this.
Amendment 31 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Competent national authorities have been normally charging for issuingreceived fee income for the issue of vehicle authorisations and safety certificates. With the transfer competence to theof these powers to Union level, the Agency should in turn be entitled to charge the applicants for issuingthe issue of the certificates and authorisations mentioned in the preceding recitals. The, at a level of those charges should be equal to orfee lower than the current average in the Union and should, to be determined in a delegated act to be adopted by the Commission.
Amendment 32 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) It is a general objective that theAny transfer of functions and tasks from the Member States to the Agency should be done efficiently, withoutnot result in any reduction in the current high levels of safety. The Agency should have sufficient resources for its new tasks, and the timing of the allocation of these resources should be based on clearly defined needs. Taking into account the know-how of national authorities, in particular the National Safety Authorities, the Agency should be allowed to make appropriate use of that expertise when granting the relevant authorisations and certificates. To this end, secondment of national experts to the Agency should be encouragedbe able to draw on the technical expertise of national authorities, in particular the National Safety Authorities, when granting the relevant authorisations and certificates.
Amendment 33 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In the field of safety, it is important to ensure the greatest possible transparency and an effective flow of information. An analysis of performance, based on common indicators and linking all parties in the sector, is important and should be carried out. As regards statistics, close collaboration with Eurostat is necessarya standardised approach is important, and Eurostat should be required to provide this expertise.
Amendment 34 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Rolling stock maintenance is an important part of the safety system. There has been noThe lack of a genuine European market for the maintenance of rail equipment owing to the lackolling stock resulting from the absence of a system for certification of maintenance workshops. This situation has been addings to the costs for the sector and results in journeys without loads. A European certification system for maintenance workshops should therefore gradually be developed and updated, with t. The Agency beingis the most appropriate body to propose adequate solutions to the Commission.
Amendment 35 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In order to ensure the greatest possible transparency and equal access for all parties to relevant information, tThe documents envisaged for the railway interoperability and safety processes should be accessible to the public. The same applies toin the public domain, as should licences, safety certificates and other relevant railway documents. The Agency should provide an efficient means of exchanging and publishingready access to this information.
Amendment 36 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Railway interoperability and safety legislation, implementation guides or recommendations of the Agency may sometimes pose interpretation and other pThe Agency should have an active informative and educational roblems to the stakeholders. Proper and uniform understanding of those acts is a precondition for effective implementation of the railway acquis and the functioning of the railway market. Therefore, the Agency should actively engage in training and explanatory activities in that regard in the area of railway interoperability, safety legislation, guidelines on the implementation of its powers, the functioning of the railway market and other railway related matters connected to its remit.
Amendment 37 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In order to perform its tasks properly, the Agency should have legal personality and an autonomous budget funded mainly through a contribution by the Union and through fees and charges paid by applicants. In order to ensure independence in its daily management and in the opinions, recommendations and decisions which it issues, the Agency’s organisation should be transparent, thefees and charges paid by applicants. The Agency should have a transparent organisation structure, and be under the control of an Executive Director should havewith full responsibility. The Agency’s staff should be independent and should represent an appropriate balance of short- term secondments and long-term contracts, in order to maintain its organisational knowledge and business continuity while keeping necessary and on-goingup an exchange of expertise with the railway sector.
Amendment 38 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In order to ensure effectively the accomplishment of the functions of the Agency, tThe Member States and the Commission should be represented on a Management Board vested with the necessary powers, including to establish the budget and approve the annual and multi-annual work programmes.
Amendment 39 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to guarantee the transparency of the Management Board’s decisions, rRepresentatives of the sectors concerned should attend itsthe meetings of the Management Board, but without the right to vote, that right being reserved for the representatives of public authorities who are accountable to the democratic control authorities. The representatives of the sector should be appointed by the Commission on the basis of their representativeness at Union level of railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, railway industry, workers unions, passengers and freight customers.
Amendment 40 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to guarantee the transparency of the Management Board’s decisions, rRepresentatives of the sectors concgoverned by the Agency should attend its meetings, but without the right to vote, that right beingwhich is reserved for the representatives of public authorities who are accountable to the democratic control authorities. The representatives of the sector should be appointed by the CommissionMember States on the basis of their representativeness at Union level of railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, railway industry, workers unions, passengers and freight customers.
Amendment 41 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) It is necessary to ensuren order that parties affected by decisions made by the Agency enjoy the necessary remedies in an independent and impartial manner. An appropriate appeal mechanism should be set up so thathave access to an independent and impartial appeal mechanism, decisions of the Executive Director can be subject to appeal to a specialised Board of Appeal, whose decisions are, in turn, open to action before the Court of Justice.
Amendment 42 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) A broader strategic perspective in relation to the activities of the Agency would help to plan and manage its resources more effectively and would contribute to higher quality of its outputs. Therefore, a multi-annual work programme should be adopted and updated regularly by the Management Board, after proper consultation of the relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 43 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Since the objectives of the action proposed, namely to establish a specialised body to formulate common solutions on matters concerning railway safety and interoperability, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States by reason of the joint nature of the work to be done, and can therefore be better achieved at Union level, tThe Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,
Amendment 44 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In order to properly determine the level of fees and charges which the Agency is entitled to levy, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of articles dealing with issuing and renewal of authorisations for placing in service of trackside control- command and signalling subsystems, authorisations for placing on the market for vehicles and for types of vehicles, and safety certificates. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Councitype approval and market authorisation for vehicles, and safety certificates, with the Commission having due regard for appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level.
Amendment 45 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.
Amendment 51 #
2013/0014(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 58 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the fees paid by applicants for, and holders of, certificates and authorisations issued by the Agency in accordance with Articles 12, 16, 17 and 18; the fees should initially be set at rates no higher than the average charged across the Member States, and should be adjusted annually in line with inflation.
Amendment 7 #
2013/0000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Maintains that the institutions should continue to limit or freezreduce their administrative budgets in solidarity with the difficult economic and budgetary conditions in the Member States, without prejudice to the quality of institutional operations and the quality of services, respect for legal obligations and the imperative of development investment;
Amendment 38 #
2013/0000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recognises the major efforts that have been made in 2012 to communicate transparently the state of play of the KAD building to the Committee on Budgets; notes that adaptations and downsizing of 8 000 m2 have been made, resulting in savingsa reduction in the level of spend of EUR 80 million for the KAD project; welcomes the savings of more than EUR 10 million in interest payments in the coming years achieved by transfers for early advance payments for both the KAD and the Trebel buildings; encourages a continuation of the fruitful dialogue; trusts that the information requested will be delivered in a timely manner, given the strategic importance of these projects for Parliament;
Amendment 43 #
2013/0000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is aware that the context and outcome of recent budgetary procedures has left most institutions with a limited margin of manoeuvre given the growing tasks entrusted to them, particularly the increased workload of the Court of Justice and the aspecial needirations of the European External Action Service (EEAS);
Amendment 45 #
2013/0000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Understands that the EEAS is a relatively new institution, which is still in the growth phase, and that its network of missions needs to be further enhanced in order to meet the EU’s political priorities; ; notes that the EEAS is uniquely exposed to inflation in third countries, to exchange- rate fluctuations and to the particular security concerns of its staff;
Amendment 46 #
2013/0000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 1 #
2012/2253(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Executive Director of the ENIAC Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2253(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 2
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovPostpones the closure of the accounts of the ENIAC Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2012;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the initial contribution of the Union to the Agency's budget for 2011 was EUR 12 850 000*1, which represents an increase of 0,4052,8 % compared with its initial contribution in 2010 (EUR 8 410 000),
Amendment 35 #
2012/2196(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomNotes the Authority's plans to start a pilot project in 2013 to insource scientific expertise that will work on two of its working groups and requests the Authority to provide the discharge authority with more informationa full appraisal onf that pilot project;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that the decrease in the country coefficient for Germany in June 2010 caused a significant surplus in the Agency's Title I ‘Staff Expenditure’ appropriations for 2011 and that about EUR 3 million (7 % of the appropriations) were transferred from Title I to various budget lines in Title III ‘Operational Expenditure’, despite their low implementation rate in terms of payments; notes, moreover, that this significant cross title transfer, which changed the structure of the budget considerably, was not put to the Agency's Management Board for approval; calls on the Agency to informexplain to the discharge authority of the actions taken and their rationale as this situation is at odds with the budgetary principle of specification;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note that the transfer increased Title III appropriations to EUR 13,7 million and that at the end of 2011, EUR 7,8 million was carried over to 2012, and that the amount carried over represents 56,9% of the increased amount; calls on the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to reduce the high level of carryovers as this is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes from the AAR that the total consumption of commitment appropriations reached EUR 148 450 344,53, of which EUR 121 966 394,59 has been committed and EUR 26 483 949,94 on credit appropriations from assigned revenue were automatically carried over in accordance with Article 10 of the Agency's Financial Regulation; observes that this carry-over represents 17,8% of the total; calls on the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to reduce the high level of carryovers as this is at odds with the budgetary principle of annuality;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report that the Agency needs to improve the management of fixed assets; calls on the Agency to inform the discharge authority as a matter of urgency of the actions taken to improve the inventory system and the financial management of internal IT projects costs;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2194(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges from the Court of Auditors' report the Agency's further need to improve the transparency of staff selection procedures; calls on the Agency to inform the discharge authority of the actions taken to improve the recruitment procedures; considers that some of the provisions of the Staff Regulations may present a considerable administrative burden; therefore encourages the Commission to allow for a certain degree of simplification under Article 110 of the Staff Regulations in regard to the agencies;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2193(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges from the Agency that it has addressed all the issues concerning its asset management, in particular, in the course of 2012, detailed rules and procedures as regards asset management were developed and implemented, the correctness of the inventory was verified and, as foreseen, a full inventory of physical assets has been completed in the course of the second half of 2012; notes that the asset register supporting accrual- based accounting for assets, the Agency's tool to keep track of all its assets, has finally been fully updated;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2193(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with concern the Court of Auditors' finding that when the Agency sold two sets of sweeping arms systems for at-sea oil recovery services in December 2011, aiming to obtain at least the equipment's net book value of EUR 319 050 , as a result of the minimum price being wrongly set below net book value, the equipment was sold at a loss of EUR 93 950; believes that as the price obtained was the result of a tender process, this should indicate that depreciation rates used may need examination;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2190(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concern the difference between the Court of Auditors' conclusion and the Agency's reply as regards the framework contract for IT services concluded in 2009, for which the Court had qualified its opinion on the legality and regularity of the transactions underlying the Agency's 2009 accounts; notes that the Court of Auditors considers the increase of the original contract ceiling to be irregular, while the Agency considers that the IT framework contract was not irregular, and therefore does not consider its extension as irregular either; urges the Agency to provide further information on the mattera full explanation of what has occurred and why and to take steps in order to resolve the contradiction;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2190(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes from the Agency that it has taken note of the Court of Auditors' comments and updated its procedures with a view to transparency and timely documentation; considers that some of the provisions of the Staff Regulations may present a considerable administrative burden; therefore encourages the Commission to allow for a certain degree of simplification under Article 110 of the Staff Regulations in regard to the agencies;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges that the Executive Director immediately resigned from the board of trustees of the other organisation on being informed, in April 2011, of a potential perception of a conflict of interests by the Court of Auditors, to safeguard the Agency and to ensure that the final scientific outcomes would not be jeopardised;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomNotes the Court of Auditors' observation that the Agency had considerably improved the transparency of recruitment procedures over the years; notes, however, that the Court of Auditors' report still found confusion between eligibility and selection criteria as regards the relevant years of professional experience required; it found, furthermore, no evidence that the content of, and the thresholds for, written tests were determined before applications were examined;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the Agency had initiated the process to implement the Court of Auditors' recommendations; considers that some of the provisions of the Staff Regulations may present a considerable administrative burden; therefore encourages the Commission to allow for a certain degree of simplification under Article 110 of the Staff Regulations in regard to the agencies;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Acknowledges that the Management Board and the Agency's administration have strengthened the Agency's conflicts of interest policy in order to avoid any potential problems in the future; welcomnotes the introduction of an ex ante approval by the Management Board for the Executive Director to's acceptance of membership on external boards and advisory bodies;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2187(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the introduction of a form to be signed by consultants and contractors on their rights and obligations whereby they acknowledge that they refrain from any behaviour or action that may impair their independence or reflect adversely upon their position, their work or the image of the Union; notes that there are potential contradictions between the aims of the required declaration;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out the significant increase of carry-overs into 20112 (EUR 240 268352 192 630*11) and calls for improved planning of expenditure; calls on the administration to reverse this trend in the run up to future European elections;
Amendment 39 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that the European Union's budget for 2011 totalled EUR 141,9 billion in commitment appropriations, of which Parliament's budget accounted for EUR 1 686 m,7 billion; further notes that this figure represents just over 1 % of the Union's budget and amounts to 20% of the amount of EUR 8 454 m,5 billion set aside for the 2011 administrative expenditure of the Union institutions as a whole, in line with the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management; 1 Automatic carry-overs: EUR 231 028 630, non-automatic carry-overs: EUR 9 240 000Or. en
Amendment 73 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Welcomes the factNotes that the new visitors' centre has been a success judged in terms of the number of visitors (253.000) it received in its first year of activityreceived 253.000 visitors in its first year of activity; notes that its running costs in 2011 were EUR 2 472 062,55, giving an indicative cost of EUR 9,77 per visitor;
Amendment 84 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 – footnote 25
Paragraph 46 – footnote 25
25 The figures in 2011: EUR 573 722; the figures in 2010: EUR 380 666, amounting to an increase in excess of 50%.
Amendment 87 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Notes that a business plan for the House of European History in Brussels was approved by the Bureau on 26 September 2011 and that the Commission has declared its willingness to participate inmake an unspecified contribution to the running costs of the project and will communicate to Parliament before the end of the summer 2013 the terms of such contribution; notes that no contribution is expected from the Commission towards the set-up costs of the project;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Notes that, in 2011, the appropriations entered under budget item 4 0 0 were used as follows: is concerned that for ALDE, ECR and EFD the figures for 2011 seem to be identical to those for 2010; is also concerned that the amount carried forward for Non-Attached may be understated;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2168(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Takes the view that the possibility should be considered of making both environmental improvements and smart savings in Parliament's budget by means of different working methods which are greener and cheaper but which do not detract from Parliament's work, including the use ofsavings and efficiencies should be sought through innovative working methods such as teleconferencesing.
Amendment 42 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the economic and monetary union (EMU) is not an end in itself but rather an instrument to achieve Union objectives, in particular a balanced and sustainable growth and a high level of employmentchieving its stated aims;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 53 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Union is at a crossroads and a clear direction needs to be chosen either to combine the forces within the Union and to build a future for a strong and value-driven Union in a globalised world, or to fold back on itself and be forced to submit passively to globalisation for lack of power and influencereturning sovereignty to the Member States is the most direct route to economic growth;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Union's single currency should nothas become a symbol of division which threatens the whole European project, but should remainand has failed as a symbol of a Union that is decisive and capable of taking far-reaching decisions for a common and prosperous future;
Amendment 97 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
Amendment 130 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
Amendment 155 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital W
Recital W
W. whereas it is beyondin doubt that the European integration is an irreversible and progressive process if Member States meticulously honour their European engagements;
Amendment 179 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AC
Recital AC
Amendment 184 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AD
Recital AD
Amendment 526 #
2012/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital CH
Recital CH
Amendment 3 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that in its resolution of 14 March 2012 the European Parliament hassought to put the promotion of growth and jobs at the centre of its priorities, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy, pledging in particular for the concentration of resources in policies and programmes that are proven toit believes may be instrumental in achieving those objectives, notably in support of SMEs and youth; welcomnotes that the Commission's Draft Budget 2013 goes in the same direction in terms of identified priorities to be reinforshares these lofty intentions but is sceptical on the question of whether EU action can bring them about in practiced;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises the persistent economic and budgetary constraints at national level, as well as the need for fiscal consolidation; reiterates, however, its conviction that the EU budget represents a common and effective instrument of investment and solidarity, which is needed particularly at the present time to trigger economic growth, competitiveness and job creation in the 27 Member Statbelieves that these constraints should inform the EU budgetary process, does not believe that economic growth can be triggered by the diktat of a supranational organisation, that notion having been tested to destruction and beyond by the former Council for Mutual Economic Assistance; believes that job creation is best triggered by economic growth and competitiveness; stresses that, despite its limited size that does not exceed 2% of total public spending in the Union,believe that competitiveness is best achieved by allowing firms to compete and theat EU budget has had a real economic impact and successfully complemented so far Member States‘ recovery policiesover-regulation and micromanagement achieve the very opposite of this intention;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Intends, therefore, to strongly defend an adequate level of resources for next year's budget, as definWould like to see strong restraint exercised in next year's budget, and sees the level of increase proposed in the current Draft Budget, and to oppose any attempt to cut down the resources especially for policies delivers unrealistic; believes that the idea that genuinge growth and employment; believes that the EU budget, which cannot run can be delivered by the EU budget is fallacious; notes that the statement that the EU budget cannot run a deficit, which is often used to support increased spend at EU level, is tendentious as deficit, should not be the victim of unsuccessful economic policies at national levels thus created are transferred in their entirety to the Member States; deplores the tendency to blame the crisis on alleged unsuccessful economic policies at national level when these policies have been enabled and facilitated by the hasty and unconsidered introduction of a single currency; notes that whilst in 2012 several Member States armay be increasing the size of their national budgets others are having to make deep and painful cuts in difficult circumstances;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Understands that the Commission, at the end of the programming period, puts the accentemphasises the payments side onf the side of payments, as it intendsbudget in an attempt to expend the unused resources it has available, to also provide a solution to the ever more growing level of RALs; while sharing this approach, is particularly concerned by the proposed freezing of commitment appropriations at the level of the estimated inflation rate for next year; stresses the importance of commitments for determining political priorities and, thus, ensuring that the necessary investments will eventually be put in place to boost growth and employment; does not believe thatever-growing level of RALs and calls for commitments to be capped at 2% below those of the fpreezing of commitment appropriations can be considered as an acceptable strategy to keepvious year as a first step towards bringing the level of RAL under control;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers the proposed increase of 6,.8% in PA compared to 2012 as an initial response to Parliament's request for a responsible and realistic budgeting; notes that the increases in payments are concentrated in the areas of competitiveness and cohesion, due to a greater level of claims expected by running projects in these fields; fully endorses such increase that results not only from past commitments that need to be honoured but also from the actual implementation of programmes that is expected to reach at the last year of the current MFF a cruising speedto be irresponsible and unrealistic;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the overall margin of EUR 2,4 billion in CA in the DB 2013 and is determined to make full use of it - as well as of the other flexibility mechanisms foreseen by the IIA - wheneleaver it proves to be necessary in order to finance objectives and priorities deriving from shared political commitments and decisions, namely those on the Europe 2020 strategyuntouched;
Amendment 51 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. WelcomNotes in particular the increases for FP7-EC (+6,1%), CIP (+7,3%) and TEN-T (+6,4%) programmes, which are among the main deliverers of the Europe 2020 objectives; regrets, however,notes that with the amounts proposed by the Commission, two flagship programmes such as FP7 and TEN-T will effectively devote less CA than foreseen in their legal bases (FP: EUR -258,8 million and TEN-T: EUR: -122,5 million) for the last year of the current MFF;
Amendment 66 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. RegretNotes that appropriations for the PROGRESS programme have been reduced by EUR 5,3 million compared to the Financial programming and practically brought back to the 2012 levels, despite the good performance of this programme so far; deplores that not even in the last year of the current MFF the Commission has seized the opportunity to; welcomes that the Commission has not reinstated to this programme the EUR 60 million redeployed in favour of the Progress Microfinance Facility, to what it had committed in 2010;
Amendment 67 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. RegretNotes that appropriations for the PROGRESS programme have been reduced by EUR 5,3 million compared to the Financial programming and practically brought back to the 2012 levels, despite the good performance of this programme so far; deplores that not even in the last year of the current MFF the Commission has seized the opportunity to reinstate to this programme the EUR 60 million redeployed in favour of the Progress Microfinance Facility, to what it had committed in 2010;
Amendment 73 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. RegretNotes that the contribution to Youth on the Move Flagship Initiative is slightly reduced compared to last year; highlights in this context the added value of the Lifelong Learning, Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus programmes which, against a modest financial dimension, have a great return in terms of effective implementation and positive image of the Union vis-à-vis its citizens; opposes therefore to the proposed reduction by EUR 10,2 million as compared to the Budget 2012 for Lifelong Learning and, in line with its established position in the last budgetary procedures and the excellent performance rates of this programme, intends to reinforce commitment appropriations for the corresponding budget line;
Amendment 78 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that the TEN-T programme plays a central role in the attainment of the objectives of competitiveness and employment in the Europe 2020 Strategy by creating the missing infrastructure, removing bottlenecks and ensuring the future sustainability of the EU transport networks; welcomnotes the Commission's proposed increase by ca. EUR 85 million compared to the Budget 2012 but asks for further clarifications on the proposed reduction by EUR 118 million as compared to the Financial programming;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. DeplorNotes the Commission's proposed decreases for the European Supervisory Authorities compared what originally foreseen in the Financial programming; considers the current level of appropriations insufficient to allow these agencies to cope efficiently with their tasks; expresses therefore the intention to reinstate appropriations at least at 2012 level for the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) as well as to further reinforce the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) due to the new tasks entrusted to it;
Amendment 86 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 103 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
Amendment 159 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Is however worriedWelcomes the fact that for the first time the Commission proposes to cut the budgetary requests of almost all agencies, which were in line with Financial programming amounts overall, including of those agencies which belong to Parliament's priorities, for a total amount of some EUR 44 million; will carefully analyse the methodology, rationale and possible impact of such cuts; Underlines once more that EU agencies‘ budget allocations are far from consisting in administrative expenditure alone, but instead contribute to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and EU objectives in general, as decided by the legislative authority;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes goodNotes the cooperation between the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets during the current budget procedure and the agreement reached in the conciliation meeting of 13 March 2012;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. NoteConsiders that the level of the preliminary draft estimates for the 2013 budget, as suggested by the Secretary- General in its report to the Bureau, amountsing to EUR 1 768 731 441; notes the, which is a suggested rate of increase of 2,96 % over the 2012 budget, to be at odds with the reality of the present economic situation and demands an absolute freeze;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. WelcomesNotes the efforts made to present realistic estimates and acknowledges the fact that the Bureau adopted savings as compared to the original level suggested in the Secretary-General's report but still considers these to be very insufficient; notes that the Bureau adopted the preliminary draft estimates for the 2013 budget at its meeting on 12 March 2012, at the rate of increase of xx % over the 2012 budget; further notes that, pursuant to the agreement reached by the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets at the conciliation meeting of 13 March 2012, this rate is currently set at xx % over the 2012 budget;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports an effectivConsiders the information campaign for the 2014 elections that the Bureau includes in its estimates to be unnecessary; it appears to be an effort to make the European Parliament seem more relevant to the citizens of the countries of Europe who sense a democratic deficit ;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that funding for European political parties has increased by 67% between the 2007 and 2011 budgets, far ahead of the level of inflation recorded by the Harmonised Indices for Consumer Prices over the same period; notes that funding for political foundations, which was not a budget item in the 2007 budget, stood at EUR 11,4 million in the 2011 budget; notes that when these two items are aggregated, funding for political bodies has increased by 176% over the period in question; recalls that Members are elected as members of parties in their Member States, not of artificially-created European parties; calls on these two lines to be eliminated from the Parliament's budget;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes thatConsiders the creation of a Directorate for democracy support seeks to enhance the synergy between the different in-house services dealing with issues relating to democracy; expects that the decision taken will make the organisation of the services more transparent, coherent and efficient; insists that this reorganisation of services must be budget neutralto be unnecessary and a waste of money;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Taking into account the 2011 and 2010 outturn levels of Entertainment and representation expenses, (Article 302) believes that appropriations relating to this line for the budgetary year 2013 should be kept under a strict controlare out of control; notes that the budget line for Entertainment and Representation Expenses increased by 160% from under EUR 1 million to over 2 million between the 2007 and 2011 budgets; notes that there was no increase in the Parliament's size over the corresponding period; calls for a 50% cut in this area of expenditure against the 2012 figures;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2006(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the revision ofNotes the estimated running costs of the House of the European History; takes note that the 2013 budget will see a substantial increase in its funding given the fact that its opening is foreseen for 2014; is very concerned about the estimated development costs and requests, therefore, strict adherence; recalls that the initial establishment costs of the House of European History are acknowledged to thbe minimum costs and not to exceed the figures set out in the estimates; believes that the Parliament should look for sources of possible financing other than its own budget; furthermore, referring to the letter from the President of the European Commission of 28 September 2011, expects that a concrete agreement on co- financing the running costs will be signed by no later than August 2013 excess of EUR 50 million, and the running cost to exceed EUR 11 million per annum; considers this expenditure to be an extravagance at a time when budgets within the Member States are being reduced and essential services cut; calls on the relevant authorities to cancel the project;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the institutions, in the context of continued challenging economic circumstances, should freezduce their administrative budgets; emphasises, however, the need to respect legally binding obligations and possible subsequent increases;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the Parliament's budgetary resolutions, including its most recent resolution of 26 October 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0461), calling for early information, dialogue and a transparent decision-making process in the field of building policy; insistdemands that no further building projects be undertaken during the current legislature;
Amendment 40 #
2012/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Encourages all institutions to look for further savings to maintain budgetary discipline and to freezduce their budgets whilst bearing in mind legal obligations and new financial challenges such as the Croatian enlargement;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Understands the challDeplores the ineffectivenges that faceds of the EEAS in drawing up its first budget for 2011; expects, however, its estimates for 2013 to be more accurate in order to avoid the transfer of appropriations throughout thelower in order to reduce waste in the forthcoming budgetary year.
Amendment 9 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. RecallNotes that the European Union’s budget is one of the most important instruments of solidarity between Member States and between generations, and that it provides a clear added value, given its extraordinaryhas little impact on the real economy and daily lives of European citizens; recallnotes that if the Union’s policies were to be financed solely by Member States, their costs would skyrocket and that, seen in this light, the European budget intrinsically represents a clear common saving for the wellbeing of allmany would be eliminated as unnecessary and expensive;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, in times of crisis more than ever, the collective efforts taken at EU level must be strengthened in order to ensure that our actions deliver results; underlines the fact that the annual budget, as well as all other European instruments, needs to be aligned with the Europe 2020 Strategy for Growth and Jobs and that this is essential for the Strategy’s credibility and in order to preserve confidence in EU policies, especially amongst its citizens; stresses that, given its role as a catalyst for investment, lowering the level of the EU budget would haveexamined carefully to ensure that they are not wasteful and that they increase productivity; underlines the fact that the annual budget is seen by the taxpayer as another burden in a time of crisis and adverse impact on the creation of growth and jobs of the Unionusterity;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that the promotion of growth and jobs require specific actions and enhanced budgetary effortss a less burdensome regulatory environment to support competitiveness, innovation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), since most of the EU economic potential lies in SMEs, which, according to latest studies, created 85 % of net new jobs in the EU between 2002 and 2010 and are the backbone of our economic growth;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that such supportlighter regulation would be instrumental in preventing SMEs from cutting down their investments, in particular on research and development, while at the same time promoting employment and ensuring that skills are conserved, thus helping to unleash SMEs’ innovation potential, which is essential to the EU’s prosperity and to the creation of a knowledge-based society;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the fact that all the measures taken so far to combat the crisis should assist a return to the path of growth; stresses, in this regard, that the tailor-made austerity measures already taken need to be accompanied by targeted investments; points out that the EU budget has a determining role to play in this context as a tool to ensure prompt and well coordinated action in all fields to mitigate the effects of the crisis on the real economy and to act as a catalyst to boost investment, growth and jobs in Europe;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 52 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Will pay specific attention, in the context of the 2013 budgetary procedure, to the implementation of the EP’s previous years’ budgetary priorities and will, in particular, follow closely the funding and implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, which is fully endorsed by Member States, in terms of promoting competitiveness and employment, as well as of its other sectoral priorities;
Amendment 56 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2007-2013 was designed to improve the prosperity and quality of life of our citizens and to exploit all the potential of enlargement, yet since 2008 the EU has experienced an unprecedented crisis, which has also impacted on each of the annual budgets; underlines against this background the fact that the 2007-2013 financial framework was not revised to accommodate additional financing needs stemming from the economic and financial crisis and that, to that extent, all the annual budgets have been contained and austere; stresses that the corresponding payments should therefore at least be disbursed according to the normal budget cycle; recalls that payments are dissociated from commitment appropriations only because of the time lag, in the case of multiannual programmes, before the actual disbursement of the funds;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that, 2013 being the last year of the current programming period, catching up will be necessary in terms of payments, as has always been the case at the end of financial perspectives, owing to the start of the completion process of 2007- 2013 programmes, and, in terms of commitments, in order to respect the financial programming amounts; repeats that any artificial cut made to the level of payments will delay meeting both contractual obligations and past EU commitments, and could also result in late interest being due and loss of confidence in European policies; underlines, therefore, that contractual debts should be paid as soon as possible as a matter of budgetary discipline;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 64 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that undover-budgeting should be avoided as a matter of sound financial management, and that appropriations need to be aligned to realistic estimates of absorption capacity; points out the fact that artificially lowering the level of appropriations as against the Commission’s realistic estimates may, conversely, prevent the final level of budgetary implementation to reach its full potential;
Amendment 67 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 68 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 71 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 74 #
2012/2000(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 7 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the definition of tax havens is no longer up-to-date and that (semi- )legal ways of avoiding or reducing tax 1 resolution Van Vliet nr. 35 (25087) liabilities are becoming more and more common in the Member Stateslegal ways of avoiding or reducing tax liabilities are becoming more and more common in the Member States as a direct and intended consequence of the functioning of the Single Market: for instance, transfers by ‘postbox companies’ in and through the Netherlands are estimaasserted to amount to EUR 8000 billion a year alone;
Amendment 11 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressNotes that massive tax evasiontax avoidance by larger companies, can hasve a devastatingleterious effect on the taxpaying discipline of smaller companieSMEs and even individuals, since it makes tax evasion appear to be the accepted norm who are less able to take advantage of the facilities available and may help to make tax evasion an acceptable option to SMEs and individuals;
Amendment 14 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. RegretNotes that the vast amountsums paid to the Union on the basis of the agreements by the major tobacco companies were not used for anti-fraud measures and programmes but were ‘90 % confiscated’ by the Member States, which added them as income to their respective budgetsquite properly returned in large measure to the Member States, where they would be able to make some contribution to deficit reduction;
Amendment 15 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses thatNotes however that as VAT is an 'Own Resource', tax evasion in theat area of VATdoes hasve a direct influence on both the economies of the Member States and the EU budget; recalls that, in the words of the Court of Auditors, ‘VAT evasion affects the financial interests of Member States. It has an impact on the EU budget as it leads to lower VAT-based Own Resources. This loss is compensated by the GNI-based own resource, distorting individual Member States’ contributions to the EU budget. Moreover, tax fraud undermines the functioning of the internal market and prevents fair competition*; 1 Special Report of the Court of Auditors No 13/2011, p. 11, paragraph 5. 1; Or. en
Amendment 17 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Points out that ever since VAT was introduced its collection model has remained largely unchanged; stressnotes that this model ismay be outdated, given the many changes in the technological and economic environment that have taken place, and; believes that it otherefore leads to substantial losses in terms of possibilities with lower compliance cuostoms duties, VAT and excise dutiess and greater fairness should be investigated;
Amendment 19 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Deplores the fact that two importantNotes that two initiatives aimed at combating VAT fraud, namely the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards a quick reaction mechanism against VAT fraud (COM(2012)0428) and the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards an optional and temporary application of the reverse charge mechanism in relation to supplies of certain goods and services susceptible to fraud (COM(2009)0511), are still blocked in Council;
Amendment 20 #
2012/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. StressNotes that the correct operation of the customs system has direct consequences in terms of the calculation of VAT; is deeply worriconcerned that customs checks in the EU aremay not be functioning properly, resulting in significant VAT losses*1; finds it unacceptable that in most Member States the tax authorities have no direct access to customs data and that automated cross-checking with tax data is therefore not possible; points out that organised crime is well aware of the weaknesses of the actual system;
Amendment 143 #
2011/2232(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 a (new)
Paragraph 75 a (new)
75a. Notes with concern that for eight agencies, i.e. CEPOL, ECHA, EFSA, EMCDDA, EMSA, ETF, FRA and FRONTEX, in 2010 the Management Board cost on average per meeting and per member between EUR 1 017 and EUR 6 175; is of the opinion that these costs are excessive and need to be reduced drastically;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2203(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that in its 2010 annual report the Court of Auditors criticised the financing of the Residence Palace building project because of the advance payments (paragraph 7.19); notes that the Court of Auditors made the observation that during the period 2008- 2010 advance payments made by the Council totalled EUR 235 000 000; notes that the amounts paid came from under- utilised budget lines; points out that 'under-utilised' is the politically correct term for 'over- budgeted'; points out that in 2010 the Council increased budget line ‘Acquisition of immovable property’ by EUR 40 000 000;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2203(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes the Commission's reply of 25 November 2011 to the letter from the Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control, in which the Commission says it is desirable for Parliament to continue to give, postpone or refuse discharge to the other institutions as has been the case up until now;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Index (new)
Index (new)
Index Paragraph Budget implementation 1-7 Report on budgetary and financial 8 management Presentation of Parliament's accounts 9 Statement of assurance by the Secretary- 13 General Follow-up to the 2009 discharge resolution 23 The Internal Auditor's annual report 26 Nature and purpose of internal audit report 29 Activity reports by the Directors-General 30 Risk Manager 31 DG Presidency (PRES) 33 DG Internal Policies (IPOL)and External 37 Policies (EXPO) DG Communication (COMM) 39 DG Personnel (PERS) 49 DG Infrastructures and Logistics (INLO) 57 DG Translation (TRAD) and DG 65 Interpretation and Conferences (INTE) DG Finance (FINS) 68 DG Innovation and Technological Support 75 (ITEC) Political groups (budget item 4 0 0 0 ) 80 European Political Parties and European 82 Political Foundations Green Parliament 84
Amendment 8 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Secretary-General's appearance before the responsible committee in January 2012 did not do full right to the large number of questions raised, which led to written follow-up questions that had not been answered by the time the committee members could table amendments to this report,
Amendment 11 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty increased Parliament's powers, activities and legislative workload, requiring major changes to its organisation and working methods to build on legislative excellence and to continue the preparations for the enlargement of the Union to include Croatia; further notes that in order to respond to the new challenges only a few measures were adopted to improve cost efficiency through increased productivity, staff redeployments, and improved working methods; would however have expected further-reaching real savings in these times of crisis;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the year saw consolidation and further modernisation of the administration, with a stronger focus on core activities, restructuring of services, better use of modern technologies and increased interinstitutional cooperation which together ensured; that budgetary and staffing resources were used in thea slightly mostre cost-effective way; would however have expected its administration to better reflect the times of crisis we are living in;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the year saw consolidation and further modernisation of the administration, with a stronger focus on core activities, restructuring of services, better use of modern technologies and increased interinstitutional cooperation which together ensured; that budgetary and staffing resources were used in the most cost-effective way;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes with disappointment that the Court of Auditors found that, in four out of the five, i.e. no less than 80% of the cases audited, the documentation relating to the examination of applications, the performance of interviews and the decisions made to select contract staff was incomplete, without having any consequences for the staff involved and therefore without incentives to improve the situation; agrees with the Court of Auditors' recommendation that full documentation for internal control purposes should henceforth be ensured;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Regrets that the Court of Auditors found errors, inconsistencies and other weaknesses in the procurement procedures of Parliament that it audited; but points out the recent measures taken to improve these procedures and encourages its administration to make further improvements in this area of work; welcomes development of the IT tool Webcontracts, established in 2010, which allows contract work to be carried out online; invites the Court of Auditors to write a special report about Parliament's procurement procedures;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 – point i
Paragraph 24 – point i
(i) to propose arrangements to ensure that the General Expenditure allowance is transparent in all cases and that it is used for the purposes for which it is intended (paragraph 6), taking note of the promise, in the Secretary-General's answers to the discharge questionnaire (page 43), to circulate among Members a FAQ that was agreed by a special Bureau working group on 13 December 2011;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 – introductory part
Paragraph 27 – introductory part
27. Notes that, at the competent committee's meeting held on 24 January 20112, the Internal Auditor presented his annual report signed 15 July 2011 and explained that, in 2010, he performed the following audit work on the Parliament's administration:
Amendment 44 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 – indent 1
Paragraph 28 – indent 1
– to complete all overdue actions as soon as possible, and in particular the critical ones, in order to improve DG Personnel's governance processes, control environment and control activities in the area of individual entitlements of staff and to complete the four outstanding actions in the field of staff mission expenses identified in report 07/03 of 4 April 2008;
Amendment 47 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Refers to its comments, contained in previous discharge resolutions, on internal audit reports; recognises that internal audit reports serve as tools for improvements in systems and performance, and can only be properly interpreted when changes and results are completed, based on their recommendations; notes however that future action and treatment of these reports by all institutions will depend on the outcome of negotiations concerning the ongoing review of the Financial Regulation; invites the Internal Auditor to present, in future annual reports, in a clear table, specifying for each of the reports covered, the number of recommendations that had not been completed in the year over which discharge is to be given, postponed or refused;
Amendment 50 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Observes with satisfaction that all Directors-General were able to give an unreserved statement of assurance in respect of the implementation of the budget by their services in 2010; is aware that the activity reports are an internal management tool the primary purpose of which is to give the Secretary-General a clear overview of the workings of the administration, and in particular, of any weaknesses; would welcome, for reasons of a more direct and transparent accountability, a presentation by the ten Directors-General and the head of the Legal Service of their respective Annual Activity Reports in the Committee on Budgetary Control;
Amendment 52 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Requests that its competent committee be informed before the end of SeptemberApril 2012 on the approach and action taken in order to identify and manage sensitive posts;
Amendment 53 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Considers the reputational risk of this Parliament to be high in these times of crisis and austerity and suggests that the Risk Manager's unit devotes special attention to areas where the public image of Parliament is at stake;
Amendment 54 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes a slight den increase in the budget devoted to security from EUR 45 980 000 in 2009 to EUR 457 59057 000 between 2009 andin 2010; welcomes the continued decreasing trenddecrease in the 2011 budget expenditure (final appropriations: EUR 42 830 000) compared to 2010 and the adoption by the Bureau in July 2011 of the Global Security Concept providing more modern and efficient security for Parliam; considers that a further decrease is possible when a more intensive use of electronic devices allows the service to work more efficiently;
Amendment 57 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33b. Notes that Parliament's call on its administration to re-deploy the responsible security manager to new tasks has been ignored as the same Director is in place as at the time of the thefts in 2009 and 2010;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Notes that while it has been claimed that written questions from the public are in general answered within two weeks, there is at present no system in place whereby questions from Members to the President or the Secretary-General are answered in the same amount of time;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Recalls the political importance of delegations in Parliament´s work insidWelcomes the figures given in the replies to the questionnaire regarding the ten most expensive delegation trips, data that should in fact always be public; would welcome furthermore and outside the Union,verview of the 10 most costly trips per Member; notes however the apparently wide disparity in costs per Member per day (ranging from EUR 1 400 to EUR 5 300) on different delegations, particularly those outside the Union; calls on its Bureau, in collaboration with all DGs concerned, to consider principles for a more economic and uniform cost structure for delegation visits, in particular taking account of their political importance and duration, and the optimum ratio of Members to staff.
Amendment 72 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Is concerned that, , except in relation to the Legislative Observatory costs, budget line 3 2 4 2 (Publication, information and participation in public events) is not sufficiently transparent and considers that expenditure in the sub- item 3 2 4 2/01 in particular should be itemised to improve transparency in future accounting years;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Notes that commitments entered into against Item 3 2 4 3 ‘'Visitors’ Centre' increased significantly (+227 %) in contrast with the underspend in 2009 and amounted to EUR 12 725 985; points to the major problem with security of false ceilings that delayed the project in 2010 and obliged the administration to cancel EUR 1 000 000 that had been automatically carried over from 2009 to 2010; notes that the total estimated costs are EUR 20 530 000, an increase of 15.3 % compared to 2007; asks for safeguards so that other multi-million plans will not see similar increases;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. WelcomNotes the opening of the Visitors' Centre on 14 October 2011 (originally planned for the 2009 European elections); notes that, based on the figures for the first two months, Parliament expects to welcome its 1 millionth visitor in October 2015; deplores however the considerable delay and cost overrun of this project;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Notes that, on 5 July 2010, the Bureau adopted Parliament's updated Communication Strategy integrating the project of the House of European History and that, in September 2010, an international jury examined that projects; further notes that use was not made of budget chapter 1 0 6 ‘Reserve for priority projects under development’ for this project as all the appropriations of that chapter (EUR 5 000 000) were transferred to chapter 2 1 0 ‘Computing and telecommunications’; reiterates its expectation that the cost plan contained in the Business Plan should be strictly adhered to; notes that the revised Business Plan could be disingeniously low if, compared to the original one, associated legal and professional fees have now been omitted; recommends and expects the information on proposed running costs to be laid out under the following five broad headings, with sub-headings, with notes on cost behaviour and other matters displayed below: (1) staff costs, (2) premises costs, (3) transport costs, (4) supplies and services costs, (5) other costs.
Amendment 97 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes that the costs relating to the LUX Prize in 2010 were EUR 380 666,18; is concerned that the costs rose for the event in 2011 to EUR 573 722,08 (by over 50 %) and looks forward to a sharp reverse in this trend from 2012 onwards; notes that, on taxpayers' expenses, in 2010 five Members went with five officials to four film festivals to promote this Prize, without reporting back to Parliament about the usefulness of their trips;
Amendment 118 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55 a (new)
Paragraph 55 a (new)
55a. Notes that according to the answers provided by the Secretary-General, the price for electricity in Luxembourg went down from approx. EUR 2 200 000 in 2010 to approx. EUR 2 000 000 in 2011 and back up to approx. EUR 2 700 000 in 2012, the last being an increase of 35 %;
Amendment 119 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Notes with satisfaction that the switch to this new employment system has been broadly budget neutral, with approximately 15 members of staff administering the employment of around 1400 assistants; and looks forward to receiving a copythe latest draft of the report on that new employment system's implementation before 1 May 2012;
Amendment 121 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56 a (new)
Paragraph 56 a (new)
56a. Notes, also with reference to paragraph 19 of this resolution where a finding of the Court of Auditors is quoted, that the door is still wide open for assistants to artificially and fraudulently increase their reimbursement claims, as the services do not demand proof of missions allegedly undertaken by private car, which allows hundreds of assistants to claim each month that they have gone to and come back from Strasbourg by private car whilst in fact sharing a colleague's car;
Amendment 124 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 b (new)
Paragraph 63 b (new)
63b. Notes that the 978 missions from Parliament's 32 information offices to Brussels and Strasbourg cost in total EUR 944 330,- which was on average EUR 701,- for a mission to Brussels and EUR 1 064,- for a mission to Strasbourg; notes that a mission from Luxembourg to Brussels costs on average EUR 250, while a mission from Luxembourg to Strasbourg cost on average EUR 630; requests to be provided, in the future, with the average cost per mission as well (page 68 of the replies to the questionnaire);
Amendment 125 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64 a (new)
Paragraph 64 a (new)
64a. Welcomes the assurance of the Secretary-General that there are no longer any assigned offices for lobbyists or foundations, but notes that until 31 December 2011 the Pegasus foundation and the Kangaroo Group did have offices at its disposal in the buildings of Parliament;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Notes with satisfaction that DG TRAD is moving towards greater productivity and a more effective use of its budget, while ensuring that multilingualism is maintained; stresses, in this context, that internal productivity has increased from 1500 pages per year to 1800 pages; would welcome the publication of productivity figures per language unit;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 a (new)
Paragraph 66 a (new)
66a. Notes with irony that DG TRAD misunderstood the word 'transcribing' (i.e. verbatim) in the questionnaire, which led to the transmission of irrelevant data, while the data asked for was not provided at the time of the deadline for amendments in the relevant committee;
Amendment 135 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69 – footnote
Paragraph 69 – footnote
The sum of final appropriations for items 100 0 0 4 (Ordinary travel expenses) and 100 0 0 5 (Other travel expenses) and for article 30 0 0 (Expenses on staff missions and duty travel between the three working places): EUR 106 718 500; split out per mission this constitutes a total cost and a cost per official of: Brussels-Luxembourg; Luxembourg-Brussels; Luxembourg-Strasbourg; Strasbourg-Luxembourg; Brussels-Strasbourg; Strasbourg-Brussels;
Amendment 153 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76
Paragraph 76
76. Welcomes the ongoing graphical redesign of the EP website following the Bureau decision on 22 November 2010 on the ‘Strategy for the future presence of the European Parliament online - Recasting the EP website’AT4AM system, introduced in 2010, that makes it easier for Members to amend proposed legislative and non-legislative texts;
Amendment 169 #
Amendment 170 #
2011/2202(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 87 f (new)
Paragraph 87 f (new)
87f. Highlights the fact that it is an anomaly for any parliament, in this instance the European Parliament, to grant itself discharge and suggests that solutions be found to solve this abnormal and unsatisfactory procedure;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the emphasis of matter in relation to a change in the Commission's accounting policy with regard to financial engineering instruments (FEIs), which shows that risks of material misstatements remain, although the accounts have received an unmodified opinion since 2007; calls on the Commission to review regularannually whether the new treatment adopted reflects fairly the underlying reality;
Amendment 47 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is worried about this 12 % increase because it reverses the positive trend observed in the past few years;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Notes that the AAR of DG Human Resources provides the following figures for 2010: - 60 appeals were brought before the Civil Service Tribunal by members of the staff; - 767 pre-litigation cases were submitted under Articles 24 (the right for an official to be assisted in proceedings against any person threatening or attacking) and 90 of the Staff Regulations (requests submitted to the Appointing Authority to take a decision and complaints against an act adversely affecting an official); - the discharge year 2010 saw a significant rise in the number of complaints lodged under Article 90(2) (from 490 in 2009 to 653 in 2010); notes that according to the Commission's answer to a written question, between 2006 and 2010 61 complaints were lodged under Article 24 of the Staff Regulations and 28 cases were opened, and that in the same five years zero cases of harassment were acknowledged to have taken place; invites the Commission to specify the categories of Article 24 and Article 90 complaints;
Amendment 102 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Notes that a high level of outstanding commitments might indicates difficulties experienced by Member States in absorbing the amounts committed;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Notes that the Court of Auditors applies a common methodology to categorise and quantify public procurement errors in the area of shared management; deplores the fact that the Commission does not follow a harmonised methodology in the different areas of shared management; is worried that different approaches in shared management could undermine the credibility of the control and audit of shared management expenditure; calls therefore on the Commission and the Court of Auditors to harmonise the treatment of public procurement errors in all shared management policy areas;
Amendment 178 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 104
Paragraph 104
104. Notes that the Court of Auditors considers that ‘the Director-General's declaration and annual activity report only give a partially fair assessment of financial management in relation to regularity for the EDFs and the General Budget of the European Union’ (Annual Report, point 5.34, emphasis added);
Amendment 194 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Europe is faced with a severe budgetary and financial crisis which can lead to aonly increase the already existing crisis of confidence in the Union and whereas it is important that the Commission is a leading example for good public management,
Amendment 205 #
2011/2201(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Union more than ever needs a strong, independent and efficient truly external auditorbody of auditors, which means that the Members should never be appointed on a political but only on a professional basis,
Amendment 1 #
2011/2075(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is of the firm convictionRecalls that the part of income calculated from interest on late payments and fines is not tocan only be considered as a surplus and should therefore not be deducted from the Member States' contributions (own resources based on GNI);
Amendment 2 #
2011/2075(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers, on the contrary, that such income, stemming from the enforcement of EU competition policy, should be directly put back and reinvest that such income should be returned into the EU budget; is determined to promote and defend this principle in the forthcoming negotiations on annual and multiannual budgetMember States;
Amendment 3 #
2011/2075(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Approves however the Council's position on Draft amending budget No 3/2011 as unamended and instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 3/2011 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;
Amendment 15 #
2011/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes that the External Audit Service has hardly benefited from the increase of staff numbers in DG ECHO's headquarters in 2010 (from 247 to 289);
Amendment 20 #
2011/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that the following issues must be addressed by the FPA partners: establishing appropriate internal control mechanisms, improving their financial cost allocation systems and making them more transparent, improvingending full-stop the weaknesses in their accounting systems and, management's commitment to quality standards, establishing a risk management process for the whole organisation and raising awareness of the dangers of fraud and corruption;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2073(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Believes that genuine and continuous involvement of beneficiaries in the planning and management of aid is one of the essential conditions for the quality and speed of humanitarian responses, particularly in the case of long-term crises; points out that in many cases there are no formal mechanisms in place to provide complaints/feedback from the beneficiary to the partner concerned or clear rules on the protection of whistleblowers; stresses that this is an important measure for improving the effectiveness and accountability, and preventing potential misuse of, aid materials; calls on DG ECHO to establish such mechanisms without delay;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the Commission to review the existing qualitative selection criteria by replacingadding to the balance sheets, as proof of the economic operator's economic and financial standing, withe cash flow statements, which represent a viable feature of financial soundness.
Amendment 15 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that statutory auditing has a social function and is in the public interest, as it is an absolutely fundamental component of the democratica free, open and transparent economic and political system;
Amendment 25 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that auditors should be subject to an obligation to alert supervisors or the relevant authorities when they spot problems that might jeopardise the futurebring it to the immediate attention of the directors of an entity, and to the regulatory authorities as appropriate, if they discover problems or irregularities which pose an imminent threat to the future as a going concern of the entity being audited;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that the main body of the audit reports should be brief, with clear, concise conclusions, and that they should include an annex containing additional explanations on general issues such as the methodology used, and specific issues such as key indicators, materiality figures, assessments of the risk involved in the material accounting estimates or materiality judgements made, and any particular problems encountered whilst carrying out the audit should form annexes;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes the view that professional scepticism is vital in auditing and has an impact on each and every stage of an audit; points out that this scepticism comes about as a result of the objectivity and independence of the auditor;, combined with professional judgement developed by experience for which box-ticking procedures cannot be a substitute.
Amendment 45 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Agrees that there is an inevitable conflicmplicit conflict of interest in the auditor being appointed and paid by the audited entity; nevertheless, does not currently see any justification for this appointment to be made by a third party; with this in mind, calls for the audit committee's role to be stre and calls for investigation into possible ways of eliminating thenedis;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that, in order to guarantee the independence of audits, auditing contracts should run for no longer than eightxxx years; takes the view that an initial contract should be concluded for fourxxx/2 years, renewable only once for a further period of fourxxx/2 years, followed by a period of at least fourxxx/2 years – eightxxx years for public interest entities – during which the audit firm concerned cannot audit the same company again; considers that there would be a need, at the end of the initial four-xxx/2- year period, for a new team to be appointed from within the audit firm;
Amendment 60 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers it vital that steps be taken to prevent attempts to get roundcircumvent the mandatory rotation rule by appointing another audit firm from within the same group or by using; similarly, staff from the saformer auditors working for a different company should be barred from auditing the same client on behalf of their new auditor for the same period (s) that the former auditor is debarred;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes the view that there should be a ban on services other than auditing being provided to the audited company, as this would pose a risk to the auditor's independence; takes the view, furthermore, that under no circumstances should internal and exthe provision by the auditor of services other than auditing to the client, as this presents a clear conflict of interest; takes the view, furthermore, this ban should include the provision of internal auditing services be provided simultaneously; points out that this would restrict ‘lowballing’, the practice of offering cut-price auditing with a view to obtaining compensation by charging for additional services; therefore takes the view that the ban must apply to all firms and their clients, particularly where major audit firms are concerned;
Amendment 72 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Takes the view that the feesproportion of an audit firm can charge a singl's fee income from any one client should not exceed a certain percentage of its total income so as to prevent a situation in which the audit firm loses its economic independence;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that firms that audit public interest entities ought toshould publish their own accounts and that these accounts, as well as the methods used, should be checked to ensure they are in orderwhilst it recognises issues of commercial confidentiality believes that these accounts should themselves be subject to an independent external audit;
Amendment 86 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. In view of the current configuration of the audit market, believes that the collapse of one of the Big Four firms wcould undermindamage the credibility of the auditing profession as a whole;
Amendment 89 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes the view that firms that are deemed ‘too big to fail’ could create the risk of moral hazard and that the contingency plans relating to the major auditing firms should be reinforced; believes, furthermore, that these plansteps should be taken to extend the audit of large entities to a wider market than currently exists; and these steps should be designed to minimise the risk of an audit firm leaving the market without good reason and to reduce the uncertainty and disruption that would cause, whilst ensuring that the market does not end up being dominated by an even tighter oligopoly;.
Amendment 101 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. States that it is vital to introduce a ban on restrictive clauses in contracts that favour the Big Four firms; calls for mergers between small and medium-sized audit firms to be encouraged; urges the Commission to look into creating a quality certificate and register for audit companies so that small and medium- sized audit firms can show that their work is of a satisfactory standardoutlaw clauses in commercial contracts which restrict the choice of auditor;
Amendment 104 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Considers that there is a need to create, or encourage the creation of, a code of ethics for the major audit firms, encouraging them to restrict their own growth, thereby protecting the development of medium-sized audit firms, which would ultimately also be beneficial for the survival of the major firms themselves;
Amendment 108 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to bring inWishes to encourage a system of compulsory tendering on a periodic basis for public interest entities, underin which at least one non-Big Four company would have to be includedthe number of tenders invited must be such as to secure offers from companies other than the usual suppliers to large entities; takes the view that the audit committee must be given a key role in this process, in which shareholders must also take part;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Takes the view that all financial institutions considered too big to fail, or considered systemically relevant, nationally, regionally and/or internationally, being a contingent liability on national balance sheets, should be audited under the direct supervision of the National Court of Auditors or other supreme audit bodies of the Member States;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph C
Paragraph C
C. whereas the Commission should be accountable not only for complianceevery Euro spent from its budget, but also for the extent to which the expected results were achievedoutcome of that spend matches the intended results,
Amendment 5 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph C a (new)
Paragraph C a (new)
Ca. having regards to Article 317 TFEU, which states that the Commission shall implement the budget on its own responsibility,
Amendment 10 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that in its resolution of 24 March 2011 the EP put the Europe 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth at the centre of the 2012 EU budgetary strategy in order to move the Union out of the current economic and social crisis;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the promotion of jobs and high-quality employment by deliveringmeans onf the Europe 2020 strategy’s seven flagship initiatives is a jointly endorsed goal of the 27 EU Member States; recalls that the implementation of this strategy will require a huge amount of future-oriented investmentspend up to 2020, estimated at no less than EUR 1 800 billion by the Commission in its communication entitled ‘The EU Budget Review’3 ; underlinnotes, therefo Commission’s desire, that necessary investment in education, fostering a knowledge societyspend on education, research and development, innovation, SMEs and green and new technologies must be made now and delayed no longerbe subject to minimal delay, but urges caution in the face of a rush to spend money where the market would find and fund opportunities regardless;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 34 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the factNotes that the proposed figures in the 2012 EU annual budget are consistent with the profile of EU expenditure set in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2007-2013; emphasises that any increase (or decrease) compared to Budget 2011 must therefore be assessed bearing in mind its impact on the delivery of the multiannual programmes; stresses that this is a question of institutional credibility and coherence of the EU project when EU responsibilities and commitments keep on growing; deeply regrets from this point of viewnotes that the Commission didhas not yet proposed endowing unnecessary policies and new so-called competencies established at EU level following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty with meaningful and visible financial capacity; trusts that it will continue to refrain from so doing;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that according to the DB 2012 there is an overall margin of EUR 1 603 million in CA under the 2012 ceiling agreed in the MFF; is determined to make full use of this available margin as well as – if necessary – of other flexibility mechanisms foreseen by the IIA to support and strengthen certain targeted political objectives; expects Council’s full cooperation as regards the use of these mechanismhat this margin should remain untouched; expects Council’s full cooperation in ensuring this;
Amendment 56 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to reduce the 2012 budget in commitment and payment appropriations in an amount equivalent to the irregularities reported by the European Court of Auditors and which amounts to a minimum of 3.2 billion euros;
Amendment 99 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recalls that the bulk of the new EU competences introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, in the areas of energy, tourism and space, falls within the remit of Heading 1a; expresses its disappointment that no extra funding for these new policies is proposed by the Commission in the third year after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty; underlines that neither Galileo nor GMES – the two main EU space programmes – is to benefit from extra funding by the end of the current MFF and that the Galileo funding is decreasing between 2011 and 2012; reiterates the need to introduce some specific, visible measures in support of tourism, given the economic relevance of this sector, which represents the third industry in Europe in terms of size and revNotes that neither Galileo nor GMES – the two main EU space programmes – is to benefit from extra funding by the end of the current MFF and that the Galileo funding is decreasing between 2011 and 2012; considers that Galileo is redundant because it is duplicating at great expenuse, and regrets that the Commission is not proposing a new legal basis to replabeyond what was originally estimated, services the three preparatory actions in this field which cannot be extended in 2012at already exist and therefore should be cancelled;
Amendment 142 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Points out that, owing to its political importance, the financing and existing actions of the Common Fisheries Policy should be preserved, not least given the Common Fisheries Policy has been a disaster and its upcomingincapable of reform; takes the view that the funding of the integrated maritime policy should not be detrimental to that of other fisheries actions and programmes under Heading 2; further considers it crucial to keep on monitoring the size of the European fishing fleetit should be dismantled and that fishing should be returned to a national competence;
Amendment 148 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Recalls that Spain receives an average of 2.51 billion euros per annum over the course of the current MFF from the EU in regional funds; calls on the Commission to withhold regional funds from the Spanish regions where irregular or retroactive application of the Ley de Costas or regional urbanisation laws has resulted in the unjust and uncompensated expropriation of property;
Amendment 149 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Notes that the overall increase in funding proposed in the DB 2012 compared to Budget 2011 for actions encompassed under this heading (+17.7% in commitments appropriations, +6.8 % in payment appropriations) is in line with the growingbecause of the growing and unjustified ambitions of the EU in the area of freedom, security and justice, as outlined in both the Treaty of Lisbon and the Stockholm Programme (2010-2014), which the European Council itself adopted in December 2009are intended to supplant the authority of the nations of Europe in these core responsibilities;
Amendment 169 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
Amendment 181 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
Amendment 197 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64
Paragraph 64
64. Notes that total administrative expenditure for all institutions is estimated at EUR 8 281 million, representing an increase of 1.3% as compared to 2011, leaving a margin of EUR 472.5 million; notes that estimated administrative expenditure outside heading five is EUR 1.12 billion an increase of 1.2% over 2011;
Amendment 199 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Notes the letter from the Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget of 3 February 2011 committing to an increase in Heading 5 expenditure below 1% and no new staff as compared to 2011 and calling upon all institutions to follow the same approach as regards the evolution of their budgets; notes that the European Parliament has submitted a budget estimate for administration in 2012 increased by 2.7% over that of 2011;
Amendment 201 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Observes that while the Commission, the Council, the Court of Auditors, the Ombudsman and the Data Protection Supervisor have followed suit the European Parliament has sought a much higher increase; stresses that it will scrutinise in depth the other institutions’ estimates, inter alia against the additional needs and activities related to the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 202 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67
Paragraph 67
67. Acknowledges the Commission’s great effort to freeze its own administrative expenditure in nominal terms; notes that this was rendered possible through the offsetting of the increases linked to statutory and contractual obligations against other drastic cuts in other administrative expenditure; is nevertheless concerned about the possible consequences of the latter, for instance those calls on the Commission to sharply reduce new contractual requirements that will commit it grelated to training (-11%) and publications (-17% and -2.1% for the Publication Office)r expense in the future;
Amendment 216 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Notes the 4% increase in expenditure on pensions (as against +5.2% from 2010 to 2011) in view of the wave of retirements of officials born in the 1950s; invites the Commission to supply a more in-depth analysis of the long-term budgetary consequences of this trend, while at the same time considering the possible consequences, whether direct and indirect, of any change in the EU pension scheme on the attractiveness, quality and independence of the European civil service; stresses that any such change should follow due social dialogue;
Amendment 221 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71 a (new)
Paragraph 71 a (new)
71a. Notes that the External Action Service is estimated to cost EUR 491 million in 2012; questions whether this is value for money under any criterion especially that which would be applied to a service tasked with dealing with unrest on the boundaries of the European continent;
Amendment 223 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. StresseConsiders that pilot projects (PPs) and preparatory actions (PAs) are key tools for the formulation of political priorities and for paving the way for new initiatives that might turn into EU activities and programmes likely to improve the lives of EU citizens; intends, therefore, to support by all possible means its proposals regarding pilot projects and preparatory actions for the 2012 Budget, while stressing the need carefully to study the Commission’s preliminary assessment expected in July 2011 for the definition of a global and balanced final package on this issuenew EU activities some of which will become new EU programmes whose aim is to make the EU seem relevant to EU citizens; in light of anticipated difficulties with the EU budget for the foreseeable future considers that these PPs and PAs should be cancelled;
Amendment 224 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73
Paragraph 73
Amendment 227 #
2011/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74
Paragraph 74
74. Takes note of one new pilot project and five preparatory actions – two of them new – proposed by the Commission under different headings; states its firm intention of analysing the content and objectives of the newly proposed initiatives in the course of the upcoming negotiationspostponing them;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Annual Reports of the European Court of Auditors on the implementation of the budget together with the audited institutions´replies,
Amendment 4 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the institutions should bare provided with sufficient resources, although in the current economic contextrisis those resources should be managed with rigourausterity and efficiency;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in a recent letter, the Commissioner responsible for budget called on all institutions to exploit all possible efforts towards limiting expenditure in preparing their own estimates of expenditure for the Draft Budget 2012; and the other Institutions have kept their estimated increase at 1%;; 1%
Amendment 8 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the level of the Preliminary Draft Estimates for the 2012 budget, as suggested by the Secretary General to the Bureau, amounts to EUR 1 733 560 543, representing 20,26 % of heading 5 of the multiannual financial framework (MFF); notefinds that the suggested rate of increase suggested isof 5,20 % over the 2011 budget is excessive and unreasonable;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. While fully aware of the challenges ahead, takes the view that the growth rate and final level of the budget need to be adjusted in these Draft Estimates; decides that at this stage, the overall level of the budget is EUR X, which represents a rate of increase of X % and is aroundbelow the inflation rate; this represents a percentage share of X of heading 5;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms that the Parliament should show budgetary responsibility and self- restraint by staying aroundbelow the inflation rate; following the interinstitutional line, enlargement-related needs are to be integrated either by a letter of amendment or an amending budget; the needs for the 18 new MEPs following the Lisbon Treaty will be also integrated by a letter of amendment or an amending budgetdrawn from existing resources;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes, that following the above mentioned strategy, the appropriations foreseen in principle for 2012, but possibly only for 2013, for the additional staff needs related to the enlargement of Croatia (62 posts) are to be integrated in a letter of amendment or amending budget;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the ceiling for heading 5 of the MFF for the EU’s budget in 2012 is EUR 8 754 million, at an overall implementation rate of XXX in 2010;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is of the opinion that the European Parliament and the other institutions should show budgetary responsibility and self- restraint in the context of economic crisis and the heavy burden of public debt and restraint in times of ongoing national budgetary consolidation efforts without undermining the goal of legislative excellence; is therefore ready to accept a revision of the ceiling of heading 5 of the MFF according to point 23 of the Inter- Institutional Agreement (IIA); this revision should be an offsetting with a reduction of the ceiling of heading 5 (administration) by EUR 100 million and a corresponding increase of other headings in favour of youth;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Decides to maintainFreezes the following new requests for new posts in reserve until it is shown that no redeployment and training is possible and outsourcing is not appropriate; this concerns the following new posts: 6 temporary posts for DG COMM, 12 permanent posts in total for the committees BUDG; JURI and INTA, 1 permanent and 1 temporary post for the European Parliament Mediator for International Parental Child Abduction, 2 permanent posts for the Protocol Unit, two permanent posts for DG EXPO for the Latin America and Enlargement units, the 17 new posts in connection with the ongoing DG INLO's three-year plan and the 4 posts for dealing with confidential documents; welcomes that already a total of 36 redeployments are planned;
Amendment 32 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Requests more detailed information regarding the creation of an European Added Value Assessment Unit, its tasks and competences, competences and evaluation of the financial and economic benefit for the European taxpayer; puts all appropriations concerning this new Unit and the request for new staff for this Unit into reserve until sufficient information received;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomesould like more information on the cost of the Secretary General's proposal to continue to implement Parliament's environmental policy, to start- up an information campaign, to provide support for the multi-annual ICT strategy and to continue to modernise and rationalise the administration;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Remindcalls the importance of all the points mentioned in the guidelines for the budget 2012 such as the modernisation of the software application systems including the digital strategy with regard to the Web 2.0 tools and social networks, cloud computing system and Wifi, information and communication policy, the knowledge management system, translation and interpretation, environmental policy and EMAS and active non-discrimination policies; requires a cost benefit analysis of the investment in the modernisation of the software;
Amendment 57 #
2011/2018(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the detailed information received concerning the continuation of the realisation of the House of European History; takes note of theQuestions the advisability of continuing the project of the House of European History especially in the current budget climate; requires a realistic estimated of the total cost for setting up the House of European History, the estimated running costs and the staffing needs; requests to be informed as soon as possible on the building project according to Article 179(3) of the Financial Regulation;
Amendment 20 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Since the last reform of the Staff Regulations, two studies commissioned by the European Parliament have shown deficiencies in Articles 22a and 22b concerning the raising of matters of concern about possible misconduct and the lack of clarity regarding the handling of these matters by the different authorities that are mentioned in Article 22b.
Amendment 43 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
6. Article 18(1) shall be replaced by the following: '1. All rights in any writings or other work done by any official in the performance of his duties shall be the property of the European Union or, where such writings or work relate to the European Atomic Energy Community, property of that Community. The Union or, where applicable, the European Atomic Energy Community shall have the right to acquire compulsorily the copyright in such works.';deleted.
Amendment 46 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 22a
Article 22a
Amendment 51 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 22b
Article 22b
Amendment 52 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 22b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph
Article 22b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph
6b. Article 22b paragraph 1 subparagraph 1 shall read: "1. An official who further discloses information as defined in Article 22a to the appropriate person in the European Commission or of the European Court of Auditors or of the Council of the European Union or of the European Parliament, or to the European Ombudsman - institutions and bodies that shall have procedures in place with a proper handling of the information - shall not suffer any prejudicial effects on the part of the institution to which he belongs provided that both of the following conditions are met:"
Amendment 53 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6b (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 22b – paragraph 3a (new)
Article 22b – paragraph 3a (new)
6b. A new paragraph 3a shall be added in Article 22b: 3a. If an official who followed the procedures of Articles 22a and 22b claims to have suffered reprisals for his disclosure then it is for the institution, and not for the official who disclosed information about possible wrongdoing, to prove that no such reprisals took place.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6c (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 22c (new)
Article 22c (new)
Amendment 64 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9a (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Article 29 – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 2a (new)
9a. In Article 29a a new paragraph 2a shall be added: "2a. Tailor-made competitions aimed at the recruitment of one specific person shall not be permitted."
Amendment 93 #
2011/0455(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 51 (bb) (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 51 (bb) (new)
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union
Annex IX - Article 26a (new)
Annex IX - Article 26a (new)
Amendment 1 #
2011/0286(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
-
-
The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as the committee responsible, to propose rejection of the Commission proposal.
Amendment 3 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
–
–
The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, as the committee responsible, to propose rejection of the Commission proposal.
Amendment 6 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The disparity of size of the financial industry in some Member States compared to others is not an indication of distorted competition but, rather, a consequence of historic developmental differences between Member States and should not therefore be interpreted as a reason for tax harmonisation.
Amendment 15 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Any revenue from the FTT shall be allocated only to the national treasury in the Member State where it is levied. No revenue from the FTT shall be used to finance the EU budget.
Amendment 6 #
2011/0183(CNS)
Draft decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2011/0183(CNS)
Draft decision
Recital 8 b (new)
Recital 8 b (new)
Amendment 17 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is fully aware that the negotiations on the MFF 2014-2020 are taking place in a very difficult economic context, in which Member States are engaging in considerable efforts to make fiscal adjustments to their national budgets, with a view to the stability of the banking sector and the single currency;exercise restraint in their national budgets, and insists that the Union should not be seen as addingadd an extra fiscal burden on taxpayers.; is, however, convinced that the EU budget is a part of the solution to enable Europe to emerge from the current crisis by helping Member States tackle, collectively and in concerted fashion, the present structural challenges, in particular loss of competitiveness, rising unemployment and poverty;
Amendment 26 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that all the macroeconomic financial stabilisation measures taken since 2008 have not yet proved sufficient toeffective in overcomeing the economic and financialcurrent crisis; believes, therefore, that in order to return to growth and generate employment in Europe, a well- targeted and sufficient EU budget is needed to further help coordinate and enhance theretrenchment of the EU budget is needed to enable efforts to be better concentrated at national effortslevel;
Amendment 33 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that pursuant to Article 310 TFEU the revenue and expenditure shown in the EU budget must be in balance and, therefore, the budget cannot generate public debt generated by the budget falls directly on the member states, many of which are already heavily indebted;
Amendment 35 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. StressNotes that the EU budget is an investment budget and that 94 % of itonly 94 % of the EU budget's total returns are investedspent in the Member States themselves or for external priorities of the Union; emphasises that, for the regions and Member States, public investment would be minimised or impossible without the contribution of the EU budgeton the external ambitions of the Union; believes that any decrease retrenchment of the EU budget would inevitably hampervery likely assist the growth and competitive strength of the entire Union economyconomies of the Member States;
Amendment 42 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. RecallNotes that delivering onattempting to implement the Europe 2020 strategy’s seven flagship initiatives willould require a huge amount of future- oriented investmentspending, estimated at no less than EUR 1 800 billion up to 2020; stresses that one of the main objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, namely, to promote jobs and high-quality employment for all Europeans, will only be achieved if the necessary investment in education, in favour of a knowledge society, and in research and innovation, SMEs, and green and new technologies is made now and not delayed any longer; favours combining the reduction of public deficits and debt with the promotion of such investments, and would in all probability be no more successful than the Lisbon Agenda;
Amendment 57 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that since 1988 national budgets have grown on average more rapidly than the EU budget; notes that even since the start of the crisis in 2008 total government expenditure in the Member States has risen at an annual nominal rate of 2 %; draws the conclusion that this shrinkage of the EU budget with respect to the national budgets is in flagrant contradiction with the extension of competences and tasks conferred on the Union by the Treaty and with major political decisions taken by the European Council itself, notably the development of a strengthened European economic governancenotes however that this still represents an increase in the EU budget;
Amendment 65 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Strongly rejects, therefore,endorses any attempt by the Council to reduce further the level of EU expenditure as proposed by the Commission; firmly opposes, in particular, any plead for linear, across- the-board cuts that would jeopardise the implementation and effectiveness of all EU policies, irrespective of their European added value, political weight or performance; instead, challenges the Council, in case it proposes cuts, to clearly and publicly identify which of its political priorities or projects should be dropped altogether;
Amendment 155 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Profoundly disagrees withWould welcome the application of a linear staff reduction to all institutions, bodies and agencies, as their roles and responsibilities under the Treaties differ widely; stresses that it should be left to each of them to decide where cuts can be introduced, and which cuts, so as to not hamper their proper funone component of ongoing budget reductionings;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the shortcomings of the prescriptive US Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which failed to protect US institutions during the financial crisis, whilst at the same time increasing compliance costs for all listed companies, in particular SMEs, reducing competitiveness and hampering the creation of new listed companies;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 26 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the establishment of mandatory risk committees at board level for all economically significant financial institutions;
Amendment 34 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that ultimate responsibility for riskcorporate governance lies with the board;
Amendment 39 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 46 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on national supervisors to develop objective criteria for a ‘fit and proper person’ test to assess the suitability of individuals to be added to an ‘approved persons’ list forcontrol procedures to be observed by those exercising supervisedory functions; supervisors must, including but not limited to performing their assessments and approvals procedure in a timely and efficient manner;
Amendment 54 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for regular, formal external assessments to be carried out of the board and its performance, on the basis of objective criteria to be approved by the relevant national supervisthe establishment by national supervisors of key indicators that allow investor,s and for summaries of these assessmentshareholders to be includupdated ion annual reports for the benefit of investors, shareholderrisk evolution and its mand national supervisorsagement efficiency;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes that there should be a basic assumption that the roles of CEO and chairman should be separate; notes that there are circumstances in which a combined role could be beneficialRecalls that sound internal control procedures require that the incumbent to the roles of CEO and chairman of the Board to be different;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that all non-executive members of unitary or supervisory boards should be of high calibre, that every board should have non-executive members who possess recent and relevant financial industry expertise, whose role should be complemented by other non-executives with other areas of expertise and experience relevant to the work of the board, that every financial institution should have a board with a diversity of experience, expertise and character and that appointments should be made on merit;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 73 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that there shsoulnd be a basic assumptioninternal control rules would require that no person should serve on more than three boards of directors of financial institutions;
Amendment 111 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Believes that an enhanced three-way dialogue between supervisors, auditors (both internal and external) and institutions would makit is the Internal Auditor´s responsibility to ensure that the necessary internal controls are itn possibllace to detect substantial or systemic risk at an early stage; encourages supervisors, auditors and institutions to engage in open discussions and to increase the frequency of meetings in order to facilitate prudential supervision and to establish the procedure to follow – including but not limited to that of informing supervisors and hierarchy – in order to avoid negative consequences;
Amendment 116 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that an auditor's primary role should not be compromised by the burden of extra duties, such as an examine need for the Board of Administration to give adequate attention to the External Auditor´s opinion on the entities´ accounts, their observations and assessment of non-audit information, which falls outside his or recommendations, notably in relation to risk areas, which they will have assessed as part of their area of expertisework in relation to contingencies affecting the financial statements;
Amendment 130 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Believes that significant transactions above a set size, with the benchmark to be decided by ESMA, should requirecertain amount, to be established by national supecific sharervisors, shoulder approval or be subject to a requirement to inform shareholders require an extra level of approval before the transaction can take effect;
Amendment 136 #
2010/2303(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Recognises that transparency is necessary with regard to related party transactions and that, on the basis of a benchmark to be set by ESMA, transactions which involve a related party should be notified to the listing authority and be accompanied by a letter from an independent adviser confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable, or should be subject to a vote by shareholders from which the related party is excluded;
Amendment 2 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that budget support is an effective instrument of development, as it fully respects development principles by increasing ownership and enhancing dialogue between partners and donors, and recognises that it provides the advantage of low transaction costs; stresses at the same time that budget support is not the right answer to every situation and should notever be perceived as the sole option;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes the view that financing decisions on budget support must be driven not only by expected benefits but also by the short- and long-term risks incurred in both donor and partner countries; notes that the Court of Auditors, in its Special Report1 , is in full agreement with this assessment by highlighting that; calls for a sound risk management framework is still to be developed and implemented; requests sight of periodic audit reports on the recipients of GBS;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its previous calls on the Commission to move the emphasis of its monitoring from control over inputs to the checking of results against agreed indicators, by improving its reporting system so that it concentrates on the quality and effectiveness of the programmes;
Amendment 7 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. With a view to reducing the fiduciary risks in public finance management linked to budget support programmes, calls on the Commission to put in place an efficient risk management systems;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to take all necessary measures in order to combat corruption in the recipient countries, through maintincluding suspension of disbursements if necessary; in this context calls on the Commission to maintaing a close and regular dialogue with partner governments on corruption issues and through payingpay sufficient attention to the capacity-building needs of particular recipient countries in terms of accountability and anti-corruption mechanisms;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is firmly convinced that a thorough analysis of the future of EU budget support to third countries must address the issue ofNeeds to be better informed to evaluate the need for the budgetisation of the European Development Fund; is aware of the historical and institutional background to the current situation, but believes that the time has come for the Council, the Member States and the ACP countries to acknowledge that this state of affairs is detrimental toshould carry out an assessment of the efficiency, transparency and accountability of EU budgetfinancial support;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2300(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Member States and the Commission, in line with the practice established in other policy fields, to improve the coordination of their respective budget support to third countries in order to avoid potential or existing overlaps, inconsistencies and incoherencieswaste, which areis all the more unacceptable in a context of scarce funding; maintains that a focus on specific areas offering the greatest added value should drive EU budget support throughout all phases of preparation and delivery;
Amendment 2 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty, allowingopportunity for more flexibility in EIB financing, including: equity participations as a complement to the ordinary activities of the Bank; the possibility to establish subsidiaries and other entities, to regulate the so-called special activities and to provide wider technical assistance services; and the strengthening of the Audit Committee;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is aware of the request by some Member States for the EIB to take on more risk in its financing operations, but at the same time recognises the importance of the EIB's AAA ratingconsiders that the EIB's AAA rating should not be endangered by excessively risky investments;
Amendment 9 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomUrges the Bank's to focus on the threeprincipal areas where the crisis has hit Europe hardest, namely small and medium-sized enterprises, convergence regions and climate action;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the increase inConsiders the amounts lent to SMEs between 2008 and 2011, to an annual average of EUR 7.5 billion, as well as the setting-up of the European Progress Microfinance Facility in March 2010 with EUR 200 million of funding from the Commission and the Bank to be insufficient in light of their difficulty in getting credit; calls, however, for morprecise qualntitative measureindicators in order to incrmeasure the value added by EIB intervention in this field; calls on the EIB to provide an estimate of the number of jobs created in this period by its investment in SMEs;
Amendment 31 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 38 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that there is a clear need for additional support by the EIB in the following areas: SMEs, midcaps and infrastructure and other key growth- and employment-enhancing projects as part of the Europe 2020 Strategy areas where the EIB can have the greatest beneficial impact on employment in the nations of Europe are in SMEs and midcaps;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. UrgeConsiders theat EIB to invest in the Nabucco gas pipeline and other important TEN-E projects that will allow future EU energy demand to be met, diversifying Europe's pool of supplier countries, improving the EU's policy mix and helping meet the Union's environmental commitmentment in energy infrastructure should be contingent on these vital projects remaining under the control of European nations;
Amendment 46 #
2010/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 2 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard to Rule 48 and Rule 139 of its Rules of Procedure,
Amendment 3 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard therefore of a total of more than 700 pages
Amendment 4 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that, in general, the Commission's report on the Protection of the European Union's financial interests – Fight against fraud – Annual Report 2009 (COM(2010)0382) (the ‘PIF report 2009’), presented in accordance with Article 325(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), does not provide information on the estimated level of irregularities and fraud in individual Member States, as it concentrates on the level of reporting, and it is therefore even after sixteen years of negative declaration of assurance by the Court of Auditors still not possible to have an overview of the actual level of irregularities and fraud in the Member States and to identify and discipline those with the highest level of irregularities and fraud;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 8 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to take all necessary steps, including the use of its right of legislative initiative, in order toexercise its responsibility in ensureing compliance by Member States in their reporting obligations with a view to providing reliable and comparable data on the level of irregularities and fraud even if this requires the Commission to establish a penalty system for non-compliance with these reporting obligations;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its regret – given the serious doubts about the quality of the information provided by the Member States – that the Commission puts more effort into convincing the European Parliament about the need to introduce a ‘tolerable risk of error’ than into persuading Member States of the need for mandatory national management declarations duly audited by the national audit office and consolidated by the Court of Auditors;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the successful outcome of a few investigations carried out by OLAF in the area of own resources; is deeply concerned at the scale of fraud involving merchandise imported from China and urges the Member States to recover the sums in question without delay;
Amendment 20 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the agreements the European Union and its Member States have concluded with tobacco manufacturers to combat the illicit tobacco trade; expects a report about how these agreements really combat this illicit trade, e.g. how many container scanners were bought by port authorities since these agreements were reached;
Amendment 23 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Commission's conclusion that the overall reporting discipline in this policy group has improved and that compliance now stands at 95 %; calls on those Member States which still do not report in good time (Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovakia and the United Kingdom) to remedy the situation promptly; expects an explanation why the time-wasting panoply of current EU-27 committees, commissions, and conferences has not led to 100 % compliance but only to 81 % ;
Amendment 26 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the catastrophic situation regarding the overall recovery rate in this policy group, which in 2009 was a mere 42 % of the EUR 1 266 million outstanding at the end of the 2006 financial year; is particularly concerned at the Court of Auditors‘ observation that the EUR 121 million recovered in the years 2007-2009 from the beneficiaries represents less than 10 % of total recoveries; finds that situation unacceptable and calls oneven justifying postponing discharge to the Commission and the Council later this year and calls on the European Commission and the Member States to urgently address it; urgeexpects the Commission to take all necessary steps in order to put in place an effective system of recovery before the end of 2011 and to inform the European Parliament, in its next year's report on the protection of EU's financial interests, of the progress made;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that one important source of error in cohesion spending is a serious failure in applying public procurement rules; asks, therefore,expects the Commission to propose, without delay, new legislation to simplify and modernise thesetake the necessary action to ensure compliance with such rules;
Amendment 28 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to provide the European Parliament with timely information on the measures that have been taken with regard to the irregularities reported by the Member States and detected by the Commission in this policy group so that this information can lead to changes the Commission itself cannot bring about;
Amendment 29 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is not satisfied by a recovery rate exceeding 50 % for the programming period 2000-2006; urges the Member States to deploy further efforts for the recovery of irregular amounts and calls on the Commission to take action in order to ensure a higher recovery rate – considering that the Commission implements the budget on its own responsibility, as stated in Article 317 TFEU;
Amendment 33 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia reported a zero fraud rate for SAPARD and questions the reliability of the reported information or the fraud detection capability of those States; wonders why the Commission has accepted these statements without questioning them;
Amendment 34 #
2010/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Finds unacceptable the very low recovery rate for suspected fraud in the pre-accession funds, which is only 4.6 % for the whole programming period, and rather than callsing on the Commission to take action, points out that after all these years of negative DAS it still has not put in place an efficient system in order to address this situation;
Amendment 2 #
2010/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas - regarding the Council's argument of reciprocity - the fact that Parliament discharges itself is indeed an anomaly that needs to be addressed inter- institutionally,
Amendment 4 #
2010/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – introductory part
Paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Reiterates that the expenditure of the Council ought to be scrutinised in the same way as that of the other Union institutions, although the fact that the Parliament discharges itself is an anomaly that needs to be addressed, and suggests that the most appropriate approach would be as expressed in its above-mentioned resolution of 16 June 2010, in particular, that ‘such scrutiny is based on the following written documents submitted by all institutions:
Amendment 8 #
2010/2144(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the proposal on the organisation of relations between the Parliament and the Council regarding their respective budgets, as annexed to the letter of Secretary- General of the Council of 30 September 2010; does not share the standpoint of that proposal, and believes that a distinction should be maintained with regard to the different roles ofnotes that in the absence of openness from the Parliament andtowards the Council in the discharge procedure and in the budgetary procedure; notes that, the Council Presidency and the General Secretariat of the Council declined to attend the meeting of the Committee responsible for the discharge procedure and to provide information and answers to questions on the Council discharge for the financial year 2009, as well as to provide written replies to the questionnaire as submitted by the rapporteur; believes that further efforts should be made in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that DG ITEC was the most concerned, with 22 open actions; notes with satisfaction that, according to the Internal Auditor, the Directorate for Information Technology within DG ITEC, has implemented 19 of the 22 open actions and, in the process, has made significant progress in developing its control framework; underlines, however, that it is not progress but accomplishments that should count when deciding on discharge and encourages all its Directorates general concerned to continue their efforts to improve their respective management and control procedures;
Amendment 8 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes however that carrying out checks on the actual ways in which assistants on mission travel was not among the proposed amendments, leaving the door wide open to abuse ; requests that its relevant management services carry out regular checks on parliamentary assistants' travel, in particular for missions where the assistant's own car was allegedly used;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the significant increase in the workload registered by the administration, relating to the entry into force of the new Statutes; notes with concern the more complicated procedure as regards accredited assistants' missions outside the three places of work and considers that, in spite of considerable increase in staffing, there are insufficient staff members in the Members' service and the services dealing with assistants and requests, therefore, the redeployment by the administration of additional staff in order to cope with the increased workload; requests, moreover, that an evaluation/assessment be made and forwarded to all the members of its competent committees by 30 September 2011 on the experience gained of the implementation of the two Statutes following the first full year of their implementation, as well as on their financial implications for Parliament's budget;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the recent adoption by the Bureau on 24 March 2010 of the long- awaited medium-term strategy in the IT and the buildings sectors;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes in this respect the establishment, from 1 January 2010, of a new Directorate in charge of Security and requests the newly established Directorate to conduct an in-depth review of Parliament's security policy and to work on proposals to adopt security solutions for Parliament which are more technology- oriented and cheaper , resulting in considerable savings in terms of staff and budget; also requests the Secretary- General to report to the Committee on Budgetary Control by 30 September 2011 on the concrete accomplishments in this field; shows concern that a year after the creation of the new Directorate a new hold-up took place on Parliament's premises;
Amendment 35 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point i
Paragraph 12 – point i
i) electronic signature for Members (instead of the current, archaic system of signatures on paper with data entered manually by staff), whilst making sure that the new system leaves no room for abuse;
Amendment 37 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point iv a (new)
Paragraph 12 – point iv a (new)
iv)a security drills comparable to fire alarm drills;
Amendment 47 #
Amendment 48 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Requests information on any derogations of the common practice of job rotation, after seven years in the same job at the very latest, of staff, and in particular people in so-called "sensitive posts";
Amendment 50 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Asks for an estimate of the loss incurred by the sale of the old Parliament building in Brussels to the Committee of the Regions, taking into account the price per square metre of the offices which are currently being purchased or leased;
Amendment 54 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the two priority projects necessitating important new office surfaces to be found: a second crèche in Brussels and a second assistant's office; stresses in this context the need for Parliament's buildings to be located close to each other in order to achieve more efficiency and also for environmental reasons, but not at all costs;
Amendment 58 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Encourages its administration to negotiate an inter-institutional agreement with the Commission on the financial arrangements for the purchase of ‘Europe Houses’ (EP Information Offices), which is to include clear paragraphs on cost reductions;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Is appalled by the huge data roaming costs reimbursed to staff members who neglect spiralling costs when in Strasbourg and elsewhere outside Brussels; urges IT management to create a control tool whereby extremely high costs are prevented by the detection of sharp increases in an early stage;
Amendment 65 #
Amendment 66 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Wishes to be informed about the savings made under Article 24(5) of the implementing measures for the statute for Members of the European Parliament, which provides that "if the duration of the Member's stay at the place of work is less than four hours and the journeys to and from the place of work are undertaken on the same day, the subsistence allowance shall be reduced by half";
Amendment 72 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes with satisfaction that for the first time in 2009 no mopping-up transfer took place at the end of the financial year, after a number of years when the possibility of mopping-up was used(mostly to purchase buildings by making advance payments against the annual lease payments) , which suggests a better budget planning and discipline which is to be praisedin fact only good housekeeping; not having done so in earlier years constituted a violation of the principles of sound financial management; encourages its administration to pursue this objective in the future as well and to avoid, as far as possible, using the technique of mopping up;
Amendment 74 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes that, currently, each Director- General (Authorising Officers by delegation) prepares his/her own Annual Activity Report, and that no overall Activity Report for the Institution as a whole is drafted and adopted; invites the Secretary-General to consider issuing a more readable, consolidated version (a summary) of the Annual Activity Reports, as is already the case with other institutions, whilst making sure that the annexes of the reports are not scanned but uploaded in such a way as to permit computer searches; takes the view that the report on budgetary and financial management is distinct from the suggested synthesis of annual activity reports;
Amendment 80 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Notes that the audit of the Court of Auditors found the payments as a whole to be free from material error and the Court of Auditors found no material weaknesses when assessing the compliance of supervisory and control systems with the Financial Regulation; would welcome an indication of actual working hours spent by the Court of Auditors on controlling the account books of Parliament;
Amendment 81 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Notes the finding of the Court of Auditors that, in five cases out of 20, documents providing evidence of compliance with the rules relating to the classification of staff as members of the temporary or of the contractual staff and to the fulfilment of linguistic, military and other obligations were not provided; takes note of the responses given by Parliament in the contradictory procedure with the Court of Auditors; requests information on the number of temporary staff that have been employed by Parliament for a period longer than the maximum period provided for (six years), and questions this practice in view of existing waiting lists of people who have taken and been successful in expensive EU competitions to fill these posts;
Amendment 89 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Notes with satisfaction that the Secretary-General has sent letters reminding the Directors-General to implement the critical actions agreed between the Internal Auditor and their services; notes with concern that Directors-General apparently need to be reminded of the necessity to comply with the recommendations of the Internal Auditor;
Amendment 90 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Welcomes the fact that, with effect from 1 September 2009, the Internal Audit Service has been attached, for administrative purposes, to the Secretary- General; notes with satisfaction that this important change is in line with the professional standards on the organisational independence of the Internal Audit Service and it enhances both the effectiveness of the internal audit activity and the perception of its independent and objective role by the audited departments; concludes that, although actual and perceived independence was then deemed to be of great importance , this was not the case for 2/3 of the year in respect of which the grant of the discharge was considered;
Amendment 100 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 64
Paragraph 64
64. Deplores the very long delay in the opening of the Visitors' Centre (originally foreseen for the 2009 European elections) and the poor planning and insufficient support in the start phase from the administrationpoor planning; notes the opening date that is currently envisaged of October- November 2011; reiterates its request for a detailed explanation of the specific reasons for such a considerable delay and the precise increase in the cost of the project;
Amendment 102 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
Amendment 103 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Stresses the need to ensure an easy link (a corridor) for visitors groups between the Visitors' Centre, the Hemicycle and the future House of European History; requests the Secretary-General to provide its Committee on Budgetary Control , by 30 September 2011, with concrete plans to realise such a link with an estimated maximum of the costs involved;
Amendment 108 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Recalls its requests, expressed in its discharge resolution of 5 May 2010, that the costs of a sponsored group visit should always be reimbursed to the group leader by bank transfer and not in cash and that a study should be conducted by the Parliament to examine whether the flat rate system for the reimbursement of travel expenses borne by official visitor groups is adequate in view of their different departure points and destinations for their visits or whether the system of reimbursement of real costs, subject to a ceiling, would be more suitable for that type of group; this change towards a flat rate system should be reversed when it is proved to increase costs instead of saving them;
Amendment 111 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67
Paragraph 67
67. Deplores the fact that EuroparlTV cannot be considered to be a success story in view of its very low number of direct individual users (excluding viewers through partnership agreements with regional TVs) in spite of the considerable annual appropriations that it receives, amounting to some EUR 9 000 000;
Amendment 118 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Deplores the fact that, in spite of its opinion, expressed in its resolution, that the Prize for Journalism is inappropriate, as Parliament should not award prizes to journalists whose task is critically to examine the EU institutions and their work, DG COMM has already launched the procedure for the 2011 prize; deplores this example of politicians being overruled by officials ;
Amendment 123 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Notes with concern the overall decline in turnout in the 2009 European Elections to 43,.2%, in spite if the considerable efforts made to reinforce Parliament's institutional election campaign which cost some EUR 5 676 000; notes that this percentage includes non-valid and blank votes, and that the percentage of valid non-blank votes was therefore even lower than 43.2%;
Amendment 126 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71
Paragraph 71
71. Notes that the total cost of setting-up the European Parliament Congressional Liaison Office in Washington in 2009 and 2010 is estimated to be some USD 400 000 annually as a result of an administrative arrangement with the Commission; notes that setting up the Office has not entailed the creation of any new posts, the postings being the result of redeployments, long- term missions and a system of one-year missions; is concerned about the possible future cost and requests that its competent committees be informed regularly about any future plan having significant financial implication concerning this Office; questions in particular the use of one-year missions for senior staff who are sent to faraway places because no suitable jobs can be found for them in Brussels;
Amendment 136 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 81
Paragraph 81
81. Considers that the externalisation of translation can result in important cost savings, efforts should, however, be made to increase the quality of external translations; supports the increasing use of the Euramis database, common to all EU institutions, and other technological developments in the field of translation (such as a single integrated system of DocEP and Euramis/translation memories already used by the translators of the Council's secretariat) which aim to avoid double translations and to lower the cost of translation; stresses, however, that no machine translation system can totally replace translators;
Amendment 141 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86
Paragraph 86
86. Notes that Parliament has a contract with only one travel agency and sees a certain risk that such a monopolistic situation might prevent Members and Parliament obtaining the best available prices, as has been observed on many occasions through simple internet searches;
Amendment 145 #
2010/2143(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 91 a (new)
Paragraph 91 a (new)
91a. Underlines the low level of transparency the table on annual appropriations offers and asks for more precise figures;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Proposal for a decision on discharge to Commission
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ..............Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2009;
Amendment 24 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Proposal for a decision on the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2009, Section III – Commission
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ..............Postpones its decision on the closure of the accounts of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2009;
Amendment 31 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas not only the Commission but also the Member States have to be held accountable for the fact that the Court of Auditors has, thus far, not been able to issue an unqualified Statement of Assurance, but principally the Commission, which, according to Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, implements the Union budget on its own responsibility,
Amendment 34 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the ‘accountability’ process is instrumental to good management, improving delivery and analysis, allowing for changes to be made to management and strategy and for better use being made of scarce resources and whereas, as observed by the Council, an accurate and accountable use of the EU resources is one of the essential means to reinforce the trust of European citizens ; takes the view that the Council failed to understand that such an accountable use is a precondition of support for the Union, which is declining,
Amendment 35 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas there is a need to move away from the current ‘culture of entitlements’ and to take decisive measures towards implementing a culture of accountability at both national and European level and to address both compliance and performance issues in order to reinforce the legitimacy of the Union,
Amendment 43 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that, while the Court of Auditors states that the annual accounts of the Union present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Union as of 31 December 2009 and the results of operations and cash flows, the Court of Auditors' opinion is subject to continued and serious reservations as to the weaknesses in the Commission's accounting systems;
Amendment 46 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. InvitUrges the Commission to eliminate the risk of misstatements in the accounts in the future by dealing with the weaknesses identified by the Court of Auditors without delay;
Amendment 48 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that while Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that the Commission implements the Union budget on its own responsibility, in the present understanding of ‘shared management’ most of the management functions are carried out by national bodies not directly accountable at Union level and over which the Commission has no authority; takes the view therefore that these bodies are meant to be directly accountable at Union level to the Commission;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the Court of Auditors' opinion on the legality and regularity of the transactions underlying the accounts according to which payments for the policy groups ‘Agriculture and natural resources’, ‘Cohesion’, Research, energy and transport‘, ’External Aid, development and enlargement' and ‘Education and citizenship’ are materially affected by error and that the supervisory and control systems are only ‘partially effective’ in preventing or detecting and correcting the reimbursement of overstated or ineligible costs (Statement of Assurance, paragraph X);
Amendment 64 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes further that while the Court of Auditors' audit results show a very marginaln increase in its estimate of the most likely error rate concerning the payments for the policy group ‘Agriculture and natural resources’ and a significant decrease in its estimate of the most likely error rate concerning the payments for the policy group ‘Cohesion’, an erratic error rate indicates the need to be extremely cautious, as the Court of Auditors has warned about considering this as a trend;
Amendment 76 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets that the Commission uses secondary legislation as an instrument to reducescape its responsibility and underlines that ‘shared management’ is not the same as ‘shared responsibilities’;
Amendment 93 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes with concern that under the present system, which does not include fines, the Member States seem to have limited interest in developing efficient control systems that could result in a reduction of their share of Union spending;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Accordingly, does not fullycannot agree with the Commission's statement that financial corrections represent ‘a strong incentive for Member States to improve their management and control systems and thus to prevent or detect and recover irregular payments to final beneficiaries’ (Annual Accounts of the European Union, financial Year 2009, Note 6, page 100);
Amendment 124 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Invites the Commission to identify weaknesses in present management and control systems as well as to analyse the cost and benefits of various possible changes; underlines that where it is difficult to obtain a sufficiently high level of compliance with scheme rules, a number of options such as: simplification of the rules, re-designing the programme, tightening controls, tolerating a higher level of non-compliance or terminating the programme, are possible;
Amendment 128 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Regrets the fact that the Commission useshas come up with the notion of ‘tolerable risk of error’ exclusively as a basis to decide what level of irregular use of funds should be considered as acceptable ex-post; takes the view that a forward-looking approach to a possible introduction of a ‘tolerable risk of error’ would include in the Financial Regulation a requirement for the Commission to match spending proposals with an assessment of the irregularity risksto justify high and longstanding error rates; is of the view that there should be zero tolerance to error;
Amendment 134 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Notes that ‘internal audit’ in the Commission is carried out by the horizontal IAS and the vertical Internal Audit Capabilities (IAC) in each Directorate-General; believes that this model can only be efficient if the work carried out by the IAC is reliable; notes, howeconsiders, moreover, that an IAS audit of the IAC audit results could be perceived as a policing activity and would harm the relationship between the IAS and the IACthe IAC lacks the necessary independence for the IAS to rely on its work;
Amendment 164 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. Points to an increase in overall costs where teachers appointed by Member States were absent for long periods and had to be replaced by part-time teachers; expects schools to be able to provide figures of these extra costs;
Amendment 167 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Notes that, since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Ordinary Legislative Procedure applies to the Staff Regulations; invites the Commission to modernise the Staff Regulations and to adapt the working conditions for the institutions' staff in such a way that Union's institutions will continue to be attractive places to work and pursue a career in; is worried that the number of candidates from certain Member States has already decreased dramatically and believes that possibilities for personal and professional development shall play a major role in this modernisation process; points out that since the last reform of the Staff Regulations, in 2004, very few officials have made use of the whistle-blowing articles 22a and 22b; suggests a review so that staff are encouraged to come forward with facts which give rise to a presumption of the existence of possible illegal activity or indications of conduct relating to the discharge of professional duties which may constitute a serious failure to comply with the obligations of officials of the Union;
Amendment 174 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. WelcomNotes the fact that the Commission has succeeded in bringing, according to the Court of Auditors, the Commission has apparently reduced the error rate down to around 2 % in recent years, and that in 2009 it rose to between 2-5 %;
Amendment 177 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Takes the view that the Court of Auditors' conclusions on the regularity of 2009 transactions do not call into question the overall trend in recent yearsCalls upon the Commission to take steps to ensure that the reduction in the error rate becomes a trend that is maintained year -on-year so as to ensure that the irregularities cease;
Amendment 179 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Notes the Court of Auditors' conclusion that for the sixteenth year in a row the supervisory and control systems for Agriculture and natural resources were, at best, partially effective in ensuring the regularity of payments;
Amendment 180 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Also notes with grave concern that the Court of Auditors found that the Annual Activity Report and the declaration given by the Director General for Agriculture provided only partially fair assessment of financial management in relation to the regularity of payments; notes that the two reservations expressed by the Director General merely concerned "expenditure for rural development measures under Axis 2 (improving the environment and the countryside) of the 2007-2013 programming period" and "serious deficiencies in the IACS in Bulgaria and Romania"1; ____________ 1 Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2009, together with the institutions’ replies (OJ C 303, 9.11.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 182 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 – indent 2
Paragraph 62 – indent 2
– to take proactive measures to ensure that all the IACS databases provide a reliable and full audit trail for all modifications made, paying particular attention to those countries known to have a poor record,
Amendment 220 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 88
Paragraph 88
88. InviNotes the Commission to ensure that the independent auditors who have incorrectly certified cost statements are made aware of the eligibility criteria for declared costs, to review the operation of the system for at there already exists extensive guidance on the audit requirements on FP7 for beneficiaries and external auditors extending to over 90 pages, and that this guidance has been revised several times, most recently in July 2010; invites the Commission to examine, in the light of the high error rate and the costs involved, whether certification of beneficiaries' costing methodologies, to reduce the backlog in recovering undue amounts paid and to impose sanctions where necessary, to further simplify the researches on the financial statements and certificates of methodology prepared by accountants engaged locally by beneficiaries who may have no experience of Union funding rulemethods andd to ensure full accountability for the proper use of Union moneyany value to the FP7, and instructs the Commission to examine alternative arrangements;
Amendment 227 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 90
Paragraph 90
Amendment 249 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 111 – indent 1
Paragraph 111 – indent 1
– to encourage beneficiaries to submit their cost calculation methodologylook at the existing arrangements for ex- ante cvertification, with a view to establishing how effective they are,
Amendment 250 #
2010/2142(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 111 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 111 – indent 1 a (new)
– to consider, in the light of experience, whether the use of certification by an external auditor appointed by the beneficiary is an effective control, and to look into alternative methods of verification,
Amendment 28 #
2010/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for the provision of increased opportunities for smaller firms by preventing internal audit services being carried out by the same company as the external audit; notes that areas of audit servicesonsiders that internal audit services should never be outsourced, given their nature, objective and reporting lines; stresses that areas of service related to audit such as risk assessment which are deemed to incur a conflict of interest should be carried out by different companies, including evaluations of complex structured products;
Amendment 52 #
2010/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes companies should conduct a compulsory open tendering process for statutory appointments of external auditors every eightfour years, on a renewable basis; notes that for SIFIs this should be reduced to every fourthree years;
Amendment 75 #
2010/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the auditors of SIFIs to report periodically, on a collective basis, to the ESRBnational financial authority;
Amendment 1 #
2010/2014(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. aware of the fact that in these times of economic and financial crisis, burdening the taxpayer with increased costs for assistants in the European Parliament would be difficult to justify,
Amendment 5 #
2010/2014(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Points out that the adoption of this report means an increase of the secretariat allowance of EUR 1 500 per month, as of May 2010;
Amendment 76 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The purpose of this Decision is to establish the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service ("EEAS"), a functionally autonomous body of the Union under the authority of the High Representative, set up by Article 27(3) of the Treaty on European Union ("TEU"), as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon. This Decision and in particular the reference to the term "High Representative" will be interpreted in accordance with his/her different functions under Article 18 of the TEU.
Amendment 77 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The purpose of this Decision is to establish the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service ("EEAS"), a functionally autonomous body of the Union under the authority of the High Representative, set up by Article 27(3) of the Treaty on European Union ("TEU"), as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon. This Decision and in particular the reference to the term "High Representative" will be interpreted in accordance with his/her different functions under Article 18 of the TEU.
Amendment 77 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The EEAS will support the High Representative, who is also a Vice- President of the Commission and the President of the Foreign Affairs Council, in fulfilling his/her mandate to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy ("CFSP") of the European Union and to ensure the consistency of the EU's external action as outlined, notably, in Articles 18 and 27 TEU. The EEAS will support the High Representative in his/her capacity as President of the Foreign Affairs Council, without prejudice to the normal tasks of the General Secretariat of the Council. The EEAS will also support the High Representative in his/her capacity as Vice- President of the Commission, for his/her responsibilities within the Commission for responsibilities incumbent on it in external relations and for coordinating other aspects of the Union's external action, without prejudice to the normal tasks of the Commission services.
Amendment 78 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) In its contribution to the EU external cooperation programmes, the EEAS ensures that these programmes respond to the objectives for external action as set out in Article 21 TEU.
Amendment 79 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Provisions should be adopted relating to the staff of the EEAS and their recruitment. For matters relating to its staff the EEAS should be treated as an institution within the meaning of the Staff Regulations. I where such provisions are necessary to establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. In parallel, necessary amendments should be made, in accordance with Article 27(3)336 of the TFEU, the EEAS will comprise oo the Staff Regulations of Officials ofrom the General Secretariat of the Council andEuropean Communities ("Staff Regulations") and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of those Commission as well as personnel seconded from the diplomatic services of the Member Stateunities ("CEOS") without prejudice to Article 298 TFEU. For matters relating to its staff the EEAS should be treated as an institution within the meaning of the Staff Regulations. The High Representative will be the Appointing Authority, in relation both to officials subject to the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities ("Staff Regulations") and agents subject to the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants. The High Representative will also have authority over the Seconded National Experts ("SNEs") in post in the EEAS. The number of officials and servants of the EEAS will be decided each year as part of the budgetary procedure and will be reflected in the establishment plan.
Amendment 80 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The EEAS will support the High Representative, who is also a Vice- President of the Commission and the President of the Foreign Affairs Council, in fulfilling his/her mandate to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy ("CFSP") of the European Union and to ensure the consistency of the EU's external action as outlined, notably, in Articles 18 and 27 TEU. The EEAS will support the High Representative in his/her capacity as President of the Foreign Affairs Council, without prejudice to the normal tasks of the General Secretariat of the Council. The EEAS will also support the High Representative in his/her capacity as Vice- President of the Commission, for his/her responsibilities within the Commission for responsibilities incumbent on it in external relations and for coordinating other aspects of the Union's external action, without prejudice to the normal tasks of the Commission services.
Amendment 80 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The staff members of the EEAS will carry out their duties and conduct themselves solely with in mind the full respect of the identified strategic interests by the European Council as well as the determined objectives and defined guidelines for the common foreign and security policy, that shall be put into effect by the High Representative and by the Member States, using national and Union resources according to article 26 TEU.
Amendment 81 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) In its contribution to the EU external cooperation programmes, the EEAS ensures that these programmes respond to the objectives for external action as set out in Article 21 TEU.
Amendment 81 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) In accordance with Article 27(3) of the TEU, the EEAS will comprise officials from the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as personnel coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States. For that purpose, the relevant departments and functions in the General Secretariat of the Council and in the Commission will be transferred to the EEAS, together with officials and temporary agents occupying a post in such departments or functions. Before the 1st of July 2013, the EEAS will recruit exclusively officials originating from the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as staff seconded from the diplomatic services of the Member States. After that date, and according to the needs, the recruitment of EU permanent officials under Staff Regulation within the quota of 60% should be done accordingly with EPSO external procedure specifically designed for the EEAS.
Amendment 82 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to ensure the budgetary autonomy necessary for the smooth operation of the EEAS, the Financial Regulation should be amended in order to treat the EEAS as an "institution" within the meaning of the Financial Regulation, with a specific section in the Union budget. The EEAS will be subject to the procedures regarding the discharge as provided for in Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Articles 145 to 147 of the Financial RegulationThe Financial Regulation should be amended in order to include the EEAS in Article 1 of the Financial Regulation, with a specific section in the Union budget. In accordance with applicable rules, and as it is the case for other institutions, a part of the annual report of the Court of Auditors will be dedicated also to the EEAS and the EEAS will respond to such reports. The EEAS will be subject to the procedures regarding the discharge as provided for in Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Articles 145 to 147 of the Financial Regulation. The High Representative will provide the European Parliament with all support necessary to complete European Parliament’s right as discharge authority. The implementation of the operational budget will be the Commission’s responsibility in accordance with Article 317 of the TFEU. Decisions having a financial impact will in particular respect the responsibilities laid down in Title IV of the Financial Regulation, especially Article 75 thereof regarding expenditure operations and Articles 64 to 68 regarding liability of the financial actors.
Amendment 83 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory wording
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory wording
1. The EEAS shall support the High Representative in fulfilling his/her mandates as outlined in Title V TEU, notably in Articles 18 and 27 TEU:
Amendment 84 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- in fulfilling his/her mandate to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy ("CFSP") of the European Union, including the Common Security and Defence Policy ("CSDP"), to contribute by his/her proposals to the development of that policy, which he/she shall carry out as mandated by the Council and to ensure the consistency of the EU's external action;
Amendment 85 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The EEAS shall be managed by an executive Secretary-General who will operate under the authority of the High Representative. The executive Secretary- General shall take all measures necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the EEAS, including its administrative and budgetary management. He shall ensure effective coordination between all departments in the central administration as well as with the Union delegations, and shall represent the EEAS. . The High Representative shall appoint, in accordance with the normal rules of recruitment, a Director General for budget and administration who shall work under the authority of the High Representative. He/she shall be responsible to the High Representative for the administrative and internal budgetary management of the EEAS. He/she shall follow the same budget lines and administrative rules as applicable in section III of Heading V of the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Amendment 86 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – indent 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – indent 3
- the crisis management and planning directorate, the civilian planning and conduct capability, the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Situation Centre, placed under the direct authority and responsibility of the High Representative in her capacity as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; t; they shall assist him/her in the task of conducting the Union’s CFSP in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty while respecting, in accordance with Article 40 of the TEU, the other competences of the Union. The specificities of these structures, as well as the particularities of their functions, recruitment and the status of the staff shall be respected. Full coordination between all the structures of the EEAS shall be ensured.
Amendment 87 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Provisions should be adopted relating to the staff of the EEAS and their recruitment. For matters relating to its staff the EEAS should be treated as an institution within the meaning of the Staff Regulations. I where such provisions are necessary to establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. In parallel, necessary amendments should be made, in accordance with Article 27(3)336 of the TFEU, the EEAS will comprise oo the Staff Regulations of Officials ofrom the General Secretariat of the Council andEuropean Communities ("Staff Regulations") and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of those Commission aunities ("CEOS") without prejudice to Article 298 TFEU. For matters wrell as personnel seconded from the diplomatic services of the Member Stateating to its staff the EEAS should be treated as an institution within the meaning of the Staff Regulations. The High Representative will be the Appointing Authority, in relation both to officials subject to the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities ("Staff Regulations") and agents subject to the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants. The High Representative will also have authority over the Seconded National Experts ("SNEs") in post in the EEAS. The number of officials and servants of the EEAS will be decided each year as part of the budgetary procedure and will be reflected in the establishment plan.
Amendment 87 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
In areas where the Commission exercises the powers conferred to it by the Treaties, the Commission may, in accordance with article 220 (2) TFEU, also issue instructions to delegations, which shall be executed under the overall responsibility of the Head of Delegation.
Amendment 88 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) iIf necessary, and on a temporary basis, specialised seconded national experts (SNEs)the EEAS may, in specific case, have recourse to a limited number of specialised seconded national experts (SNEs). The High Representative shall adopt the rules, equivalent to those laid down in Council Decision 2003/479/ECof 16 June 2003 concerning the rules applicable to national experts and military staff on secondment to the General Secretariat of the Council1, under which SNEs are put at the disposal of the EEAS in order to provide specialised expertise. 1 OJ L 160, 28.6.2003, p. 72.
Amendment 89 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The staff members of the EEAS will carry out their duties and conduct themselves solely with in mind the full respect of the identified strategic interests by the European Council as well as the determined objectives and defined guidelines for the common foreign and security policy, that shall be put into effect by the High Representative and by the Member States, using national and Union resources according to article 26 TEU.
Amendment 89 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The staff members of the EEAS shall carry out their duties and conduct themselves solely with the interests of the Union in mindin accordance with recital 7a. Without prejudice to Articles 2(1), third subparagraphindent, 2(2) and 5(3), they shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government, authority, organisation or person outside the EEAS or any body or person other than the High Representative or only with his/her consent. In accordance with Article 11 of the Staff Regulations, the EEAS staff may not accept any payments of any kind whatever from any other source outside the EEAS.
Amendment 91 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. When the EEAS has reached its full capacity, staff from Member States, as referred to in paragraph 1, first subparagraph, should represent 40 % of all EEAS staff at AD level. Likewise, permanent EU officials should represent 60% of all EEAS staff at AD level, including staff coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States, who have become permanent EU officials, in accordance with the provisions of the Staff Regulations. Each year, the High Representative shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the occupation of posts in the EEAS.
Amendment 92 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) In accordance with Article 27(3) of the TEU, the EEAS will comprise officials from the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as personnel coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States. For that purpose, the relevant departments and functions in the General Secretariat of the Council and in the Commission will be transferred to the EEAS, together with officials and temporary agents occupying a post in such departments or functions. Before the 1st of July 2013, the EEAS will recruit exclusively officials originating from the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as staff seconded from the diplomatic services of the Member States. After that date, and according to the needs the recruitment of EU permanent officials under Staff Regulation within the quota of 60% should be done accordingly with EPSO external procedure specifically designed for the EEAS.
Amendment 93 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to ensure the budgetary autonomy necessary for the smooth operation of the EEAS,The Financial Regulation should be amended in order to include the EEAS in Article 1 of the Financial Regulation should be amended in order to treat the EEAS as an "institution" within the meaning of the Financial Regulation, with a specific section in the Union budget. The EEAS will be subject to the procedures regarding the discharge as provided for in Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Articles 145 to 147 of the Financial Regulation, with a specific section in the Union budget. In accordance with applicable rules, and as it is the case for other institutions, a part of the annual report of the Court of Auditors will be dedicated also to the EEAS and the EEAS will respond to such reports. The EEAS will be subject to the procedures regarding the discharge as provided for in Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Articles 145 to 147 of the Financial Regulation. The High Representative will provide the European Parliament with all support necessary to complete European Parliament’s right as discharge authority. The implementation of the operational budget will be the Commission’s responsibility in accordance with Article 317 of the TFEU. Decisions having a financial impact will in particular respect the responsibilities laid down in Title IV of the Financial Regulation, especially Article 75 thereof regarding expenditure operations and Articles 64 to 68 regarding liability of the financial actors.
Amendment 93 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 9 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. The High Representative shall lay down the rules on mobility so as to ensure that the members of the staff of the EEAS are subject to a high degree of mobility within the EEAS services. Specific modalities shall apply to the personnel referred to in Article 4 (3), third indent. In principle, all EEAS staff shall periodically serve in Union delegations. The High Representative shall establish rules to that effect.
Amendment 94 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 10
Article 6 – paragraph 10
10. The procedures for recruiting staff for posts transferred to the EEAS which are on-going at the date of entry into force of this Decision shall remain valid: they shall be carIn accordance with the applicable provisions of its national law, each Member State shall provide its officials who have become temporary agents in the EEAS with a guarantee of immediate reinstatement at the end of their period of service to the EEAS. This perieod on and completed under the authority of the High Representativef service respects and the relevant vacancy notices shall be carried in accordance with the relevant vacancy notices and the applicable rules of the Staff Regulations and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants1. In the course ofEU officials settrving upin the EEAS, representatives of the Member States, the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission shall be involved in the recruitment procedure for vacant posts in the EEAS. The staff of the EEAS central administration shall be made up of officials and ot shall have the right to apply for posts in their institution of origin on the same terms as internal applicants. 1 where servants from, respectively, relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. When the EEAS has reached its full capacity, staff from Member States should represent at least one third of all EEAS staff at AD level. Each year, the High Representative shall present a report touch provisions are necessary to establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. In parallel, necessary amendments should be made, in accordance with Article 336 of the TFEU, to the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities ("Staff Regulations") and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of those Council on the occupation of posts in the EEAS. mmunities ("CEOS") without prejudice to Article 298 TFEU.
Amendment 95 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 8 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Actions undertaken under the CFSP budget, the Instrument for Stability except the part referred to in the seventh indent of paragraph 2, the Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialised Countries, the Communication and Public Diplomacy as well as the Election Observation Missions are under the responsibility of the High Representative/EEAS. The Commission shall be responsible for their financial implementation under the authority of the High Representative in his/her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission. The Commission will make a declaration to the effect that the High Representative will have the necessary authority in this area, in full respect of the Financial Regulation. The Commission department responsible for this implementation shall be co-located with the EEAS.
Amendment 96 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 - introductory wording
Article 2 – paragraph 1 - introductory wording
1. The EEAS shall support the High Representative in fulfilling his/her mandates as outlined in Title V TEU, notably in Articles 18 and 27 TEU:
Amendment 96 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – paragraph 2 – introductory wording (new)
Annex – paragraph 2 – introductory wording (new)
In addition to the Council above mentioned staff, Commission staff in the departments and functions listed below can be transferred under the High Representative authority to the EEAS, within the limit of 60% set in Article 6 (9a).
Amendment 97 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- in fulfilling his/her mandate to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy ("CFSP") of the European Union, including the Common Security and Defence Policy ("CSDP"), to contribute by his/her proposals to the development of that policy, which she shall carry out as mandated by the Council and to ensure the consistency of the EU's external action;
Amendment 104 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The EEAS shall be managed by an executive Secretary-General who will operate under the authority of the High Representative. The executive Secretary- General shall take all measures necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the EEAS, including its administrative and budgetary management. He shall ensure effective coordination between all departments in the central administration as well as with the Union delegations, and shall represent the EEAS. . The High Representative shall appoint, in accordance with the normal rules of recruitment, a Director General for budget and administration who shall work under the authority of the High Representative. He/she shall be responsible to the High Representative for the administrative and internal budgetary management of the EEAS. He/she shall follow the same budget lines and administrative rules as applicable in section III of Heading V of the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Amendment 105 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – indent 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – indent 1 a (new)
- an Ethics office reporting directly to the Secretary-General;
Amendment 110 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – indent 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – indent 3
- the crisis management and planning directorate, the civilian planning and conduct capability, the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Situation Centre, placed under the direct authority and responsibility of the High Representative, shall assist him/her in ther capacity as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; t task of conducting the Union’s CFSP in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty while respecting, in accordance with Article 40 of the TEU, the other competences of the Union. The specificities of these structures, as well as the particularities of their functions, recruitment and the status of the staff shall be respected. Full coordination between all the structures of the EEAS shall be ensured.
Amendment 114 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
In areas where the Commission exercises the powers conferred to it by the Treaties, the Commission may, in accordance with article 220 (2) TFEU, also issue instructions to delegations, which shall be executed under the overall responsibility of the Head of Delegation.
Amendment 117 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. The EEAS shall comprise: (a) officials and other servants of the European Union, including personnel from the diplomatic services of the Member States appointed as temporary agents; (b) iIf necessary, and on a temporary basis, specialised seconded national experts (SNEs)the EEAS may, in specific case, have recourse to a limited number of specialised seconded national experts (SNEs). The High Representative shall adopt the rules, equivalent to those laid down in Council Decision 2003/479/EC as amended by Council Decision 2007/829/EC of 5 December 20071, under which SNEs are put at the disposal of the EEAS in order to provide specialised expertise. 1 OJ L 327, 13 December 2007, page 10.
Amendment 120 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The staff members of the EEAS shall carry out their duties and conduct themselves solely with the interests of the Union in mindin accordance with recital 7a. Without prejudice to Articles 2(1), third subparagraphindent, 2(2) and 5(3), they shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government, authority, organisation or person outside the EEAS or any body or person other than the High Representative or only with his/her consent. In accordance with Article 11 of the Staff Regulations, the EEAS staff may not accept any payments of any kind whatever from any other source outside the EEAS.
Amendment 124 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. When the EEAS has reached its full capacity, staff from Member States, as referred to in paragraph 1, first subparagraph, should represent 40 % of all EEAS staff at AD level. Likewise, permanent EU officials should represent 60% of all EEAS staff at AD level, including staff coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States, who have become permanent EU officials, in accordance with the provisions of the Staff Regulations. Each year, the High Representative shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the occupation of posts in the EEAS.
Amendment 126 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 9 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. The High Representative shall lay down the rules on mobility so as to ensure that the members of the staff of the EEAS are subject to a high degree of mobility within the EEAS services. Specific modalities shall apply to the personnel referred to in Article 4 (3), third indent. In principle, all EEAS staff shall periodically serve in Union delegations. The High Representative shall establish rules to that effect.
Amendment 127 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 10
Article 6 – paragraph 10
10. The procedures for recruiting staff for posts transferred to the EEAS which are on-going at the date of entry into force of this Decision shall remain valid: they shall be carIn accordance with the applicable provisions of its national law, each Member State shall provide its officials who have become temporary agents in the EEAS with a guarantee of immediate reinstatement at the end of their period of service to the EEAS. This perieod on and completed under the authority of the High Representativef service respects and the relevant vacancy notices shall be carried in accordance with the relevant vacancy notices and the applicable rules of the Staff Regulations and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants1. In the course ofEU officials settrving upin the EEAS, representatives of the Member States, the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission shall be involved in the recruitment procedure for vacant posts in the EEAS. The staff of the EEAS central administration shall be made up of officials and ot shall have the right to apply for posts in their institution of origin on the same terms as internal applicants. 1 Where servants from, respectively, relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. When the EEAS has reached its full capacity, staff from Member States should represent at least one third of all EEAS staff at AD level. Each year, the High Representative shall present a report touch provisions are necessary to establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. In parallel, necessary amendments should be made, in accordance with Article 336 of the TFEU, to the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities ("Staff Regulations") and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of those Council on the occupation of posts in the EEASmmunities ("CEOS") without prejudice to Article 298 TFEU.
Amendment 137 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 8 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Actions undertaken under the CFSP budget, the Instrument for Stability except the part referred to in the seventh indent of paragraph 2, the Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialised Countries, the Communication and Public Diplomacy as well as the Election Observation Missions are under the responsibility of the High Representative/EEAS. The Commission shall be responsible for their financial implementation under the authority of the High Representative in his/her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission1. The Commission department responsible for this implementation shall be co-located with the EEAS. 1 The Commission will make a declaration to the effect that the High Representative will have the necessary authority in this area, in full respect of the Financial Regulation.
Amendment 143 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex – paragraph 2 – introductory wording new
Annex – paragraph 2 – introductory wording new
In addition to the Council above mentioned staff, Commission staff in the departments and functions listed below can be transferred under the HR authority to the EEAS, within the limit of 60% set in article 6 (9a).
Amendment 227 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
Amendment 236 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
Amendment 239 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56 a (new)
Recital 56 a (new)
(56a) The readability of this Regulation should be improved by attaching an annex that includes also the names of each article, as well as a glossary of financial terms,
Amendment 242 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 4 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The budget is the instrument which, for each financial year, forecasts and authorisesand its annexes include forecasts of all revenue and expenditure considered necessary for the Union and the European Atomic Energy Communityfinancial year for the Union.
Amendment 246 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 8 – paragraph 6
Part 1 – article 8 – paragraph 6
6. By way of derogation from paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, the expenditure of the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund shall be entered in the accounts for a financial year in accordance with the rules laid down in Title I of Part Two (i.e. articles 160 to 166).
Amendment 250 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
Part 1 – article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) external assigned revenue shall be carried over automatically and must be fully used until all the operations relating to the programme or action to which they are assigned have been carried out; external assigned revenue received during the last year of the programme or action may only be used in the first six months of the first year of the succeeding programme or action;
Amendment 251 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 12
Part 1 – article 12
Article 12 Article 12 The appropriations entered in the budget may be committed with effect from 1 January, once the budget has been finally adopted, save as otherwise provided in Title I and Title VI(i.e. articles 160 to 166) and Title VI (i.e. articles 193 to 195) of Part Two.
Amendment 258 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Part 1 – article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. All individual donations to the Commission exceeding EUR 999 or aggregate donations from one donor in excess of this amount in any one year will be traceable via a dedicated website.
Amendment 260 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 261 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) from one chapter to another and from one article to another without limiup to 50 % of the original budget.
Amendment 262 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 2
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 2
2. ThreFive weeks before making the transfers referred to in paragraph 1, the institutions shall inform the budgetary authority of their intentions. In the event of duly substantiated reasobjections being raised within this period by either branch of the budgetary authority, the procedure laid down in Article 24 shall apply.
Amendment 263 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 3
Amendment 265 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 4
Part 1 – article 22 – paragraph 4
Amendment 270 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 24 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 24 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall submit its proposal of transfers simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council, immediately, with no delay for translation.
Amendment 273 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 26 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Part 1 – article 26 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Any concern about possible violations of these three principles will be investigated.
Amendment 278 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 29
Part 1 – article 29
Amendment 286 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 30 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Part 1 – article 30 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The consolidated annual accounts and the report on budgetary and financial management drawn up by each institution shall be published immediately upon adoption in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 287 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 31 – paragraph 2
Part 1 – article 31 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall make available, in an appropriate manner, information on the recipients of funds - including successful tenderers - deriving from the budget held by it when the budget is implemented on a centralised basis and directly by its departments or by Union Delegations in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 53, and information on the recipients of funds as provided by the entities to which budget implementation tasks are delegated under other modes of management.
Amendment 288 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Part 1 – article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall submit a proposal containing the draft budget to the European Parliament and the Council, at the latest, by 1 SeptemberJuly of the year preceding that in which the budget is to be implemented.
Amendment 299 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 46 – paragraph 1 – point a – subpoint v
Part 1 – article 46 – paragraph 1 – point a – subpoint v
(v) the expenditure committed and the expenditure paid in year n – 2, the latter also expressed as a percentage of the budget;
Amendment 316 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 56 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Part 1 – article 56 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
As it is not only in the Union's interest but also in that of the Member States, each shall set up an information point where contractors, staff and individuals can go to with indications of irregularities with EU money. These information points will be sufficiently staffed to investigate these indications before deciding to transmit them to OLAF.
Amendment 358 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 57 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Part 1 – article 57 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Member States and the EU institutions and bodies will actively encourage the reporting of suspected irregularities with EU funding.
Amendment 363 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 63 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Part 1 – article 63 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
The ex ante controls shall be carried by theout by members of staff other than those responsible for the ex post controls. The members of staff responsible for the ex post controls shall not be subordinate to the members of staff responsible for the ex ante controls.
Amendment 364 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 63 – paragraph 8
Part 1 – article 63 – paragraph 8
8. Any member of staff, involved in the financial management and control of transactions who considers that a decision he is required by his superior to apply or to agree to is irregular or contrary to the principles of sound financial management or the professional rules he is required to observe, shall inform the aAuthorising oOfficer by dDelegation in writing and, if that officer fails to take action,unless the superior in question is the Authorising Officer by Delegation. If that officer fails to take action within a period of three weeks of being informed, or in the event of the officer in question being the Authorising Officer by Delegation, the report should be addressed to the panel referred to in Article 70(6). In the event of any illegal activity, fraud or corruption which may harm the interests of the Union, he shall inform the Member State authorities and bodies designated by the applicable legislation.
Amendment 366 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) preparing and presenting the accounts in accordance with Title IX (i.e. articles 132 to 148);
Amendment 368 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) treasury management. He shall ensure that the treasury function is audited every year.
Amendment 369 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Part 1 – article 65 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
The accounting officer of the Commission shall alsonot act as the accounting officer of the EEAS in respect of the implementation of the EEAS section of the budget, subject to Article 208.
Amendment 370 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 70 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Part 1 – article 70 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Each year, Heads of Union Delegations provide to the authorising officer by delegation of the Commission the reasoned - as opposed to pro forma - assurance on the internal management and control systems put in place in their Delegation, as well as on the management of operations subdelegated to them and the results thereof, in order to allow the authorising officer to establish his statement of assurance, as provided for in Article 63(9).
Amendment 372 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 78 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 78 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to the provisions of specific regulations and the application of the Council Decision relating to the Union's own resources system, entitlements of the Union in respect of third parties and entitlements of third parties in respect of the Union shall be subject to a limitation period of fiveour years.
Amendment 381 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 92 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 92 – paragraph 1
Each institution shall establish an internal auditing function which must be performed in compliance with the relevant international standards. The internal auditor appointed by the institution shall be answerable to the latter for verifying the proper operation of budgetary implementation systems and procedures. The internal auditor may not be either authorising officer or accounting officer. To avoid a conflict of interest, the Commission's internal auditor shall not have been a senior accounting officer during the twelve months prior to his appointment.
Amendment 382 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 92 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 92 – paragraph 3
Amendment 383 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 93 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Part 1 – article 93 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The confidential contact details for the internal auditor must be made available to anybody involved in expenditure operations. As anybody involved in expenditure operations has the right to contact the internal auditor, means of contacting internal auditors in a confidential and/or anonymous matter will be made available. The internal auditor has the right to keep the identity of his informants confidential. The internal auditor has the right to inform the discharge authority in any case where either his institution did not follow his proposals or where he deems it useful to have a direct channel of information to the discharge authority. The internal auditor or anybody providing him with information may not suffer any negative consequences from that.
Amendment 385 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 94 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Part 1 – article 94 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. See the first subparagraph of Article 92(1) on avoidance of a possible conflict of interest.
Amendment 386 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 100 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Part 1 – article 100 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Candidates or tenderers shall certify that they are not in one of the situations listed in paragraph 1. However, the contracting authority may refrain from requiring such certification for very low value contracts, as specified in the delegated Regulation referred to in Article 199.
Amendment 388 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 105 – paragraph 4
Part 1 – article 105 – paragraph 4
4. All requests to participate or tenders declared by the opening boarda heterogeneous opening board (not consisting of nationals of one member state) as satisfying the conditions laid down shall be evaluated, on the basis of the criteria provided in the documents relating to the call for tenders, in order to propose to the contracting authority the award of the contract or to proceed with an electronic auction.
Amendment 389 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 107 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Part 1 – article 107 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
A list of the names and amounts of every winning tender shall be published after a tenderer has won the bid.
Amendment 390 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 115 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 115 – paragraph 3
Amendment 421 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 127 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Part 1 – article 127 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Details of each subcontractor will be known to the relevant institution's accounting officer, who will be able to reproduce data immediately upon request from the Accounting Officer of the Commission and the discharge authority.
Amendment 422 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 129 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Part 1 – article 129 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Prizes are not the Institutions' core business and they shall only make very restricted use of this means.
Amendment 437 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 133 – paragraph 2
Part 1 – article 133 – paragraph 2
2. The report referred to in paragraph 1 shall give an account, both in absolute terms and expressed as a percentage, at least, of the rate of implementation of the appropriations together with summary information on the transfers of appropriations among the various budget items.
Amendment 441 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 136 – paragraph 1 – point a
Part 1 – article 136 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the balance sheet and the statement of financial performance, which represent the assets and liabilities (including pension liabilities) and financial situation and the economic result at 31 December of the previous year; they shall be presented in accordance with the relevant accounting rules adopted by the Accounting Officer of the Commission;
Amendment 449 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 141 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 141 – paragraph 3
3. The figures and the report on implementation of the budget shall at the same time be sent to the Court of Auditors and published on the internet.
Amendment 451 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 142 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 142 – paragraph 1
1. The institution's accounting system is the system serving to organise the budgetary and financial information in such a way that figures can be input, filed and, registered and accessed.
Amendment 452 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 145 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 145 – paragraph 3
3. The accounting system must be such as to leave a clear audit trail for all accounting entries.
Amendment 453 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 147 – paragraph 1
Part 1 – article 147 – paragraph 1
1. The budgetary accounts provide a detailed record of budgetarythe implementation of the budget.
Amendment 454 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 149 – paragraph 2
Part 1 – article 149 – paragraph 2
2. Each institution shall inform the Court of Auditors and the budgetary authority of any internal rules it adopts in respect of financial matters within a week of adoption of those rules.
Amendment 455 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 149 – paragraph 3
Part 1 – article 149 – paragraph 3
3. The Court of Auditors shall be informed within a week of the appointment of authorising officers, internal auditors, accounting officers and imprest administrators and of delegation decisions under Articles 53, 65, 66, 67 and 92.
Amendment 459 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 152 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Part 1 – article 152 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. The Commission, the other institutions, the bodies administering revenue or expenditure on the Union's behalf and the final beneficiaries of payments from the budget shall afford the Court of Auditors all the facilities and give it all the information which the Court of Auditors considers necessary for the performance of its task. They shall place at the disposal of the Court of Auditors all documents concerning the award and performance of contracts financed by the budget and all accounts of cash or materials, all accounting records or supporting documents, and also administrative documents relating thereto, all documents relating to revenue and expenditure, all inventories, all organisation charts of departments, which the Court of Auditors considers necessary for auditing the budgetary and financial outturn report on the basis of records or on the spot and, for the same purposes, all documents and data created or stored on a magnetic mediumdata carrier.
Amendment 461 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 154 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Part 1 – article 154 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. The Court of Auditors shall transmit to the institution or the body concerned any observations which are, in its opinion, such that they should appear in a special report. These observations must remain confidential and, that will become public in year n + 1, are subject to an adversarial procedure.
Amendment 462 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 154 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Part 1 – article 154 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
The special reports, together with the replies of the institutions or bodies concerned, shall be transmitted without delay, including translation delay, to the European Parliament and the Council, each of which shall decide, where appropriate in conjunction with the Commission, what action is to be taken in response.
Amendment 466 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 1 – article 158 a (new)
Part 1 – article 158 a (new)
Article 158a If in any given year the amount of write- offs is higher than the year before, this issue will need to be discussed by the discharge authority.
Amendment 470 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 178 – paragraph 11
Part 2 – article 178 – paragraph 11
Trust funds are created for a limited duration determined in their constitutive agreement. This duration may be extended once by a decision of the Commission upon request of the board.
Amendment 472 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 195 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 2 – article 195 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
If either branch of the budgetary authority intends to issue an opinion, it shall within twofour weeks after receipt of the information on the building project notify the institution concerned of its intention to issue such an opinion. Failing a reply, the institution concerned may proceed with the planned operation under its administrative autonomy, subject to Article 335 of the TFEU and Article 185 of the Euratom Treaty with regard to Union representation.
Amendment 473 #
2010/0395(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 196
Part 2 – article 196
Article 196 Article 196 The delegated Regulation referred to in Article 199 shall include a specific procedure for the selection of natural persons as experts, for assisting the institutions in the evaluation of grant applications, projects and tenders, and for providing opinion and advice in specific cases. These persons shall be paid on the basis of a fixed amount announced in advance and shall be chosen on the basis of their professional capacity. The selection shall be done on the basis of selection criteria respecting the principles of non- discrimination, equal treatment and absence of a possible conflict of interests.
Amendment 1 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Estonia's compliance with the Maastricht convergence criteria has led to a doubling of the rate of unemployment from 11,4 % to 19,8 % in the space of one year;
Amendment 2 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 3 #
2010/0135(NLE)
The European Parliament rejects the Commission proposal;
Amendment 4 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Favours the postponement of the adoption of the euro by Estonia beyond 1 January 2011;
Amendment 5 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that while Estonia has fulfilled the criteria, as a result of determined, credible and sustained efforts by the Estonian Government and the Estonian people, the social and economic price is too high for adoption of the euro in the immediate future;
Amendment 7 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 11 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 12 #
2010/0135(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Estonian Government and the Estonian people to recognise the political nature of the euro project and the fact that it is manifestly failing those who are already participating in it by not answering their real economic needs;
Amendment 39 #
2010/0054(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Lisbon Treaty foresees that Commission Delegations become part of the EEAS as Union Delegations. In order to ensure their efficient management, all administrative and support expenditure of Union Delegations which finance common costs should be executed by a single support service. To that effect, the Financial Regulation should foresee the possibility for detailed rules, to be agreed with the Commission, in order to facilitate the implementation of the Union Delegations’ operating appropriations entered in the EEAS and the Council sections of the Budget. The national Parliaments shall be informed of this.
Amendment 1 #
2009/2077(DEC)
Proposal for a decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2008
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth European Development Funds for the financial year 2008 notably in view of points 6, 7, 21, 22, 36 and 37 of the resolution;
Amendment 3 #
2009/2077(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls and supports the Commission’s undertaking that it will again raise its proposal to fully incorporate the EDF into the budget during discussions on the next financial framework; repeats its request to the Commission to keep its Committee on Budgetary Control fully informed of the preparation of this initiative; takes the view that incorporation of the EDF into the general budget of the European Union would make it possible to enhance the coherence, transparency and effectiveness of the EDF and to strengthen its oversight system;
Amendment 6 #
2009/2077(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that, according to the ECA, the revenue and commitments are free from material error; is, however, concerned about the high incidence of non- quantifiable errors in budget support commitments and assessments of a material level of error in the payments and considers that discharge cannot be granted until the documentation mentioned is submitted to the ECA for its consideration, for the purpose of expressing its opinion;
Amendment 8 #
2009/2077(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that, under Articles 1 and 103(3) of the Financial Regulation of 27 March 2003 applicable to the Ninth EDF and Articles 2, 3, 4 and 125(3) of Regulation (EC) No 215/2008, the statement of assurance (DAS) does not extend to the part of the Ninth and Tenth EDFs’ resources that is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) (more than EUR 3 500 000 000)1; takes the view that resources not covered by the DAS should regularly be the subject of an EIB reportmanaged by the EIB should also be covered by the DAS; recommends that this be considered when the new Financial Regulation is drafted;
Amendment 9 #
2009/2077(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes with satisfaction that the ECA found that the advance payments were free from material error; notdeplores nevertheless that the ECA found a material level of error affecting the amount of payments audited;
Amendment 1 #
2009/2074(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its suggestion toquests theat CoR to oblige its members to declare their financial interests, disclosing relevant information on declarable professional activities and remunerated posts or activities, especially since members of the CoR hold an electoral mandate or are politically accountable to an elected assembly;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2074(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
Amendment 1 #
2009/2073(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that members of the EESC do not declare their financial interests or disclose relevant information on declarable professional activities and remunerated posts or activities; reiterates its suggestion toquests that the EESC to introduces this obligation for its members without delay;
Amendment 3 #
2009/2073(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
Amendment 3 #
2009/2072(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 4 #
2009/2072(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the new integrated system for management and financial control (SAP), in operation since 1 January 2008, which enabled budget savings and gains in efficiency for the three institutions involved (the Council, the Court of Auditors and the Court of Justice); while it regrets that the Court did not implement the system before;
Amendment 1 #
2009/2071(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the constant reduction in the duration of proceedings before the ECJ, in particular, a significant reduction in the duration of preliminary ruling procedures; considers that this reduction is not yet satisfactory; notes the decrease in the number of cases completed (333 judgements and 161 orders compared to 379 and 172 in 2007), however, takes notice that the number of preliminary ruling cases was markedly higher; also notes that in 2008 the number of cases submitted (592) was the highest since 1979, which led to a minor increase in the number of cases pending at the end of 2008 (767 cases; 741 cases at the end of 2007);
Amendment 2 #
2009/2071(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the fact that the Court of First Instance in 2008 showed a 52 % increase in the number of cases decided, as well as a certain decrease in the duration of proceedings, which is not yet satisfactory; notes, however, that the number of new cases in 2008 was exceptionally high, (629 new cases compared to 522 in 2007), therefore the backlog of pending cases continued to increase also for the Court of First Instance (from 1154 in 2007 to 1178 in 2008);
Amendment 3 #
2009/2071(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the follow-up by the ECJ of the observations made by the Parliament and the ECA in previous discharges and reports, in particular, welcomes the measures taken to set up a selection procedure for the recruitment of auxiliary contract agents; however, regrets the reluctance of the ECJ to publish its members' declarations of financial interests, and reiterates its suggestion to reconsiderquests that it implements thatis practice without delay ;
Amendment 4 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ________Postpones its decision on granting the Council’s Secretary- General discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2008;
Amendment 8 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Condemns the Council for its perfunctory involvement in the discharge process, including its refusal to participate in Parliamentary discharge debates; believes that this demonstrates a contempt for Parliament’s discharge function and for the public’s right to see all those responsible for the use of European Union funds called to account, particularly in light of the fact that the Member States represented in the Council are in practice responsible for approximately 80 % of the actual expenditure of the Union’s budget;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Remindquests the Council of its resolution of 25 November 20091, which requires it to verify progress on the following matters: - the closing of all the Council’to confirm, before Parliament decides on discharge, that according to its resolution of 25 November 20091: - it has closed all its extra- budgetary accounts in accordance with the recommendations of the Council’s internal auditor, - theit has improvement ofd the verification of invoices following the recommendations of the Council’s internal auditor, - the publication ofit has published all administrative decisions when they are used as the legal basis for budget items, - theit has transmissiontted to Parliament and its competent committee of the Council’s annual activity report, required to be drawn up under Article 60(7) of the Financial Regulation, in accordance with the practice now adopted by all other institutions, - a full explanation ofit has explained fully the need to transfer money from one item to another within the Council’s budget, - the provision ofit has provided written answers to relevant questions asked by Parliament’s competent committee and its rapporteur, - theit is availabilityle and willingness of the Council to provide an oral explanation to Parliament’s competent committee, on the basis of these written answers, should they require further clarification;
Amendment 21 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Council ignores Parliament’s requests to review the Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1970, invoked by the Council and never actually signed by the Parliament,
Amendment 22 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas ‘citizens have the right to know how their taxes are being spent and how the power entrusted to political bodies is handled’1,
Amendment 24 #
2009/2070(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
Amendment 6 #
2009/2069(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that key elements of good corporate governance include honesty and integrity, transparency and openness, responsibility and accountability of the persons entrusted with corporate governance in an organisation;
Amendment 29 #
2009/2069(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Further stresses that Parliament's discharging of itself must be seen as an expression of its acknowledgement of itthis EU institution’s particular governance structures and management procedures as well as its political will and readiness: to ensure that: - 'appearance' does not substitute critical reality checks, and - ownership of any critical area is clear, and to avoid: - intrinsic oversight failure, and - a culture in which riding the waves becomes the rule and causing the waves the exrogance which is not unusual within the EU environment and opposes the most generally accepted and common sense corporate government conceptions;
Amendment 52 #
2009/2069(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. RecallNotes that at each stage of the procurement process - initial assessment of needs, preparing the call fno rules of public procurement have been set up for the purchase or trender, drawing up the calls for tender and the specifications, contacts with tenderers, opening of tenders, evaluation of tenders, award decision, conclusion of contracts - there are significant risks to the tal of buildings an area where the European Parliament operates at its own discretion and where there is prima fachievement of the abovementioned objectives and that action needs to be taken by the authorising officers by delegation, with the assistance of Parliament's central services, to reduce exposure to risk evidence that the deals negotiated do not correspond to the best in the market, nor are the needs for further room laid out before any such decision is taken;
Amendment 193 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
4. The objective of the Authority shall be to contribute to: (i) improving the functioning of the internal market, including in particular a high, effective and consistent level of regulation and supervision, (ii) protecting protect investors, (iii) ensuring the integrity, efficiency and orderly functioning of financial markets and maintaining liquidity in all market conditions, (iv) safeguarding the stability of the financial system, and (v) strengthening international supervisory coordination. For this purpose, the Authority shall contribute to ensuring the consistent, efficient and effective application of the CommunityUnion law referred to in Article 1(2) above, fostering supervisory convergence and providing opinions to the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission.
Amendment 236 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) Regulate market makers to ensure liquidity, competition and transparency;
Amendment 313 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
4. Where the competent national authority has not complied with CommunityUnion law within one month from receipt of the Authority's recommendation, the Commission may, after having been informed by the Authority or on its own initiative,Authority may take a decision requiring the competent national authority to take the action necessary to comply with CommunityUnion law.
Amendment 337 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. In the case of adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system in the Community, the Commission, upon its own initiative or following a request by the Authority, the Council, orEuropean Union, the ESRB, may adopt a decision addressed to the Authority, determining the existence of an emergency situation for the purposes of this regulation.
Amendment 474 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall ensure that no decision adopted under Articles 10 or 11 impinges in any wadirectly or indirectly on the fiscal responsibilities of Member States.
Amendment 487 #
2009/0144(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
In its notification, the Member State shallmay justify why and clearly demonstrate how the decision impinges on its fiscal responsibilities.
Amendment 339 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) The Authority shall regulate trading of financial products in both advancing and declining markets to prevent damage to investor protection and to maintain orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets. To maintain liquidity in markets short sales may be allowed after an uptick in price;
Amendment 422 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
4. Where the competent authority has not complied with Community law within one month from receipt of the Authority's recommendation, the Commission may, after having been informed by the Authority or on its own initiative,Authority may take a decision requiring the competent authority to take the action necessary to comply with Community law.
Amendment 452 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. In the case of adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system in the Community, the Commission, upon its own initiative or following a request by the Authority, the Council, or the ESRB, may adopt a decision addressed to the Authority, determining the existence of an emergency situation for the purposes of this regulationin order for the Authority to act without further requirements or delay.
Amendment 453 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. In the case of adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system in the Community, the Commission, upon its own initiative or following a request by the Authority, the Council, or the ESRB, may adopt a decision addressed to the Authority, determining the existence of an emergency situation for the purposes of this regulation.
Amendment 591 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. The Banking Stakeholder Group shall be composed of 30 members, representing in balanced proportions Community credit and investment institutions, their employeesSMEs, academics, representatives of employee organisation as well as consumers and users of banking services.
Amendment 621 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Authority shall ensure that no decision adopted under Articles 10 or 11 impinges in any wadirectly or indirectly on the fiscal responsibilities of Member States.
Amendment 627 #
2009/0142(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
In its notification, the Member State shallmay justify why and clearly demonstrate how the decision impinges on its fiscal responsibilities.
Amendment 90 #
2009/0132(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 1 – point a – point i
Article 1 – point 1 – point a – point i
Directive 2003/71/EC
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) securities included in an offer where the total consideration of the offer in the Community is less than EUR 210 500 000, which limit shall be calculated over a period of 12 months;
Amendment 112 #
2009/0132(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 3 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – point 3 – point a a (new)
Directive 2003/71/EC
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(aa) In paragraph 2, the following point is added after point (e): "(ea) rights issues of companies whose securities are already admitted for trading on a regulated market. Member states may also choose to extend this proportionality disclosure regime to offers of equity securities by companies whose equity securities are admitted to trading on a Multilateral trading facility (MTF) as defined in Article 4(1)(15) of Directive 2004/39/EC."
Amendment 139 #
2009/0132(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 7 – point b
Article 1 – point 7 – point b
Directive 2003/71/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
Amendment 192 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to avoid imposing excessive or disproportionate requirements, this Directive provides for an exemption for AIFM where the cumulative AIF under management fall below a threshold of EUR 1200 million. The activities of the AIFM concerned are unlikely to have significant consequences for financial stability or market efficiency. For AIFM which only manage unleveraged AIF and do not grant investors redemption rights during a period of five years a specific threshold of EUR 500 m1 billion applies. This specific threshold is justified by the fact that managers of unleveraged funds, specialised in long term investments, are even less likely to cause systemic risks. Furthermore, the five years lock-up of investors eliminates liquidity risks. AIFM which are exempt from this Directive should continue to be subject to any relevant national legislation. They should however be allowed to be treated as AIFM subject to the opt-in procedure foreseen by this Directive.
Amendment 232 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Reliable and objective asset valuation is crucial for the protection of investor interests. Different AIFM employ different methodologies and systems for valuing assets, depending on the assets and markets in which they predominantly invest. It is appropriate to recognise these differences but to, nevertheless, require the valuation of assets to be undertaken by an entity which is independent of the AIFM. The AIFM should be able to delegate the process for valuation of assets and the calculation of the net asset value (NAV) to a third party.
Amendment 302 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) In particular the Commission should be empowered to adopt the measuresdelegated necessary for the implementation of this Directive. In this respect, the Commission should be able to adopt measures acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty determining the procedures under which AIFM managing portfolios of AIF whose assets under management do not exceed the threshold set out in this Directive may exercise their right to be treated as AIFM covered by this Directive. Theose measures areacts should also be designed to specify the criteria to be used by competent authorities to assess whether AIFM comply with their obligations as regards their conduct of business, the type of conflicts of interests AIFM have to identify, as well as the reasonable steps AIFM are expected to take in terms of internal and organizsational procedures in order to identify, prevent, manage and disclose conflicts of interest. They arshould also be designed to specify the risk management requirements to be employed by AIFM as a function of the risks which the AIFM incurs on behalf of the AIF that it manages as well as any arrangements needed to enable AIFM to manage the particular risks associated with short selling transactions, including any relevant restrictions that might be needed to protect the AIF from undue risk exposures. They arshould also be designed to specify the liquidity management requirements of this Directive and in particular the minimum liquidity requirements for AIF. They arshould also be designed to specify the requirements that originators of securitisation instruments have to meet in order for an AIFM to be allowed to invest in such instruments issued after 1 January 2011. They arshould also be as well designed to specify the requirements that AIFM have to comply with when investing in such securitisation instruments. They are designed to specify the criteria under which a valuator can be considered independent in the meaning of this Directive. They are designed to specify the conditions under which the delegation of AIFM functions should be approved andshould also be designed to specify the conditions under which the manager could no longer be considered to be the manager of the AIF in case of excessive delegation. They arshould also be designed to specify the content and format of the annual report that AIFM have to make available for each AIF they manage and to specify the disclosure obligations of AIFM to investors and reporting requirements to competent authorities as well as their frequency. They arshould also be designed to specify the disclosure requirements imposed on AIFM as regards leverage and the frequency of reporting to competent authorities and of disclosure to investors. They arshould also be designed to setting limits to the level of leverage AIFM can employ when managing AIF. They arshould also be designed to determine the detailed content and the way AIFM acquiring controlling influence in issuers and non-listed companies should fulfil their information obligation towards issuers and non-listed companies and their respective shareholders and representatives of employees, including the information to be provided in the annual reports of the AIF they manage. They arshould also be designed to specify the types of restrictions or conditions that can be imposed on the marketing of AIF to professional investor in the home Member State of the AIFM. They arshould also be designed to specify general criteria for assessing equivalence of valuation standards of third countries where the valuator is established in a third country, the equivalence of legislation of third countries regarding depositaries and, for the purpose of the authorisation of AIFM established in third countries, the equivalence of prudential regulation and ongoing supervision. They arshould also be designed to specify general criteria for assessing whether third countries grant CommunityUnion AIFM effective market access comparable to that granted by the CommunityUnion to AIFM from third countries. They arshould also be designed to specify the modalities, content and frequency of exchange of information regarding AIFM between the competent authorities of the home Member State of the AIFM and other competent authorities where the AIFM individually or collectively with other AIFM may have an impact on the stability of systemically relevant financial institutions and the orderly functioning of markets. They arshould also be designed to specify the procedures for on-the-spot verifications and investigations.
Amendment 351 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) AIFM which either directly or indirectly through a company with which the AIFM is linked by common management or control, or by a substantive direct or indirect holding, manage portfolios of AIF whose assets under management, including any assets acquired through use of leverage, in total do not exceed a threshold of 1EUR 200 million Euro or 500 millions eurosor EUR 1 billion when the portfolio of AIF consists of AIF that are not leveraged and with no redemption rights exercisable during a period of 5 years following the date of constitution of each AIF;
Amendment 386 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point gl (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point gl (new)
(gl) publicly listed closed-end investment trusts.
Amendment 706 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. AIFM shall ensure that, for each AIF that it manages, a valuator is appointed which is independent of the AIFM to establish the value of assets acquired by the AIF and the value of the shares and units of the AIF.
Amendment 769 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 4
Article 16 – paragraph 4
Amendment 893 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 3
3. The depositary shall be a credit institution having its registered office in the CommunityUnion and be authorised in accordance with Directive 2006/48/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 14 June 2006 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions (recast)r registered in other jurisdictions with equivalent regulation.
Amendment 920 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
4. Depositaries may delegate their tasks to other depositaries authorised in the Union or elsewhere.
Amendment 941 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
In case of any loss of financial instruments which the depositary safe-keeps, the depositary can only discharge itself of its liabilitybe held liable if it canis proven that it couldid not have avoided the loss which has occurreexercise due diligence and reasonable care or obligation of means over assets held.
Amendment 1022 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. The third party may not sub-delegate any of the functions delegated to it except monitoring and oversight.
Amendment 1498 #
2009/0064(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 35
Article 35
Amendment 1 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 (to be inserted also into the decision if adopted)
Citation 3 (to be inserted also into the decision if adopted)
- having regard to the Council's annual report to the discharge authority on internal audits carried out in 2007, of which its competent committee should have received the full version,
Amendment 2 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 (to be inserted also into the decision if adopted)
Citation 4 (to be inserted also into the decision if adopted)
– having regard to the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on implementation of the budget for the financial year 2007, together with the audited institutions' replies1, 1 OJ C 286, 10.11.2008, p. 1.which contains only one paragraph concerning the Council, Or. en
Amendment 4 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Citation 3 (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
- having regard to a summary of the Council's annual report to the discharge authority on internal audits carried out in 2007, bearing in mind that, unlike other documents referred to here, this document was only transmitted to the committee's chairman and the discharge rapporteur,
Amendment 5 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Citation 4 (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
- having regard to the single paragraph in the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the implementation of the budget concerning the financial year 2007, together with the audited institutions'hat relates to the Council, consisting of a mere 31 words, together with the Council's replies*, 1,
Amendment 6 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Citation 4 a (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
- having regard to the practice whereby Members of the European Court of Auditors including the Member responsible for auditing the Council are politically appointed, which complicates the writing of a thorough and independent report,
Amendment 7 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Citation 9 a (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Amendment 8 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
Citation 9 b (new) (also to be inserted into the decision if adopted)
- having regard to the letter the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs sent to the competent committee on 11 May 2009, which states that ‘Increased transparency is in line with the Council’s principles and should be the basis for the budget management of all EU institutions’,
Amendment 12 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 - bullet point 7
Paragraph 5 - bullet point 7
• whether the Council is ready to meet formally with its competent committee in order to answer questions from its Members,
Amendment 13 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Proposal for a decision
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the Council failed to clarify important elements, as specified in point 5 of the motion for a resolution,
Amendment 14 #
2008/2277(DEC)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. GrantRefuses discharge to the Secretary- General of the Council in respect of the implementation of the Council's budget for the financial year 2007;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Paragraph 1
1. .........Postpones the decision to grant the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the European Union general budget for the financial year 2008;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Paragraph 1
1. ................Postpones approval of the closure of the accounts of the European Union general budget for the financial year 2008 for the reasons set out in, inter alia, points 1, 2, 5, 19 and 45 of the motion for a resolution that accompanies this decision;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Deplores the fact that the European Court of Auditors cannot state that the accounts are ‘true’ as the Court’s external auditor, Price Waterhouse, states about the Court’s accounts;
Amendment 31 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses nonetheless its concern at the Court’s obreservations regarding weaknesses identified in certain bodies and Directorates-General of the Commission in the accounting system for invoices/cost statements and pre-financing which put at risk the quality of financial information, and considers such reservations to be critical for the European Parliament when considering discharge and approval of closure of the accounts;
Amendment 33 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets that the Statement of Assurance (DAS) still remains qualified iEuropean Court of Auditors gives an adverse opinion on extremely important Community spending areas of the budget for the 2008 financial year (Rural development, Structural measures, Research, energy and transport, External actions at the level of implementing organisations and Enlargement), where payments are still affected by large-scale material errors;
Amendment 39 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the Court’s assessment, made each year since the Maastricht Treaty, on how the Commission manages the EU funds has proven to be a useful tool for improving the management of these funds, and recognises that the Commission has made great efforts to improve management, albeit not enough to allow for a positive DAS after 15 years of promises of getting the accounts cleared;
Amendment 41 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Nevertheless, considers also that having only one global and annual assessment does not reflect the complex structure of the European Communities´ finances, and fFurther considers that to continue to have a negative annual assessment after 15 consecutive years may havehas negative repercussions amongst citizens who do not understand why the Court always gives a negative opinion;
Amendment 47 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is concerned that outstanding budgetary commitments (unused commitments carried forward to be used in future years), mainly on multiannual programmes, increased in 2008 by EUR 16,4 billion (11,8 %) to EUR 155,0 billion (point 3.9 of the 2008 Annual Report), whilst acknowledging that this is due to delays in certain cases in the start-up phase of the new programmes while in others it reflects a poor budget planning process;
Amendment 67 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Draws attention to the first paragraph of Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which clearly provides that Member States are to cooperate with the Commission to ensure that the appropriations are used in accordance with the principles of sound financial management, and remains convinced that progress will be made by obtaining national management declarations covering all EU funds coming under shared management, as requested by Parliament in its last five annual discharge resolutions; considers, however, that such management declarations will not enable significant progress to be made unless the Commission exercises adequate controls before releasing payments;
Amendment 70 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls on the Commission to propose, within the framework of the review of the Financial Regulation, the obligation for Member States to issue national management declarations signed at an appropriate political level and certified by their national supreme audit body, as a means of administrative relief as well as improveding administration of funds under shared management;
Amendment 74 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Proposes that national audit bodies, in their capacity as independent external auditors, and with due regard for international audit standards, issue national audit certificates for the management of EU funds, which wshould be the basis ofnot be confused with national management declarations, as one is a declaration issued by the recipient of the funds and the other that of an auditor, with all the differences that this implies;
Amendment 82 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notwithstanding the progressive improvement in the DAS since 2003 (5647 % of expenditure given the Court’s green light in 2008 compared to 6 % in 2003), remains concerned by the Court’s assessment that it is not yet possible to determine whether the Action Plan has had a measurable impact on the supervisory and control systems, and that the Commission is not able to demonstrate that the steps taken by it to improve supervisory and control systems have been effective in mitigating the risk of error in some areas of the budget (points 2.28 and 2.33 of the 2008 Annual Report);
Amendment 84 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Believes that this will be a crucial tool for assessing what future improvements can be achieved and at what cost, as recommended by the Court in its 2008 Annual Report (point 2.35(a)), and for achieving progress on the question of tolerable risk of error; considers, however, that control on the use of taxpayers´ money should not be limited by the cost implication of any such control;
Amendment 87 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Welcomes the above-mentioned Commission communication of 16 December 2008 on a common understanding of the concept of tolerable risk of error as a sound methodological basis for an economic analysis of acceptable levels of risk, while insisting that any use of taxpayers’ money on ineligible programmes should be considered unacceptable;
Amendment 90 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Recalls Action 4 of the above- mentioned Action Plan, which, in line with the recommendations of Parliament, proposes the initiation of ‘interinstitutional dialogue on risks to be tolerated in the underlying transactions’; notes, however, that implementation of this action has scarcely begun and that the risk is not to be confused with the actual level of error;
Amendment 91 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
Amendment 95 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
Amendment 102 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Regrets that, in the 2008 Annual Report, the Court once again stresses that some of the annual activity reports still do not include sufficient evidence for its DAStie in with the conclusions arrived at by the Court from its own testing;
Amendment 105 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67
Paragraph 67
67. Expects the Commission to begin the process of consulting Parliament on revision of the present Code of Conduct of the Members of the Commission in accordance with the common understanding reached on 27 January 2010 between President José Manuel Barroso and Parliament’s Working Party on the revision of the Framework Agreement between the Parliament and the Commission, and to adopt the revised version of its Code of Conduct of the Members of the Commission by August 2010 at the latest, whilst observing that this revision should have been done prior to the appointment of the new Commission;
Amendment 113 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76
Paragraph 76
76. Reiterates the importance of taking into account Parliament’s first-reading position of 20 November 2008 on a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and wishes to re- emphasise that, for the future strength of OLAF, it should remain within the Commission whilst retaining its independencebe externalised as its present position within the Commission seriously compromises its independence in the eyes of all concerned, notably those of the taxpayer, who sees the Commission as judge and party, which is the reality of the situation;
Amendment 117 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78
Paragraph 78
78. Stresses its proposals regarding the profile of an appropriate candidate for the post of Director-General of OLAF, as contained in Parliament’s above- mentioned first-reading position of 20 November 2008; takes the view that the terms of the vacancy notice need to reflect this demand and stresses that the entire selection procedure needs to be carried out in an interinstitutional framework which fully respects Parliament’s prerogatives; points out that the said first-reading position should not impose any limitation on consideration of candidates possessing a strong understanding of financial flows and processes, a background which a magistrate or an investigator may not have and which is essential to be able to lead OLAF into areas of prevention and detection of fraud which should be its core functions;
Amendment 126 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Regrets the Court’s finding concerning Rural Development expenditure, which is still affected by an unacceptably high level of errors, althougheven if the estimated error level was lower than in previous years;
Amendment 133 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 97
Paragraph 97
97. Is concerned that errors in the area of Cohesion funding indicate that at least 11 % of the total amount reimbursed should not have been paid out, with no improvement on 2007, and that, as in former years, the complexity of the system and the effects of shared management are clearly indicated as major problems, although they do not explain the high percentage of funds which have been wrongly paid; notes that the Commission has failed once again to simplify the rules;
Amendment 137 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99
Paragraph 99
99. Notes that the Action Plan to strengthen the Commission’s supervisory role under shared management of structural actions, presented in 2008, was not fully implemented in 2008 and would not have remedied the main problem, namely that of over-complex rules combined with implementation requirements which differ from one Member State to another and sometimes even between different regions; stresses moreover that its impact cannot be assessed as errors committed in previous years are still affecting the expenditure reimbursed by the Commission, as the Court has rightly pointed out in its Annual Report (point 6.34);
Amendment 141 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 104
Paragraph 104
104. Is concerned that, with the 2000-2006 programming period coming to an end, national authorities, under pressure to absorb all committed funds, may have submitted an increasing number of unforeseen projects; stresses the need to ensure that this situation will not be repeated in the current programming period and calls on the Commission to strictly apply corrective and dissuasive measures (suspensions of payments and financial corrections) against Member States where appropriatenot to encourage such policy;
Amendment 146 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112
Paragraph 112
112. Welcomes theDeplores the fact that there has been only a slight reduction in errors compared to previous years for this policy group as; wellcomes the improvement concerning late payments, the Court having found that the Commission considerably improved its performance in 2008 in making timely payments to beneficiaries;
Amendment 147 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 117
Paragraph 117
117. Is concerned that the EU’s public image may suffer as a result of the stakeholders’ realisation that stricter control systems are applied to the agricultural domain than to research implementation, which is not under shared management;
Amendment 201 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the implementation of EU policies is characterised by the ‘shared management’ of the Community budget by the Commission and the Member States, under which 80 % of Community expenditure is administercorresponds to programmes implemented by the Member States,
Amendment 203 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas improvement of the financial management in the Union must be supported by a close monitoring of progress in the Commission and in the Member States, and whereas Member States should assume responsibility in cooperation with the Commission for the management of EU funds, ensuring the completion of an EU integrated internal control framework with the aim of obtaining a positive Statement of Assurance (DAS),
Amendment 204 #
2008/2186(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Parliament’s Committee on Budgets should take due account of the 2008 discharge results and recommendations during the next budgetary procedure – a process that did not occur in respect of the 2007 discharge,