2024/2030(DEC) | [ParlTrack]

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Calls on EU Agencies to review and evaluate the intensity of work, taking into account the proportion of internal staff and national experts and their respective functions; recalls the importance of providing these Agencies with the necessary technical and human resources to fulfil their tasks.

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Notes the Court’s observations for agencies concern shortcomings in public procurement procedures, management and control systems and budgetary management and that weaknesses in public procurement procedures remain the main source of irregular payments;

Amendment 17 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Appreciates the five agencies’ efforts to further develop their digital and online communication in order to increase their visibility and raise awareness of their high-impact work;

Amendment 18 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Highlights the necessity for the Agency to report on the specific impacts and significant improvements achieved through its work;

Amendment 19 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3 b. Recalls that the EU Agencies have a duty to promote stability in employment; calls, therefore, for all permanent needs to be matched with permanent employment relationships, thus guaranteeing job security for workers and the necessary resources for the agencies to fulfil their functions;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Expresses its satisfaction that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has declared the transactions underlying the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), the European Training Foundation (ETF), and the European Labour Authority (ELA) annual accounts for the financial year 2023 to be overall legal and regular, and that their financial position as at 31 December 2023 is fairly representedDenounces that the multiplication of EU agencies, including those in the fields of employment and social affairs, goes against the principle of proportionality established in the Treaty on European Union;

Amendment 20 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3 b. Recommends that, in the absence of demonstrable improvements, a thorough evaluation of the EU Agencies necessity and efficiency is to be conducted;

Amendment 21 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3 c. Underlines the need for concrete, tangible and measurable outcomes and that complete transparency about the improvements resulting from the Agencies activities is essential to enhance citizens trust in the European Union;

Amendment 22 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)

3 d. Recalls that from the year 2000 onwards, thirty-two out of forty-three agencies have been set up, including one on employment and social affairs;

Amendment 23 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges that the high inflation rate in 2023, and the related increase in various costs and utilities, affects significantly the agencies’ budget dedicated to operational expenditure, in particular for agencies located in Member States experiencing the highest inflation rateRecalls the warning issued by the European Court of Auditors’ Annual report that there is a high operational expenditure risk in EU agencies, including those relating to employment and social affairs;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Welcomes the agencies’ efforts to implement policies on diversity and inclusiveness, particularly when it comes to persons with disabilities; encourages the agencies to enhance comparable data collection on the employment of persons with disabilities;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)

(1) Recognise the progress made within the Agencies towards gender balance within their staff: calls for further efforts to ensure gender balance also at the senior management level and to mainstream gender in all their activities;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – point 2 (new)

(2) Calls for the Commission to ensure that the Agencies have sufficient funds to implement effective, inclusive and cross-sectoral Social Dialogue within the European Union with the aim of supporting social and economic progress, ensuring equal opportunities for all, quality jobs and fair working conditions, reducing poverty and inequalities and fostering a just and fair transition to climate-neutrality, as well as the ability to support dialogue and capacity building of social partners in the accession countries;

Amendment 27 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Recalls the importance of health and safety at work, which should not be jeopardised by the increase in the cost of living; calls on all EU Agencies to meet the highest standards of health and safety at work and to ensure that workers have access to their annual medical examination by reviewing procedures, measures and allocation of resources accordingly, including the necessary professional training;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Acknowledges that the total budget of the agencies, including those in the fields of employment and social affairs, amounts to 12% of the EU’s general budget;

Amendment 29 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Commends the Agency for the achievement of 95 % of its annual work programme, with 36 out of 38 outputs delivered in 2023;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Expresses its satisfaction that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has declared the ~~transactions~~revenue underlying the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), the European Training Foundation (ETF), and the European Labour Authority (ELA) annual accounts for the financial year 2023 to be overall legal and regular, and that their financial position as at 31 December 2023 is fairly represented;

Amendment 30 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the Foundation’s work on enhancing and disseminating knowledge, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, to analyse policy options to improve working conditions, industrial relations, employment and living, and to produce expertise on right to disconnect, telework, hybrid work and related impacts on work– life balance and quality of working conditionsNotes that Eurofound’s budget has increased from EUR 26 million in 2022 to EUR 30 million in 2023 (16% increase), more than double the inflation rate (6.3%);

Amendment 31 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the Foundation’s high quality work on enhancing and disseminating knowledge, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, to analyse policy options to improve working conditions, industrial relations, employment and living, and to produce expertise on right to disconnect, telework, hybrid work and related impacts on work– life balance and quality of working conditions; highly values the Foundation’s work in providing insights on pressing issues, such as poverty, the inaccessibility of affordable housing, labour shortages, and just transition;

Amendment 32 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the Foundation’s continued high-quality work on enhancing and disseminating knowledge, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, to analyse policy options to improve working conditions, industrial relations, employment and living, and to produce expertise on inter alia inequality, inclusive labour markets, housing, right to disconnect, telework, hybrid work, the shift to a carbon-neutral economy and related impacts on work– life balance and quality of working conditions;

Amendment 33 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the Foundation’s work on enhancing and disseminating knowledge, for its joint outputs and activities with other Agencies, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, to analyse policy options to improve working conditions, industrial relations, employment and living, and to produce expertise on right to disconnect, telework, hybrid work and related impacts on work– life balance and quality of working conditions;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the Foundation’s work on enhancing and disseminating knowledge, and providing evidence-based expertise to support the development of better informed social, employment and work-related policies in Europe, to analyse policy options to improve working conditions, industrial relations, employment and living, and to produce expertise on right to disconnect, telework, hybrid work and related impacts on work– life balance, psychosocial risks to workers’ well-being, intergenerational inequalities and quality of working conditions;

Amendment 35 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Observes some of the Foundation’s most important publications in 2023 on topics as job quality (including of essential workers), hybrid work, right to disconnect, involvement of the social partners in setting and implementing the national resilience and recovery plans, and minimum wages in Europe;

Amendment 36 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Commends the Agency for the achievement of 95 % of its annual work programme, with 36 out of 38 outputs delivered in 2023;

Amendment 37 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Appreciates the Foundation’s report on right to disconnect published in 2023 which fills an information gap by providing evidence on how the right to disconnect is implemented at company level and what the impact is;

Amendment 38 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Expresses its ~~satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Foundation’s accounts and invites the Foundation to address the ECA’s remarks~~relief that Eurofound’s staff has not increased from 2022 to 2023;

Amendment 39 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Foundation’s accounts, including on the legality and regularity of payments, and invites the Foundation to address the ECA’s remarks;

Amendment 4 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Emphasises that even a 2% materiality threshold can represent a significant financial amount, given the size of the General budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), including in headings related to employment and social matters; therefore, requests an analysis of the feasibility of applying a lower materiality threshold; warns that maintaining the 2% threshold without significant reduction undermines accountability and transparency; recommends that the report be signed by a physical person, in accordance with sound auditing practices, to ensure personal accountability and to enable European Parliament committees, including the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, to properly hold individuals accountable for the findings presented;

Amendment 40 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Notes from the Foundation’s report with regard to the follow-up measures taken in light of the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Foundation for the financial year 2022 that corrective actions have been taken in connection to its procurement templates and traineeship scheme;

Amendment 41 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes th~~e 16,8 % of carryover rate, above the 15 % benchmark, and the Foundation’s reply making a distinction between planned and unplanned carry- overs, the latest being assessed at 4 % by the Foundation~~at Eurofound has made a payment of EUR 38.6 thousand to a contract provider for quality assessment of survey data without collecting some key supporting documents relating to the contractual deliverables;

Amendment 42 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes the 1~~6,8~~7 % of carryover rate, above the 15 % benchmark, and the Foundation’s reply making a distinction between planned and unplanned carry- overs, the latest being assessed at 4 % by the Foundation;

Amendment 43 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Welcomes the corrective action taken by the Foundation on the engagement of trainees and on the conditions for the update of their remuneration;

Amendment 44 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Appreciates th~~e Agency’s activities to develop, gather and provide reliable and relevant information, analysis and tools on national and EU priorities in the field of occupational safety and health~~at EU-OSHA’s budget has not been increased from 2022 to 2023, despite the fact that inflation has been 6.3%;

Amendment 45 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Appreciates the Agency’s activities to develop, gather and provide reliable and relevant information, analysis and tools ~~on national and EU priorities in the field of occupational safety and health~~to advance knowledge, raise awareness and exchange occupational safety and health (OSH) information and good practice in order to promote healthy and safe workplaces in Europe in particular their work on the health and social care sector and psychosocial risks at the workplace;

Amendment 46 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Appreciates the Agency’s activities to develop, gather and provide reliable and relevant information, analysis and tools ~~on national and EU priorities in the field of occupational safety and health~~to advance knowledge, raise awareness, and exchange information and good practise on national and EU priorities in the field of occupational safety and health, which contribute to the Union policy aiming to promote healthy and safe work places across the Union;

Amendment 47 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Notes the prominent role of the Agency in delivering on the priorities and principles identified in the European Pillar of Social Rights and the EU OSH Strategic Framework; appreciates in this regard the Agency’s continued significant contribution, through several actions carried out alone or in collaboration with EU institutions, other agencies and bodies;

Amendment 48 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Appreciates that EU-OSHA’s staff has decreased from 65 employees in 2022 to 63 in 2023;

Amendment 49 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s accounts, including on the legality and regularity of payments, and invites the Agency to address the ECA’s remarks;

Amendment 5 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Calls on all EU Agencies to improve their public procurement procedures by applying the social clause provided for in the current EU Public Procurement Directive, so as to ensure that companies receiving EU funding comply with all applicable environmental, social and labour obligations established by EU law, national law or collective agreements, or by applicable international environmental, social or labour provisions.

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11 a. Notes that EU-OSHA split two contracts of €14.7 thousand and €15 thousand, respectively, in order to avoid a tender competition and award them directly;

Amendment 51 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Note~~Considers the 29 % of carryover rate~~, way above~~ unacceptable, as it is almost the double of the 15 % benchmark, and refuses the Agency’s reply linking part of the carryover to commitments planned in the Agency’s Single Programming Document;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Notes with satisfaction the cost- cutting actions performed by the Agency for allocating resources to the Agency’s core tasks; welcomes the Agency’s implementation of the AGM system (Advanced Gateway to Meetings), which will help provide an electronic and automated system for reimbursements of experts which was a significant factor in non-compliance with the payment time limits;

Amendment 53 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Apprecia~~Notes theat Cedefop’s activities to provide research, analyses and technical advice and expertise in vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies, to compile and disseminate research on skills mismatches, and to ensure digital skills are integrated into VET across the Union, as well as, the Cedefop involvement in the 2023 European Year of Skillsbudget has increased from EUR 26 million in 2022 to EUR 28 million in 2023 (9% increase), fifty per cent higher than the inflation rate (6%);

Amendment 54 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 15

15. Appreciates the Cedefop’s ~~activities to~~high quality work on provideing research, analyses and technical advice and expertise in vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies~~, to compile and disseminate research on skills mismatches~~ with the aim of promoting high-quality training tailored to the needs of individuals and of the labour market, and to ensure digital skills are integrated into VET across the Union, as well as, the Cedefop involvement in the 2023 European Year of Skills;

Amendment 55 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 15

15. Appreciates the Cedefop’s activities to provide research, analyses and technical advice and expertise in vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies, as well as modernisation of apprenticeships to compile and disseminate research on skills mismatches and labour shortages, and to ensure digital skills are integrated into VET across the Union, as well as, the Cedefop involvement in the 2023 European Year of Skills;

Amendment 56 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s accounts and inv~~Notes that Cedefop’s staff has increased from 108 employees in 2022 to 109 employees in 2023, despites the ~~Agency to address the ECA’s observations~~fact that its functions remain the same;

Amendment 57 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s accounts ~~and invites the Agency to address the ECA’s observation~~, including on the legality and regularity of payments, and that the Court has no observations for 2023; invites the Agency to address the ECA’s outstanding observations from previous years;

Amendment 58 #

Romana TOMC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s accounts and invites the Agency to address the ECA’s observations for previous years;

Amendment 59 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16 a. Commends Cedefop for its exemplary commitment (100%) and payment (98%) appropriations rates successfully demonstrating the optimal use of resources entrusted to Cedefop;

Amendment 6 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Appreciates the high quality work performed by the agencies working in the area of employment, social affairs and inclusion (Eurofound, EU-OSHA, CEDEFOP, ETF and ELA); recalls the particular mandates of these agencies and the specific composition of their management bodies based on the tripartite principle and thus including representatives of the national authorities and social partners; recognises that trough their members the management bodies ensure the necessary alignment between the agencies’ work and stakeholders’ needs and priorities;

Amendment 60 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16 b. Welcomes Cedefop’s cooperation with other agencies in the EMPL remit particularly with ELA with the connection of EURES vacancies data with Cedefop Skills-OVATE;

Amendment 61 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 17

17. Notes the Cedefop’s corrective action taken regarding the daily subsistence allowances paid to Greek seconded national experts, but regrets that the corrective action does not include the monthly subsistence allowances;

Amendment 62 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17 a. Notes with appreciation the Centre’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030; welcomes the adoption of a climate neutrality strategy and roadmap in 2023 and the efforts to become EMAS certified by 2025;

Amendment 63 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 18 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Appreciates Cedefop’s own committment to climate neutrality, its climate neutrality strategy as well as its roadmap to reduce GHG emissions and impact on the environment in general; strongly encourages other specialised agencies to establish similar plans and policies to reduce their carbon footprint and their energy consumption and overall environmental performance aligned with the EU’s own climate goal applying the EMAS when not in place as yet;

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Apprecia~~Notes theat ETF’s activities in helping the Union, Member States and its partner countries to harness the potential of their human capital and to improve the employment prospects through the reform of education, vocational training, skills and labour market systems, as well as, the ETF role in the 2023 European Year of Skillsbudget has increased from EUR 25 million in 2022 to EUR 31 million in 2023 (22% increase), more than triple the inflation rate (6.3%);

Amendment 65 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s ac~~Notes that ETF illegally awarded an in-country support services count~~s and inv~~ract for €4 million, despites the ~~Agency to address the ECA’s remarks, especially concerning open procurement procedure~~fact that the economic and financial capacity of the awarded tenderer had not been demonstrated;

Amendment 66 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 20

20. Expresses its satisfaction for the positive ECA’s opinion on the Agency’s accounts ~~and~~, including on the legality and regularity of payments, and that the Court has no new observations for 2023; invites the Agency to address the ECA’s remarks, especially concerning open procurement procedure from 2022;

Amendment 67 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 21

21. Notes theat ETF’s confirmation that it has reviewed its methodologies on financial solvency in the tendering evaluation process and on financial assessment illegally awarded a EUR 1 million framework contract for content support services to a provider that did not reach the financial turnover required in the tender;

Amendment 68 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Notes the Commission’s recommendation to improve the geographical and gender balance among its staff, and to further cooperate with the ELA and the European Institute for Gender Equality~~Under the foregoing circumstances, manifests an impossibility to discharge the implementation of ETF’s budget for the financial year 2023;

Amendment 69 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23

23. Appreciates the Authority’s work to assist Member States and the Commission in ensuring a fair and effective enforcement of Union rules on labour mobility and coordination of social security systems, in facilitating effective labour mobility in Europe through European Employment Services (EURES) activities, and to raising awareness, through training and information campaigns, about the rights and obligations of workers and employersNotes that ELA’s budget has increased from EUR 35 million in 2022 to EUR 39 million in 2023 (13% increase), more than double the inflation rate (6.3%);

Amendment 7 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Stresses the importance, autonomy and added value of the five agencies in their field of expertise; reiterates the need to equip the agencies at a level commensurate to the assigned tasks, with a sufficient number of staff, employed in a stable manner and having sufficient material resources;

Amendment 70 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23

23. Appreciates the Authority’s work to assist Member States and the Commission in ensuring a fair and effective enforcement of Union rules on labour mobility and coordination of social security systems, in facilitating effective labour mobility in Europe through European Employment Services (EURES) activities, making it easier for citizens and businesses to benefit from the internal market, and to raising awareness, through training and information campaigns, about the rights and obligations of workers and employers;

Amendment 71 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23

23. Appreciates the Authority’s work to assist Member States and the Commission in ensuring a fair and effective enforcement of Union rules on labour mobility and coordination of social security systems, in facilitating effective labour mobility in Europe through European Employment Services (EURES) activities, joint inspections and to raising awareness, through training and information campaigns, about the rights and obligations of workers and employers;

Amendment 72 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23

23. Appreciates the Authority’s work to assist Member States and the Commission in ensuring a fair and effective enforcement of Union rules on labour mobility and coordination of social security systems, in facilitating effective labour mobility in Europe through European Employment Services (EURES) activities, and to raising awareness, through training and information campaigns, about the rights and obligations of workers and employers, making it easier for citizens and businesses to reap the benefits of the internal market;

Amendment 73 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Welcomes in particular the Authority’s #EU4FairConstruction information campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the rights and obligations of workers and employers in the construction sector with a dedicated focus on posting of workers and actions on digital tools to support labour mobility, including training on the IMI, EESSI, and ERRU systems as well as its support and coordination to 76 concerted and joint inspections in 2023, more than doubling the number from 2022;

Amendment 74 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Notes that the year 2023 was a final year of the Authority’s setup and growth phase, resulting in reaching full operational capacity, as regards both operational activities and resources;

Amendment 75 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 23 b (new)

23 b. Welcomes the adoption of the Authority’s business continuity plan in September 2023;

Amendment 76 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction for the overall positive ECA’s opinion on the Authority’s accounts; notes, however, the ECA’s remarks on a basis for qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments underlying the accountsNotes that ELA’s staff has increased from 117 employees in 2022 to 141 employees in 2023 (21% increase), despite the fact that its functions have not been legally increased;

Amendment 77 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction for the ~~overall~~ positive ECA’s opinion on the legality and regularity of underlying revenue and reliability of the Authority’s accounts; notes, however, the ECA’s ~~remarks on a basis for~~ qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments underlying the accounts due to irregular expenditure exceeding the materiality threshold;

Amendment 78 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 25

25. In this regards, notes the ECA’s opinion on an irregular contract awarding and the Authority’s reply that the concerned contract was not renewed and ran until the end to avoid disruption in the Authority’s activitiesNotes that ELA illegally awarded a contract for EUR 12.9 million, despite the fact that the tender specifications had established a maximum value of EUR 6 million, thereby allowing for the irregular allocation of public funds at an amount of EUR 6.9 million;

Amendment 79 #

Irena JOVEVA, Hristo PETROV, Brigitte VAN DEN BERG, Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 25

25. In this regards, ~~notes the ECA’s opinion on an irregular contract awarding and the Authority’s reply that the concerned contrac~~condemns the practice relating to irregular contract awarding and considers unacceptable the Authority’s reply about the maintenance of the concerned contract under the pretext that it was not renewed and had to ran until the end to avoid disruption in the Authority’s activities;

Amendment 8 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1 c. Appreciates the five agencies’ key contribution in promoting the European Year of Skills 2023; congratulates in this regard for successfully hosting the event ‘Skills, skills, skills! Skills for people, skills for competitiveness, skills for sustainability’ with the participation of the five agencies at the European Parliament in September 2023;

Amendment 80 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 25

25. In this regards, notes the ECA’s opinion on an irregular contract awarding and the Authority’s reply that the concerned contract was not renewed and ran until the end to avoid disruption in the Authority’s activities; welcomes that ELA has revised its tender documents, including financial offer templates, to clarify that tenders exceeding the contracting authority's maximum budget will be rejected;

Amendment 81 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 25

25. In this regards, notes the ECA’s opinion on an irregular contract awarding and subsequent irregular payments under this contract which in 2023 amounted to 1.32 million EUR and the Authority’s reply that the concerned contract was not renewed and ran until the end to avoid disruption in the Authority’s activities;

Amendment 82 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 26

26. Notes theat ECLA’s opinion on shortcomings in ELA’s ex-ante checks and the 3,8 % of irregular expenditure above the materiality threshold; takes note of the Authority’s commitment to enhance its ex-ante checks by reviewing and formalising the process for assessing key parameterspaid EUR 261.5 thousand to a training contractor that had already been paid via a monthly flat rate and that were not included in his financial offer, thereby allowing for the irregular allocation of public funds that have not been recovered;

Amendment 83 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 26

26. ~~Notes the ECA’s opinion on shortcomings in ELA’s ex-ante checks and the~~Condemns ELA's 3,8 % of irregular expenditure above the materiality threshold; ~~takes note of~~urges the Authority’s to commit~~ment~~ to enhance its ex-ante checks by reviewing and formalising the process for assessing key parameters;

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 27

27. Notes the 26 % of carryover rate, way above the 15 % benchmark, and the 19 % of Title II appropriations cancelled, and takes note of the Agency’s reply committing to make efforts to enhance budget implementationat ELA overpaid EUR 37.6 thousand in favour of a communication services contractor who exceeded the contractual limit in his invoice, thereby allowing for the irregular allocation of public funds that have not been recovered;

Amendment 85 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 27

27. ~~Notes~~Considers unacceptable both the 26 % of carryover rate, (way above the 15 % benchmark,) and the 19 % of Title II appropriations cancelled, and refuses to takes note of the Agency’s reply committing to make efforts to enhance budget implementation;

Amendment 86 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 27 – subparagraph 1 (new)

Commends the Agency for its achievement in almost fulfilling its planned staffing level in 2023 by hiring 67 new staff members, while improving the efficiency of its recruitment process;

Amendment 87 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27 a. Notes that against ECA’s observation from the previous year, ELA continued to use an interim agent and a trainee to perform core financial activities associated with budget implementation in 2023;

Amendment 88 #

Marlena MALĄG, Chiara GEMMA, Elena DONAZZAN, Francesco TORSELLI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 27 b (new)

27 b. Recalls that at the end of 2023, the proportion of ELA's temporary workers (seconded national experts and interims) remained high at 47 %;

Amendment 89 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 28

28. ~~Expects the Authority to deliver on its commitments and address all~~Under the foregoing circumstances, manifests an impossibility to discharge the implementation of ECLA’s ~~remarks without delay~~budget for the financial year 2023;

Amendment 9 #

Klára DOBREV, Marc ANGEL, Estelle CEULEMANS, Alicia HOMS GINEL, Isilda GOMES, Romana JERKOVIĆ, Idoia MENDIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1 d. Recalls the importance of developing a long term HR policy on work-life balance, ensuring teleworking, right to disconnect and career development, enhancing the geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and recruiting and integrating people with disabilities as well as promoting their equal treatment and their opportunities;

Amendment 90 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 29

29. Asks the ~~Agencies and the Commission~~Council to reduce the number of decentralised agencies related to iempleoyment a~~s so~~nd social affairs from five to one a~~s possible all outstanding ECA's recommend~~nd their staff to a total of one hundred employees, reducing in the same number the staff dedicated in the European Commission to employment and social affairs in order to avoid duplications;

Amendment 91 #

Rachel BLOM, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Mélanie DISDIER, Marie DAUCHY

Draft opinion
Paragraph 30

30. Recommends, based on the facts available, that discharge be granted to the Executive Directors of the Eurofound, ~~EU- OSHA,~~ the CEDEFOP, ~~the ETF,~~ and the ELATF in respect of the implementation of the Authorities’ budget for the financial year 2023 and that no discharge be granted to EU-OSHA and the ELA.

Amendment 92 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 30

30. Recommends, based on the facts available, that discharge will not be granted to the Executive Directors of the Eurofound, EU- OSHA, the CEDEFOP, the ETF, and the ELA in respect of the implementation of the Authorities’ budget for the financial year 2023.

source: 766.645

2024/12/11 ENVI 286 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the constructive cooperation between the European Parliament and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (the Agencies), illustrated, inter alia, by the annual exchanges of views that took place in 2023 in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI); calls for the consolidation of overlapping functions among the Agencies to reduce redundancies, streamline operations, and ensure that resources are directed towards core functions that provide tangible value to EU citizens in the area of environmental, public health, and food safety objectives;

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the emphasis of matter to the annual accounts issued by the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’); acknowledges the response of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), notably that the high rate of late payments were due to technical difficulties in processing the transactions when using SUMMA, a new budgetary, accounting and financial system still in a pilot phase which is owned and managed by the Commission; takes note that DG BUDG is still in charge of granting and removing the access rights of SUMMA users and that in 2023 Eurojust placed SUMMA in its risk management register and maintained a continuous monitoring of the incidents;

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Expresses its satisfaction concerning the activities carried out by the Court and the Court’s statement that the Agency’s accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 are in compliance with the Union’s Financial Regulation and with the accounting rules adopted by the Commission’s accounting officer; notes with concern the observations of the Court regarding some irregularities in the use of framework contracts and the reiterated use of carry-overs resulting from particular circumstances; invites the Agency to address th~~is problem~~ose irregularities for the future;

Amendment 10 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Pascale PIERA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the fact that the Agencies ~~took~~have implemented effective corrective actions ~~following~~in response to most of the 2022 observations from the ECA; takes note of the 2023 observations ~~for~~regarding the Agencies, in particular ~~observations~~ly those related to ex-ante checks, and ~~calls on them to ensure an effective follow-up.~~emphasises the importance of addressing these issues promptly and thoroughly; calls on the Agencies to maintain their commitment to transparency and accountability through an effective and timely follow-up process;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes ~~with satisfaction the strong~~the collaboration with the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, notably the conclusion of a new working arrangement with European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the opening of 15 new cases where Eurojust supported European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as well as the cooperation on 42 cases with European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) including on a pilot project for the systematic and structural exchange of data for link detection purposes;

Amendment 10 #

Eric SARGIACOMO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that it is the Member States that are primarily responsible for the control of fishing activities, while the Agency’s tasks are limited to support and coordination; stresses that the newly adopted revision of the Fisheries Control Regulations will increase the Agency’s supportive workload; emphasises the importance that growing obligations without sufficient resources to do so would be incoherent; stresses, therefore, that the financial and human resources available to the Agency need to be coherently adequate to the increase of the activities carried out in the coming years, and avoid any additional pressure on the staff's activity and the quality of their working conditions;

Amendment 100 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Acknowledges that accessibility to medicine at affordable rates is a national competence; commits however to assuring that the EMA contributes to these ends; encourages the agency to find methods and practices that manages development costs of new pharmacological products;

Amendment 100 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Acknowledges the submissi~~Deplores that collective expulsions and ill-treatment of migrants constituted one of ~~104 serious incident reports in 2023, 48 of which were related to fundamental rights, which also highlights Frontex's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement~~the main areas of concern for the FRO during 2023; stresses that the FRO processed numerous serious incident reports based on persistent allegations related to collective expulsions and ill- treatment of migrants; underlines the outcome of the European Ombudsman inquiry regarding the role of Frontex in rescue operations after Greek boat tragedy; urges Frontex to show real commitment to transparency, accountability, and incentivise serious incident reporting and effective investigations;

Amendment 101 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6 b. Notes that the Agency has concluded an internal environmental audit in 2023 with a view to obtaining EMAS certification in 2024 ;

Amendment 101 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Acknowledges the reception of 217 reported incidents of alleged violations of fundamental rights, the submission of 104 serious incident reports ~~in 2023~~, 48 of which were related to fundamental rights, ~~which also highlights~~the reception of 64 complaints via the Frontex Complaints Mechanism, the launch of 55 serious incident investigations in 2023, and the closure of 39 serious incidents, with fundamental rights violations found to have likely happened in nearly 50 % of the closed cases; acknowledges that the conducted investigations also highlight Frontex's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement;

Amendment 102 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the situation regarding the EMA’s former premises in London became increasingly challenging in 2023, with a need for the EMA to dedicate significant levels of resources to managing commercial real estate in a third country, endangering its core activities; calls on the Commission and the Council to secure a long-term political resolution of this issue and to ~~allow the EMA to fully focus its efforts on its public health mission~~ensure that the EMA has sufficient resources to carry out all of its activities and regulatory mechanisms including facilitating the development and access to medicines, supporting research and innovation and its responsibilities for monitoring and mitigating potential or actual shortages of critical medicines without any delay.

Amendment 102 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Acknowledg~~Notes the submission of 104 serious incident reports in 2023, 48 of which were related to fundamental rights, ~~which also highlights Frontex's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement~~; deplores the absence of adequate follow-up and investigation by national authorities regarding allegations of fundamental rights violations;

Amendment 103 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes ~~that the~~with concern the increasingly challenging situation regarding the EMA’s former premises in London ~~became increasingly challenging in 2023, with a need for the EMA to dedicate~~, which in 2023 required significant ~~levels of~~ resources to manag~~ing~~e commercial real estate in a third country~~, endang~~; this burden risks diverting ~~its core activities; calls on~~attention and resources from the EMA’s core public health mission; urges the Commission to prioritise secureing a long-term political and financial resolution tof this issue ~~and to allow~~, including exploring options such as renegotiating terms or repurposing the premises, to prevent unnecessary expenditure and enable the EMA to ~~fully~~ focus its efforts on its public health mission.

Amendment 103 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. ~~Calls on~~Urges Frontex to ~~prioritise~~ensure, without further delay, the full implementation of all ~~outstanding~~the recommendations from European audit and scrutiny bodies, particularly OLAF and those from the European Parliament’s Frontex Scrutiny Working Group, the European Ombudsman, the Court, and the Frontex Working Group on Fundamental Rights and Legal Operational Aspects of Operations (WG FRaLO);

Amendment 104 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6 b. Recommends the establishment of a formal framework for joint procurement of essential medicines across Member States, modelled on the success of the COVID-19 vaccine procurement process, for ensuring equitable access to high- quality medicines through economies of scale.

Amendment 104 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Calls on Frontex to prioritise the full implementation of all outstanding recommendations from European audit and scrutiny bodies, particularly those from the European Parliament’s Frontex Scrutiny Working Group, OLAF, the European Ombudsman, the Court, and the Frontex Working Group on Fundamental Rights and Legal Operational Aspects of Operations (WG FRaLO);

Amendment 105 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recommends, based on the facts available, that discharge should not be granted to the Executive Directors of the Agencies EFSA and EMA in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU agencies for the financial year 2023, recommends that discharge be granted to all other Executive Directors of the Agencies .

Amendment 105 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8 a. Recalls that the Frontex structural problems regarding fundamental rights protection of asylum seekers and migrants, transparency, data protection, and alleged sexual harassment within the agency led the European Parliament to refuse discharge of the agency’s 2020 budget;

Amendment 106 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8 a. Notes with concern that the Court has been highlighting since 2018 a high level of carry-overs and cancellations by Frontex and that this problem persists in 2023;

Amendment 107 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8 b. Reiterates that the increased competences and budget of Frontex need to be accompanied with a corresponding increase in accountability and transparency, as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; stresses that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency is conditional on such accountability and transparency, and fundamental rights compliance;

Amendment 108 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8 b. Notes furthermore that Frontex continues to struggle to meet its required occupancy as laid down in its staff establishment plan and that this problem also dates back to at least 2018;

Amendment 109 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)

8 c. Draws attention to the Court's ongoing concern regarding lack of rules on declared conflicts of interest in relation to recruitment procedures in Frontex;

Amendment 11 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Acknowledges the importance of localized initiatives that strengthen health systems and environmental initiatives, while increasing collaboration with Member States and Agencies.

Amendment 11 #

Emma WIESNER, Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTÍNEZ, Karin KARLSBRO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~with satisfaction that Eurojust continues to support the Commission~~that Eurojust was involved in the revision of the negotiations of the international agreements on cooperation with Eurojust, between the Union and 13 third countries, that the Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU.

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that it is the Member States that are primarily responsible for the control of fishing activities, while the Agency’s tasks are limited to support and coordination; stresses that the newly adopted revision of the Fisheries Control Regulations will increase the Agency’s supportive workload to enable a more harmonised application of the rules among Member States; emphasises the importance that growing obligations without sufficient resources to do sothem would be incoherent; stresses, therefore, that the financial and human resources available to the Agency need to be coherently adequate to the increase of the activities carried out in the coming years;

Amendment 110 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. Notes the ~~Court’s observations~~emphasis of matter to the annual accounts issued by the Court regarding the calculation of contributions from Schengen associated countries (SAC), which were raised in 2022; ~~acknowledges the clarification~~takes note of Frontex’s reply that these calculations follow established practices endorsed by the Management Board and the Commission; ~~encourages~~calls on the Commission to review these agreements to ensure greater consistency in the method of setting contributions to the Union and its agencies;

Amendment 111 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Stresses that there were significant carry-overs in 2023 and recalls that the recurrent high rates of carry-overs undermine the budgetary principle of annuality and are indicative of structural issues in the budget process and implementation cycle; reiterates its concern that several observations form the Court from previous years are still ongoing; calls on Frontex to follow up on the observations from the Court and to implement corrective actions in all remaining cases of non-compliance and to report to the discharge authority on the progress achieved;

Amendment 112 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9 b. Recommends the Committee on Budgetary Control to postpone granting the discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2023, until the structural shortcomings related to respect by Frontex of its fundamental rights obligations have been fully addressed.

Amendment 113 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well- positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manage migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.deleted

Amendment 114 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

Amendment 115 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis, in particular following the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manage migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy. calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to provide Frontex with resources adequate to the current geopolitical situation, particularly in terms of equipping it with modern technologies and instruments for, inter alia, keeping track of criminal trafficking groups;

Amendment 116 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging ~~migration crisi~~crisis of sustained illegal entries by third country nationals, asylum racketeering, and the use of weapons of mass-migration by the enemies of the Member States, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would ~~significantly~~ enhance Frontex’s capacity to ~~manage migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy~~halt attempts by third country nationals to enter the EU and ensure security at the Union’s external boundary-line, to prove it has a role in the Union’s broader attempts to halt mass movements by third country nationals into the Union.

Amendment 117 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis and the hybrid operations by Russia and Belarus, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well- positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manage migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.

Amendment 118 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the ~~challenging migration crisi~~increase in irregular arrivals, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to manage migration flows and ensure security and the respect for fundamental rights at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.

Amendment 119 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission, in light of the challenging migration crisis, to follow up on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement of July 2024 declaring that Frontex is well-positioned to further increase its staff to up to 30 000 agents; underlines that this expansion would significantly enhance Frontex’s capacity to ~~manage~~address migration flows and ensure security at the Union’s external borders, reinforcing its vital role in the Union’s broader migration strategy.

Amendment 12 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Calls for improvement in the funding distribution approach, prioritizing the reduction of administrative burdens and channelling resources directly to final recipients by simplifying procedures to enhance accessibility to economic players on the ground.

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the Court’s observation on recurrent high rates of carry-overs related to operational activities amounting to EUR 6,4 million (23 %) of available 2023 commitment appropriations to 2024; notes that it is a lower rate than in 2022, when the rates of carry-overs were 26%; notes with concern that the Court of Auditors has highlighted weaknesses in the internal control mechanisms of the Union agencies which undermine public trust in them; urges the Agency to carefully analyse the efficiency of resource allocation and the payment of expenditure in line with the annual budget plans;

Amendment 12 #

Stephen Nikola BARTULICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Stresses that it is the Member States that are primarily responsible for the control of fishing activities, while the Agency’s tasks are limited to support and coordination, as well as to providing assistance in this area to the Member States; stresses that the newly adopted revision of the Fisheries Control Regulations will increase the Agency’s supportive workload; emphasises the importance that growing obligations without sufficient resources to do so would be incoherent; stresses, therefore, that the financial and human resources available to the Agency need to be coherently adequate to the increase of the activities carried out in the coming years;

Amendment 120 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Highlights that when auditing payments under a framework contract for travel and events organization services, the Court observed that CEPOL monitored contract consumption at the level of payments rather than budgetary commitments; agrees with the Court that this approach does not comply with Article 111 of the EU Financial Regulation;

Amendment 121 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Expresses concern about the revelations regarding trainings provided by CEPOL on surveillance techniques to security authorities in third countries which have questionable human rights standards9a; urges CEPOL to conduct fundamental rights impact assessments before providing such trainings and to make them publicly available; _________________ 9a https://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/jul y/how-the-eu-police-training-agency-is- cosying-up-to-the-arab-league-s-political- extradition-body/

Amendment 122 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the fact that CEPOL continued to provide a cyber training portfolio through its CEPOL Cybercrime Academy; welcomes the fact that the dedicated training activities improved cybercrime knowledge and cyber capacities in Europe in the fields of the fight against child sexual exploitation, online fraud schemes and cyber-attacks and that CEPOL developed its first ever dedicated workshop on artificial intelligence; highlights the importance of increasing knowledge and awareness on men’s violence against women and domestic violence in accordance with Directive 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, especially sexual violence and rape; notes that according to the FRA, 1 in 20 women (5 %) in the EU have been raped since the age of 15 and only 0,5 % of the rapes in Europe leads to convictions according to a study made by Avaaz in 2023;

Amendment 123 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Emphasizes the need for proactive measures and increased knowledge to prevent the recruitment into organized crime, especially of children and young people;

Amendment 124 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes ~~with regret~~ that the training activities in the area of fundamental rights and data protection decreased in 2023 (when 19 activities were implemented with 2063 participants) in comparison to 2022 (30 activities with 4 014 participants); underlines that the core objective of CEPOL is to support, develop, implement and coordinate training for law enforcement officials, while putting particular emphasis on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of law enforcement; acknowledges at the same time that the total number of participants increased to 46 431.

Amendment 125 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Is highly alarmed about reports of CEPOL's cooperation with third countries with poor record on human rights, including its training to third countries on “covert techniques in forensics and mobile telecommunications” ; highlights also the collaboration started in 2023 with the Arab Interior Ministers’ Councilt (AIMC) that aims to coordinate the collection and exchange of information on terrorism matters in the MENA/SWANA region, despite the AIMC’s failure to include safeguards against human rights abuses into its existing information-sharing systems; reiterates that CEPOL must ensure its activities are in line with fundamental rights obligations through dedicated risk assessments and pose no risks for the human rights of individuals in third countries; calls on CEPOL to halt any operations with repressive authorities known to systematically commit human rights violations;

Amendment 126 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that on 1 July 2023, the new Regulation of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)8 , repealing and replacing the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Regulation9 , entered into force and welcomes the new, broader mandate for the EMCDDA; _________________ 8 Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006 (OJ L, 2023/1322, 30.6.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1322/oj ). 9 Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OJ L, 1920/2006, 27.12.2006, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/1920/oj ).recalls that the EUDA Regulation aims at addressing the drugs phenomenon in a holistic and evidence- based approach and calls on the agency to ensure the full implementation of its new mandate;

Amendment 127 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Notes the increase in the EUDA’s budget in 2023 from EUR 26 million to EUR 29 million (+13%) and the reduction of its staff from 110 to 101 (-1%);

Amendment 128 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the ~~fact that EMCDDA continued to implement~~continuous efforts from EUDA to implement its mandate, including the EU Early Warning System (EWS) in collaboration with partners in Member States ~~and, as a result,~~; notes that 26 new psychoactive substances (NPS) were notified~~; notes~~ and that the total number of NPS currently monitored is approximately 950; appreciates the technical report ~~on Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and related substances~~s published by the agency;

Amendment 129 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges that E~~MCD~~UDA produced 30 scientific and institutional publications in 2023, and also authored or co-authored 14 scientific articles and book chapters~~, enhancing the agency’s scientific reputation~~; appreciates the scientific and evidence-based expertise provided by the agency;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the ~~key~~ role of the ECDC in identifying and assessing current and emerging threats to human health from communicable diseases and related special health issues, in order to enhance the capacity of the Union and the Member States to protect human health through the prevention and control of communicable diseases in humans and related special health issue, emphasizing the need to prioritize cost-effective measures and avoid duplicating Member State efforts;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. NHighlights the very important role of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) as the guardian of fundamental rights and rule of law as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; notes the Court’s observation on recurrent high rates of carry-overs related to operational activities amounting to EUR 6,4 million (23 %) of available 2023 commitment appropriations to 2024; notes that it is a lower rate than in 2022, when the rates of carry-overs were 26%;

Amendment 13 #

Eric SARGIACOMO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls on the Agency to prioritise harmonising the Member States' procedures, establishing capacities to monitor and identify serious infringements linked to the application of Article 90(2), point (p) of Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 concerning forced labour, and provide adequate training for inspectors on these serious infringements;

Amendment 130 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Welcomes EMCDDA"s efforts to highlights the social aspects and societal impact of drugs, promote social re- integration policies for drug users and approach the topic of drugs within a multi-disciplinary outlook; welcomes in this regard the publications comprising "Health and social responses to drug problems: a European guide";

Amendment 131 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Calls on CEPOL to increase transparency in the planning and monitoring of the implementation of these training needs, especially in the context of new challenges, such as the increasing role of technology in law enforcement;

Amendment 132 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the launch of the digital-first, modular, European Drug Report 2023, and the launch of the modules on amphetamine and cannabis of the joint EMCDDA-Europol report EU Drug Markets: In-depth Analysis;deleted

Amendment 133 #

Ioan-Rareş BOGDAN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with satisfaction that EMCDDA provided regular, valuable support and information on cannabis policies to national policymakers and coordinated preparatory scientific reviews of cannabis- related harm, treatment and harm-reduction practices; emphasizes the importance of continuing this essential work to address evolving trends and challenges and calls for further strenghtening of these activities by fostering closer collaboration with Member States and ensuring the proper dissemination of findings to a wider audience, including healthcare professionals and the general public;

Amendment 134 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with satisfaction that E~~MCD~~UDA provided regular support and information on ~~cannabis~~drug policies to national policymakers and coordinated preparatory scientific reviews of ~~cannabis-~~ drug-related harm, treatment and harm- reduction practices;

Amendment 135 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Highlights that EMCDDA trained more than 3 300 professionals working in the drugs field, including health workers, law enforcement officers and policymakers within and outside the Union and that the eight webinars organised by EMCDDA were attended by approximately 4 800 professionals; welcomes the cooperation with ~~CEPOL and Europol~~other EU Agencies.

Amendment 136 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Recalls~~Is concerned about the Court’s observation on the legality and regularity of transactions connected to an operational grant intended to fund the activities of a national police force in a Member State; notes that the Court ~~highlight~~concluded that part of the grant, amounting to EUR 279 000, was irregular; ~~welcomes Europol’s decision to ensure that VAT~~underlines that at the request of the Court, Europol identified other grants through which VAT was reimbursed for similar activities in 2023, leading to irregular payments; takes note of Europol’s reply that Europol will no longer be considered VAT an eligible cost for operational grants, ~~reinforcing its commitment to financial transparency~~hence ensuring its compliance with the Financial Regulation 2018/1046;

Amendment 137 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Expresses strong concern regarding the inquiry launched by the European Ombudsman regarding the potential conflict of interest of Europol staff cooperating with the private company Thorn in the context of the child sexual abuse regulation13a; urges Europol to implement the necessary measures to ensure there is no conflict of interest; _________________ 13a https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/cas e/en/65144

Amendment 138 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Recalls that in accordance to Article 68(1) of Europol’s Regulation, by 1 May 2022 and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall ensure that an evaluation assessing, in particular, the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of Europol and of its working practices is carried out; further recalls that in accordance to Article 51(3), Europol shall transmit the following documents, for information purposes, to the JPSG; deplores that no evaluation has never been carried; recalls that carrying out an evaluation is a pre-condition to any potential revision of Europol’s mandate; calls on the Commission not to further delay the elaboration of such evaluation and on Europol to provide the necessary information to the Commission for this purpose;

Amendment 139 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes ~~with satisfaction~~ that, in 2023, Europol accepted 107 856 operational contributions, supported 3 155 operations, established 27 Operational Task Forces, delivered 21 096 first line SIENA responses, and provided increased operational information capabilities to national authorities, Member States and third parties;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the ECDC mandate was extended following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2022/23701 which entered into force on 13 December 2022 in order to strengthen the Union's health security framework in the fields of epidemiological surveillance; invites the Commission to strengthen investments in the public health workforce and enhance coordination mechanisms for responding to emerging threats, such as infectious disease outbreaks; welcomes the fact that the ECDC began to implement its new mandate by reviewing the modalities of collaboration with its main partners and stakeholders, as well as the structure and content of its Strategy 2021-2027; emphasizes the importance of maintaining the annual declarations of interest of all management board members, advisory forum members and their alternates updated and accessible ; _________________ 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/2370 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 establishing a European centre for disease prevention and control (OJ L 314, 6.12.2022, p. 1–25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2370/oj)

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the Court’s observation on recurrent high rates of carry-overs related to operational activities amounting to EUR 6,4 million (23 %) of available 2023 commitment appropriations to 2024; notes that it is a lower rate than in 2022, when the rates of carry-overs were 26%; notes that the specific frame in which FRA works makes it difficult to fully avoid carry overs and that FRA maintains a good budget implementation with an outturn higher than 99% in the last ten years;

Amendment 14 #

Stephen Nikola BARTULICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Calls on the Agency to continue its efforts to ensure the optimal use of the allocated appropriations;

Amendment 140 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 141 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Commends the successful~~Notes the deployment of PERCI (EU Platform on Illegal Content Online), particularly with the full implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recommendations; is concerned about the enhanced and non-transparent cooperation between Europol and Frontex; appreciates the strong cooperation with EDPS and the joint working group established with Frontex to follow up on EDPS’ recommendations in relation to Frontex’s PeDRA (Processing personal data for risk analysis) programme ~~where~~; recalls that the PeDRA programme allows Frontex border guards to collect sensitive personal data from migrants and asylum seekers to process and share it with Europol and security agencies of Member States, and to scan social media profiles; considers however that if both agencies truly share a strong interest in protecting fundamental rights while advancing security, the EDPS recommendations could be implemented immediately;

Amendment 142 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Commends the successful~~Notes the deployment of PERCI (EU Platform on Illegal Content Online), ~~particularly with the full~~including the implementation of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recommendations; ~~appreciates the strong~~notes the cooperation with EDPS and the joint working group established with Frontex to follow up on EDPS’ recommendations in relation to Frontex’s PeDRA (Processing personal data for risk analysis) programme ~~where both agencies share a strong interest in protecting fundamental rights while advancing security~~;

Amendment 143 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Requests that cooperation between Europol and other JHA Agency is fully transparent and accountability ensured; calls on the Europol to take measures to ensure full compliance with EU transparency rules as well as with fundamental rights and data protection standards;

Amendment 144 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcom~~Notes the implementation of the Europol Regulation11 as amended in 2022, ~~especially the swift~~including the appointment of an FRO in January 2023~~, marking a signi~~; deeply regrets that the stronger role attributed to Europol under its Regulation lacks sufficaient s~~tep towards enhancing Europol’s commitment to human rights in its operations;~~ afeguards and oversight, particularly on the processing of large sets of personal data;calls for the expansion of independent external oversight by the EDPS and FRO in order to strengthen fundamental rights protection; _________________ 11 Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA (OJ L, 2016/794, 24.5.2016, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/794/oj).

Amendment 145 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the implementation of the Europol Regulation11 as amended in 2022, especially the swift appointment of an FRO in January 2023, marking a significant step towards enhancing Europol’s commitment to human rights in its operations; _________________ 11 Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA (OJ L, 2016/794, 24.5.2016, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/794/oj).expects that the FRO will show professionalism, independence, transparency and accountability, and that he will be up to the task that he is entrusted to;

Amendment 146 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Reiterates that the increased competences and budget of Europol need to be accompanied with a corresponding increase in accountability and transparency, as well as full respect for and protection of fundamental rights; stresses that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the agency is conditional on such accountability and transparency, and fundamental rights compliance;

Amendment 147 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Notes with concern the increased recruitment of children and young people into organized crime; stresses the importance of a clear and comprehensive strategy to prevent and combat this phenomenon;

Amendment 148 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Apprecia~~Notes Europol’s ongoing ~~and invaluable~~ support to Ukraine, particularly through its participation in the Joint Investigation Team focused on investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine; notes ~~with satisfaction~~ the creation of an Operational Task Force (OTF) aimed at providing targeted support to ongoing investigations into war crimes~~, showcasing Europol’s crucial role in international justice and accountability~~;

Amendment 149 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates Europol’s ongoing and invaluable support to Ukraine, particularly through its participation in the Joint Investigation Team focused on investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine; notes ~~with satisfaction~~ the creation of an Operational Task Force (OTF) aimed at providing targeted support to ongoing investigations into war crimes, showcasing Europol’s crucial role in international justice and accountability;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the ECDC mandate was extended following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2022/23701 which entered into force on 13 December 2022 in order to strengthen the Union's health security framework in the fields of epidemiological surveillance; welcomes the fact that the ECDC began to implement its new mandate by reviewing the modalities of collaboration with its main partners and stakeholders, as well as the structure and content of its Strategy 2021-2027; , while emphasising the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency throughout this process; _________________ 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/2370 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Regulation (EC) No 851/2004 establishing a European centre for disease prevention and control (OJ L 314, 6.12.2022, p. 1–25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2370/oj)

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Expresses strong concern about the fact that the FRA’s budget in 2023 is the same than in 2022 (EUR 34 million) and that its staff has decreased by 4% (from 110 to 106 staff); repeats its concern that the FRA continues to suffer from financial and staff resources constraints and that this can affect the quality of work that the Agency provides which has proved to be extremely valuable for EU policy; finds the significant and increasing difference of resources allocated to JHA Agencies a worrying trend;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that, in 2023, the Agency reported 44 993 inspections (at sea and ashore), which led to the detection of ~~4230~~ suspected infringements, in at least 4230 of those inspections; notes that these data collectively represent~~ing~~ a slight decrease in the total number of inspections (5% less inspections compared with 2022), ~~but a 3 % in~~as well as a 18% decrease in the total number of ~~detected~~inspections where suspected infringements were detected; points out that inspections and other follow-up activities play a key role not only in the proper management of fish stocks but also in ensuring a level playing field for Union fishers;

Amendment 150 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; calls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that this expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.deleted

Amendment 151 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 152 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; c~~Calls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that this expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.

Amendment 153 #

Fabienne KELLER, Sophie WILMÈS, Lucia YAR, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Moritz KÖRNER, Malik AZMANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024~~Notes that the Commission's must ensure stronger efforts towards supporting the Member States in creating a stronger and more secure EU; calls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union, and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; ~~further underlines that this expansion will further enhance~~as well as ensure the use of funds from the Member States to erect border barriers, this will further underline that Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for ~~all~~the peoples of Europe.

Amendment 154 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; calls on the Commission to double Europol's staff and increase its funding, and recognise Europol’s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that this expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.

Amendment 155 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Further acknowledges the Commission's efforts towards a stronger and more secure Europe, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her statement of 2024; calls on the Commission to ~~doubl~~increase Europol's staff and recognise Europol’'s central role in ensuring security across the Union and its capacity to respond to emerging threats; further underlines that ~~this~~an expansion will further enhance Europol's ability to support Member States in combating serious and organised crime, both online and offline, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure Europe for all.

Amendment 156 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Part IX - JHA Agencies Calls on all JHA Agencies to take measures to ensure full compliance with EU transparency rules as well as with fundamental rights and data protection standards; considers that the disclosure of meetings and interactions between JHA Agencies and third parties is required to ensure enhanced transparency by JHA Agencies; urges JHA Agencies to step up efforts in this direction;

Amendment 157 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6 b. Calls on all JHA agencies to take the necessary efforts to ensure sustainability in their overall business processes in order to improve the agencies’ environmental performance, and to systematically report to the discharge authority on implemented measures and progress; takes note of the results of the survey report on JHA Agencies’ environmental and greening activities;

Amendment 158 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6 c. Regrets the lack of gender balance and diversity in the Management Boards and within the staff of JHA Agencies in general, particularly in management positions; calls on all JHA agencies to ensure a gender balanced distribution on all levels of staff and report to the discharge authority on implemented measures and progress; further calls on all JHA Agencies to develop internal policies and practice to ensure inclusiveness and diversity, and prevent any type of discrimination; asks the Court to systematically inform about it in its future reports;

Amendment 159 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6 d. Urges all JHA agencies to have in place a clear and well-functioning anti- harassment policy to prevent, firmly condemn and address any such behaviour within the organisation;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the continued development of the One Health Framework and the creation of the One Health Task Force to strengthen collaboration with EMA, EFSA, EEA and ECHA; considers these important steps to further strengthen the One Health approach ensuring the inclusion of human, animal and plant health, as well as their interactions with the environment; highlights the importance of ensuring good and fair cooperation between the Agencies;

Amendment 16 #

Emma WIESNER, Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTÍNEZ, Karin KARLSBRO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Welcomes the fact that the Court has declared the transactions underlying the annual accounts of FRA for the financial year 2023 to be legal and regular in all material respects; highlights that the budget for 2023 was 34 million EUR; notes and reiterates its concern that FRA continues to suffer from financial and staff resources constraints;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Highlights,~~Reconfirms our commitment to a rules based international system and highlights the important role of the Union in Ocean Diplomacy; highlights, in this regard and in relation to the fight against IUU fishing, that the agency has an important role to encourage an increased and harmonised application of the EU control systems in place to combat illegal fishing;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the continued development of the One Health Framework and the creation of the One Health Task Force to strengthen collaboration with EMA, EFSA, EEA and ECHA; highlights the importance of ensuring good and fair cooperation between the Agencies, while cautioning against inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and overlapping mandates;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Welcomes that FRA was able to fulfil its objectives and to deliver on the activities foreseen in its Annual Work Programme despite the continuous shortage on human and financial resources; notes that the number of meetings and events organised or co- organised was 421 compared to the set target of 260, and that the number of communication materials was 1809 compared to the set target of 250;

Amendment 17 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

10. Takes note of the Agency’s continued cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to support national authorities carrying out coastguard functions in line with Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2019/473; ~~considers that cooperation to be an example of synergy between Union agencies that should inspire agencies in other areas;~~ calls on the Agency to continue its efforts in that regard and considers it appropriate also to increase the cooperation between the Agency and the European Environment Agency and the European Space Agency; welcomes in that regard the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EEA to exchange information, knowledge and conduct pilot projects at sea, notably a project dedicated to marine litter including monitoring, retrieval, collection, and recycling of abandoned or lost fishing gear in designated maritime areas;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 18 #

Emma WIESNER, Karin KARLSBRO, Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTÍNEZ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Notes with satisfaction that FRA has a very high level of outturn which is above 99%; considers it an important indicator of sound financial management and respect of the budgetary principles;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 10

Amendment 19 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Notes the discrepancy between ECDC and ECA on the 2022 qualified opinion provided by ECA demonstrating that the accounts were reliable but that the transactions underlying the accounts were partly not legal and regular; stresses the importance of such discrepancies to be harmonised, urges ECDC to adhere to the standards provided by ECA 1a; _________________ 1a https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/fi les/documents/consolidated-annual- activity-report-2023_1.pdf , page 56

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1 c. Regrets that FRA’s establishment plan has not been increased, that the staff decreased by four percent from 2022 to 2023 and that the budget increase mainly reflected the indexation with the inflation rate, not being commensurate with the increased number of requests FRA has received within this period and despite the entry into force of the new amended founding Regulation; further recognises that the increase in workload and requests, particularly after the entry into force of the new mandate which introduced new activities in the areas of justice and police cooperation, was not accompanied with additional resources;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, on 31 December 2023, the establishment plan was 96% fully filled, with 74 temporary agents appointed out of 77 temporary agents authorised under the Union budget; takes note of the increase of staff expenses by EUR 1,4 million in comparison with 2022;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Welcomes the involvement of the EU Agencies in establishing a common data platform on chemicals as proposed by the Commission; regrets, however, the special treatment proposed for EMA to include only data submitted to it after the entry into force of the new Regulation, and only on certain substances, thus withholding the very large majority of data that it holds on chemicals from the common data platform; stresses that inclusion of all chemicals-related data that EMA holds would greatly help to develop predictive toxicity testing and thus to develop alternatives to animal testing; calls on the EMA and the Commission to reconsider their position accordingly;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the emphasis of matter to the annual accounts issued by the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’); acknowledges the response of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), notably that the high rate of late payments were due to technical difficulties in processing the transactions when using SUMMA, a new budgetary, accounting and financial system still in a pilot phase; calls on the Agency to take specific measures in order to minimise payment delays and ensure the full implementation of the system;

Amendment 2 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Expresses its satisfaction concerning the activities carried out by the Court and the Court’s statement that the Agency’s accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 are in compliance with the Union’s Financial Regulation and with the accounting rules adopted by the Commission’s accounting officer; notes with concern the observations of the Court regarding some irregularities in the use of framework contracts and the reiterated use of carry-overs; ~~invit~~welcomes the Agency ~~to address this problem for the future~~'s explanations and its commitment to address these issues;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Stresses that gender balance in the composition of the top management of our agencies and institutions must be a guideline; notes that the Agency's senior management is currently composed of 67% men and 33% women, according to the figures communicated; calls on the Agency to take this into consideration in future recruitments;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1 d. Highlights that without adequate financial and staff resources, FRA will not be able to carry out all the tasks assigned to it and fully implement its new mandate; reminds that this can affect the quality of work that FRA provides which has proved to be extremely valuable for EU policy;

Amendment 20 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 13

13. Takes note of the Agency’s policy of promoting equal treatment of staff and of its goal of gender equality in terms both of numbers and of grades and responsibility levels; acknowledges with concern that women account for 38 % of staff employed at grade AD 8 or higher, with no change since 2021, although the overall percentage of female staff members is 54%; notes that more must be done in order to attain parity at management level; reiterates its call on the Agency to step up its efforts with regard to its gender parity policy with a view to making progress towards parity at management level as well;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Acknowledges the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for the need for pandemic preparedness and a unified EU response strategy, that utilises digital early warning systems for prompt and efficient decision making.

Amendment 21 #

Emma WIESNER, Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTÍNEZ, Karin KARLSBRO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)

1 e. Welcomes the cooperation with other EU agencies, bodies and civil society in order to ensure there is compliance with fundamental rights;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14

14. Underlines as well the importance of a balanced geographical representation among staff in order to meet one of the Commission’s fundamental goals, i.e. to be close to the citizens and to reflect the diversity of Member States as well as ensuring that the Agency have knowledge of the Control regimes and administrative traditions in the Member States;

Amendment 22 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4 b. Welcomes the agency's efforts towards an Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification, which was finally granted in January 2024;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (FRA) assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020– 2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU funds;deleted

Amendment 22 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 14

14. Underlines as well the importance of a balanced geographical representation among staff in order to meet one of the Commission’s fundamental goals, i.e. to be close to the citizens and to reflect the diversity of Member States; calls on the Agency to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace when conducting its recruitment process;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4 c. Welcomes the fact that the ECDC has adopted its charter on diversity and inclusion in 2023;

Amendment 23 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (FRA) assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of gender equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism, islamophobia, and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020– 2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, the Anti-racism Action Plan and the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU funds and its substantial input to the Commissions annual rule of law report;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)

4 d. Notes that 22,7 % of the Agency's staff are nationals of the Member State where it is located; recalls the importance of geographical balance and encourages the Agency to continue to take the necessary measures to have a balanced and fair geographical representation;

Amendment 24 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Pascale PIERA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (FRA) ~~assistance to~~support to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of fundamental rights in existing and future EU laws and policies, including by assisting policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti- discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of equality and anti-racism strategies such as the national Roma strategic frameworks, and ~~providing input for to the mid-term review of~~ the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, and provide input for their review, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the ~~implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the~~fundamental rights compliance regarding the development and use of AI systems and the implementation and use of EU funds;

Amendment 25 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Encourages ECDC to further cooperate with Member States to ensure an approach based on the solidarity principle in vaccine distribution and preparedness, notes that in the case of Mpox Member States undermined the ECDC capacity to face transmittable diseases by withholding vaccines;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (~~Acknowledges the FRA)’s assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as ~~EU law and policies~~ combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU fund; emphasizes the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination, including anti-European discrimination, to ensure a balanced approach that reflects the diversity of challenges faced by EU citizens; regrets however that the FRA was not able to elaborate more precisely on the reasons triggering a skyrocketing rise of antisemitism in EU Member States;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges ~~that~~ the ECHA ~~is key~~’s crucial role in implementing ~~a growing number of Union legislation that regulat~~core Union legislation on chemicals and emphasizes cthe~~micals for the benefit of~~ need to focus strictly on essential regulatory functions that directly protect public health and the environment, ~~as well as for~~while also fostering innovation and competitiveness~~; recognises that the ECHA collects, evaluates and disseminates a vast amount of information on chemicals, helps companies comply with legislation and promotes the safe use of chemicals~~, and avoiding unnecessary expansion of its mandate;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (FRA) assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU funds; welcomes the publication in 2023 of FRA's second edition of the report "Being Black in the EU – Experiences of people of African descent";

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges that the ECHA is key in implementing a growing number of Union legislation that regulates chemicals for the benefit of protecting public health and the environment, as well as for innovation and competitiveness; recognises that the ECHA collects, evaluates and disseminates a vast amount of information on chemicals, helps companies comply with legislation and promotes the safe use of chemicals;

Amendment 27 #

Francisco ASSIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Commends the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ (FRA) assistance to policymakers implementing existing EU law and policies in the field of equality and anti-discrimination, such as EU law and policies combating racism and antisemitism, supporting the collection of equality data and the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks, and providing input for to the mid-term review of the 2020–2025 LGBTIQ equality strategy, the protection of civil society and of human rights defenders at risk, as well as supporting the revision of the victims’ rights directive, and advising on the implementation of the horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental right for the use of EU funds;(Does not affect the English version.)

Amendment 28 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges that the ECHA is key in implementing a growing number of Union legislation that regulates chemicals for the benefit of public health and the environment, as well as for innovation and competitiveness; recognises that the ECHA collects, evaluates, and disseminates ~~a vast amount of~~extensive information on chemicals, ~~help~~assists companies in complying with legislation, and promotes the safe use of chemicals;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperatio~~Urges FRA to enhance transparency and accountability in with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as os reporting mechanisms, ensuring that its activities provide clear and measurable outcomes that directly benefit EU citizens; calls for an inde~~ntifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea~~pendent evaluation of FRA’s added value in areas where its mandate overlaps with other EU agencies or national bodies;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Observes that the Agencies budget relies on collected fees and a contribution from the Union’s general budget; takes note with concern that after a rise in 2022, in 2023 the ECHA’s fee income has again decreased, increasing the reliance on the Union to finance its operations; stresses the need to address the lack of predictability of the ECHA’s fee income ~~and~~which is hindering its ability to implement its Work Programme effectively; reiterates its previous calls to the Commission to improve the ECHA’s budgetary certainty by urgently presenting its proposal ~~to strengthen the governance of ECHA~~for a founding regulation for the ECHA to strengthen the governance of ECHA and to secure sustainable financing, in line with its commitment expressed in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphasis~~Welcomes FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union ~~and~~; notes the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as on identifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, as well as identifying the shortcomings in the visa code faced by human rights defenders to enter and stay in the EU, when in need of protection, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Considers that regular visits to the Agencies are a key aspect of the scrutiny exercised by the European Parliament over them; notes toin this regard the success of the ENVI delegation to the EMA in February 2023 and to the ECHA in April 2023;, which facilitated constructive dialogue, enhanced transparency, and strengthened the Parliament's oversight role.

Amendment 3 #

Francisco ASSIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the Agency received a EUR 30,1 million contribution under the general budget of the Union in 2023, representing an increase of 1 % in respect of 2022; points out that both the Agency’s annual budget and its complement of staff are among the lowest among Union agencies; stresses that, meanwhile, the activities of the Agency increased;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Observes that the Agenciey's budget relies on collected fees and a contribution from the Union’s general budget; highlights the need to ensure full transparency of collected fees; takes note with concern that after a rise in 2022, in 2023 the ECHA’s fee income has again decreased, increasing the reliance on the Union to finance its operations; stresses the need to address the lack of predictability of the ECHA’s fee income and reiterates its previous calls to the Commission to improve the ECHA’s budgetary certainty by presenting its proposal to strengthen the governance of ECHA in line with its commitment expressed in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, and its important focus on fundamental rights, Member States' international obligations and EU human rights law in this area, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as on identifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea;

Amendment 31 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls the necessity of ensuring adequate staffing reflecting the needs of the European Green Deal and the Union Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, Circular Economy Action Plan and, in particular, the zero pollution target, and the associated increase in tasks; laments indicators from the 2023 internal staff survey showing that only 42% agree fully that their units operate in an efficient manner1b, reiterates the need for ECHA to continuously work with staff satisfaction, worker health and well-being, ensuring gender and geographical balance in the work place and facilitating the participation in the work life by parent staff; _________________ 1b https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/ 7362407/annual_Report_2023_en.pdf/ca1 6f5a4-a8ae-ac22-21f1- 57af476f0bb1?t=1713865234883 , page 57

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphasis~~Notes FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as on identifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence~~, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea~~;

Amendment 32 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR, Sophie WILMÈS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises FRA’s guidance and engagement in the area of asylum and migration, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of the importance of guardians and legal representatives assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union and the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as on identifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law on long- term residence, and the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Emphasis~~Appreciates FRA’s guidance and engagement in ~~the area of asylum and migration, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) to enhancing the understanding of guardians and legal representatives~~important areas such as asylum and migration, borders and interoperability, including cooperation with the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA), Frontex and eu-LISA; welcomes FRA’s work in assisting unaccompanied children seeking international protection within the Union ~~and~~, the training provided to staff of Europol enhancing awareness and understanding of fundamental rights ~~considerations in relevant operational contexts; welcomes FRA’s~~in the field of law enforcement, the timely input on the temporary protection directive implementation in the context of refugees fleeing from Ukraine, as well as on identifying the challenges with regard to the implementation of Union law ~~on long- term reside~~, fundamental rights compliance, a~~nd the list of actions the Union and its Member States can take to reduce fatalities at sea~~t EU borders and in the framework of search and rescue operations;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls the necessity of ensuring adequate staffing reflecting the needs of the ~~European Green Deal and the~~ Union Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, Circular Economy Action Plan and, in particular, the zero pollution target, and the associated increase in tasks;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Welcomes FRA advice in 2023 on the implementation of the novel horizontal enabling conditions related to fundamental rights for the use of EU funds, notably its recommendation for a more systematic involvement of national fundamental rights bodies and civil society.

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Cautions against overburdening the ECHA with additional regulatory tasks introduced by new directives and regulations, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on its primary responsibilities under REACH and CLP;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3 b. Welcomes FRA's extensive work in 2023 to strengthen respect for fundamental rights when new technologies are deployed, notably through the start of its multiannual project on the use of remote biometric identification technologies by law enforcement agencies;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges that in 2023 the ECHA delivered its regulatory tasks under the Union chemicals legislation, in particular REACH and CLP, provided scientific-technical support to the Commission in the implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, as well as preparing and starting work on the implementation of new regulatory tasks under the Drinking Water Directive, the Batteries Regulation and the Serious Cross- Border Threadts to Health Regulation;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes FRA's contribution to the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)3, participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj ).deleted

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Notes that, despite falling short of fulfilling key indicators for the identification and prioritisation of hazardous substances, the Agency's 2023 annual report highlights that ECHA screened 61 groups covering approximately 1,380 substances, surpassing its initial target, and identified 320 substances for potential risk management, 280 requiring further data, and 540 requiring no further action; furthermore, acknowledges that by the end of 2023, ECHA had assessed 92% of substances registered above 100 tonnes, leaving fewer than 400 high-tonnage substances still to be evaluated;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcomes~~Notes the FRA'’s contribution to the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)3, participation in European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing of the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; is concerned about possible overlaps between the activities of the FRA and the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj).

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Calls on the ECHA to enhance its communication strategies to prevent the misinterpretation of its progress on the PFAS restriction process; stresses the urgent need to address the growing evidence of health and environmental harm caused by PFAS, including their presence in human tissues, and to ensure these risks are fully considered in the socio-economic assessment of the restriction;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcom~~Notes FRA's contribution to the internal EU evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)3 , participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj).

Amendment 39 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Pascale PIERA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Reaffirms the importance of the precautionary principle as a cornerstone of EU chemicals regulation and calls on ECHA to prioritize precautionary approaches when scientific evidence indicates potential risks to human health or the environment; calls on the ECHA to further refine its stakeholder engagement processes to achieve a more proportional balance between industry, civil society, and independent scientific expertise, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are adequately represented and that public and environmental health are not subordinated to economic interests;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcomes FRA's contribution to~~Questions the competence of FRA in the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’)~~3 ,~~ participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) Management Board meetings and co- chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L, 2019/1896, 14.11.2019, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj ).considering that the agency already has Fundamental Rights monitoring;

Amendment 4 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Considers that regular visits to and from the Agencies are a key aspect of the scrutiny exercised by the European Parliament over them; notes to this regard the success of the ENVI delegation to EMA in February 2023 and to ECHA in April 2023;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the ~~fact~~increase in Eurojust’s budget in 2023 from EUR 67 million to EUR 88 million (+31%) and its staff from 285 to 298 (+5%); underlines that the casework carried out by Eurojust ~~is steadily~~has increas~~ing,~~ed in 2023 by 14%, more than 13 000 cases were handled by Eurojust, which also organised 577 Coordination Meetings and 21 Coordination Centres, provided legal, technical, financial and/or operational support to 288 Joint Investigation Teams, facilitated the execution of 1 259 European Arrest Warrants, contributed to the arrest of more than 4 200 suspects and the seizure and/or freezing of criminal assets worth over EUR 1 billion, drafted 1 013 operational deliverables in support to cases (analyses, legal notes etc.) and enabled the use of 6 299 European Investigation Orders; acknowledges Eurojust’s reply stressing that the agency has reviewed the procedure for registering and reporting non-compliance events;

Amendment 4 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Pascale PIERA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the Agency received a EUR 30,1 million contribution under the general budget of the Union in 2023, representing an increase of 12.58 % in respect of 2022; points out that both the Agency’s annual budget and its complement of staff are among the lowest among Union agencies;

Amendment 40 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the ECHA’s efforts to promote the use of alternatives to animal testing for the regulatory assessment of chemicals and to foster understanding of the opportunities and challenges in moving away from animal testing while ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment and encourages ECHA to promote the use of non-animal testing methods;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 41 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes with concern the difficulty to recruit sufficient experts from Member States to the ECHA’s Scientific Committees, posing a risk to the ECHA’s ability to meet legal deadlines and targets in regulatory processes that are dependent on the Committees’ outputs, in particular in the light of increasing tasks being attributed to the ECHA, stresses the importance of the Commission working actively to ensure Agencies can recruit adequate competence to fulfil their missions, encourages in this regard an increased cooperation with universities and other relevant institutions;

Amendment 41 #

Sophie WILMÈS, Lucia YAR, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Moritz KÖRNER, Hilde VAUTMANS, Irena JOVEVA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with satisfaction that FRA provided fundamental rights analysis and expertise to support the activities and work of other EU justice and home affairs (JHA) agencies, including the EUAA, Frontex, Europol, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large- Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL); calls on FRA to determine the extent to which the rule of law and fundamental rights are intrinsically linked, and how its work could be incorporated or developed in synergy with that of the European Commission in the framework of the annual Rule of Law Report;

Amendment 42 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes with concern the difficulty to recruit sufficient experts from Member States to the ECHA’s Scientific Committees, posing a risk to the ECHA’s ability to meet legal deadlines and targets in regulatory processes that are dependent on the Committees’ outputs, in particular in the light of increasing tasks being attributed to the ECHA; identifies a need for increased localised collaboration with universities, research centers and specialised national services from the Member States;

Amendment 42 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with satisfaction that FRA provided fundamental rights analysis and expertise to support the activities and work of other EU justice and home affairs (JHA) agencies, including the EUAA, Frontex, Europol, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large- Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL); notes with concern that FRA has repeatedly stepped outside the framework of institutional independence, failing to keep its distance from the ongoing political debate by taking sides in political disputes;

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Stresses that gender balance in the composition of the top management of our Agencies and institutions must be a guideline; notes that the Agency's senior management is currently composed of 73% men and 27% women, according to the figures communicated; calls on the Agency to take this into consideration in future recruitments;

Amendment 43 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with satisfaction that FRA provided fundamental rights analysis and expertise to support the activities and work of other EU justice and home affairs (JHA) agencies, including the EUAA, Frontex, Europol, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large- Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), as well as the cooperation with international organisations; considers that agencies whose competences are being extended could be usefully assisted by FRA; reminds however that missions of assistance require providing FRA with enhanced resources;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7 b. Notes that 29.1 % of its staff are nationals of the Member State where the Agency is located; recalls the importance of geographical balance and encourages the Agency to continue to take the necessary measures to have a balanced and fair geographical representation;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes ~~with satisfaction that FRA provided~~that FRA provided their understanding of fundamental rights analysis and expertise to ~~support the activities and work of~~ other EU justice and home affairs (JHA) agencies, including the EUAA, Frontex, Europol, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL);

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 8

8. Welcomes the ECHA Strategy Statement for 2024 - 2028 adopted in December 2023, which sets out the priorities for the ECHA in implementing its evolving mandate. and calls for its implementation to prioritize efficiency, financial sustainability, and a reduction in regulatory burdens on businesses and Member States, in order to improve effectiveness in delivering ENVI-related objectives;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Welcom~~Notes FRA’s ~~coop~~interaction with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) on safeguarding relevant fundamental rights for the citizens of the Union such as privacy and data protection throughout the development and implementation of cybersecurity initiatives, and with eu-LISA on guaranteeing that the design and use of IT systems adheres to fundamental rights standards.

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that the EEA provides sound, independent information on the environment; commends the quality of its outputs released in 2023, such as Pathways towards circular plastics in Europe — good practice examples from countries, business and citizens, Assessing the costs and benefits of climate change adaptation and European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development; appreciates the EEA’s support of members of the ENVI committee by providing excellent, up-to- date data and information;

Amendment 46 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that in 2023, over 1,1 million applications for international protection (+18 % compared to 2022) were submitted, and more than 1 million decisions granting temporary protection were issued in 29 EU+ countries; highlights the substantial support EUAA has provided to Member States in that context;~~4 _________________ 4 EU+ countries include the Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as Schengen associated countries.~~ calls for appropriate levels of funding to the EUAA, in particular if there is a significant increase of the tasks entrusted to the agency in the context of the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum; regrets the transfer of EUR 17 million from EUAA to eu-LISA and considers that there was no duly justified explanation for it;

Amendment 47 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that the EEA provides sound, independent information on the environment; commends the quality of its outputs released in 2023, such as Pathways towards circular plastics in Europe — good practice examples from countries, business and citizens, Assessing the costs and benefits of climate change adaptation and European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development, acknowledges the outmost importance of the EEA to reach the Union’s climate goals;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes with dismay that in 2023, over 1,1 million applications for international protection (+18 % compared to 2022) were submitted, and more than 1 million decisions granting temporary protection were issued in 29 EU+ countries; ~~highlights the substantial support EUAA has provided to~~stresses the urgent need for the EUAA to assist Member States ion ~~that context;4 _________________ 4 EU+ countries include the Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as Schengen associated countr~~measures to prevent illegal migration and processing returns efficiently, in line with their national policies.;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that the EEA provides sound, independent and up-to-date scientific information on the environment; commends the quality of its outputs released in 2023, such as Pathways towards circular plastics in Europe — good practice examples from countries, business and citizens, Assessing the costs and benefits of climate change adaptation and European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges the adaptability of the EEA, which, in addition to its planned publications for 2023, released additional works on topics ranging from extreme weather to human health, such as The importance on restoring nature in Europe, demonstrating its capacity to inform and fuel current policy debates arising from evolving circumstances; emphasizes that, as climate and environment have become horizontal priorities with the European Green Deal, the EEA provides further added value through its broad and interconnected knowledge base; notes that, through its Eionet network and digitalisation work, the EEA is well- placed to support the implementation of the European Green Deal on the ground;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that the Court of Auditors found in its 2017 and 2020 reports that the EUAA’s contracts for the rental of premises on Lesbos and in Rome were irregular owing to insufficient competition and a failure to comply with the principle of economy, meaning that all subsequent payments under those contracts were irregular; recalls the auditors’ observation that by 2023 such irregular payments totalling EUR 123 800 had been made;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its satisfaction that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has declared the transactions of the Agencies underlying the annual accounts for the financial year 2023 to be legal and regular in all material respects, and that their financial position, at 31 December 2023, is fairly represented in all material respects; requires the Agencies to adopt zero-based budgeting practices, ensuring that every expense is justified from the ground up, and calls for a significant reduction in administrative costs to focus funding on essential activities such as environmental, public health, and food safety objectives;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Welcom~~Notes the fact that the casework carried out by Eurojust is steadily increasing, in 2023 by 14%, more than 13 000 cases were handled by Eurojust, which also organised 577 Coordination Meetings and 21 Coordination Centres, provided legal, technical, financial and/or operational support to 288 Joint Investigation Teams, facilitated the execution of 1 259 European Arrest Warrants, contributed to the arrest of more than 4 200 suspects and the seizure and/or freezing of criminal assets worth over EUR 1 billion, drafted 1 013 operational deliverables in support to cases (analyses, legal notes etc.) and enabled the use of 6 299 European Investigation Orders;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Acknowledges that in the financial year 2023 the Agency was able to implement 98 % of its annual work programme compared to 95,4% in 2022; notes that the Agency was able to carry out its operations and implement its budget as planned, with an overall budget implementation of 99,9 % in terms of commitments and 74,8 % in terms of payments, ~~a figure which is represents a 29,3 %~~restoring the usual levels of payments' imp~~rov~~lement ~~compared the previous year~~ation after the sharp decrease registered in 2022;

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges the adaptability of the EEA, which, in addition to its planned publications for 2023, released additional works on topics ranging from extreme weather to human health, such as The importance on restoring nature in Europe, demonstrating its capacity to inform and fuel current policy debates arising from evolving circumstanStresses the need for the EEA to prioritize the production of essential reports directly tied to measurable policy outcomes; calls on the EEA to exercise caution in expanding its scope beyond planned publications, focusing instead on delivering core outputs efficiently without overextending its resources;

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Notes the increase in the EUAA’s budget in 2023 from EUR 208 million to EUR 228 million (+10%) and its staff from 519 to 529 (+2%);

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges the adaptability of the EEA, which, in addition to its planned publications for 2023, ~~releas~~produced additional works on topics ranging from extreme weather to human health, ~~such as~~including The iImportance o~~n r~~f Restoring nNature in Europe, demonstrating its capacity to inform and ~~fuel current~~contribute to policy debates arising from evolving circumstances;

Amendment 51 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the fact that the Asylum Reserve Pool became operational and, by the end of 2023, included close to 350 experts; regrets that due to delays in nominations by some Member States of their respective experts, the envisaged number, 500, was not yet reached; calls on Member States to comply with their obligations as regards national experts in order to avoid the need for the agency to rely on external contractors;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the fact that the Asylum Reserve Pool became operational and, by the end of 2023, included close to 350 experts; regrets that due to delays in nominations by some Member States of their respective experts, the envisaged number, 500, was not yet reached; stresses the need to urgently reach at least 500 experts, including interpreters, cultural mediators and psychosocial workers;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the EEA is tasked with tracking progress towards the 8th Environment Action programme (‘8th EAP’), which builds on the European Green Deal and sets the framework for Union environmental policy until 2030, with a long-term priority objective for 2050 of living well within planetary boundaries; welcomes the release of its first annual monitoring report in December 2023, on the basis of a set of 28 headline indicators and corresponding targets such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy and biodiversityRaises concerns about the practicality, financial sustainability, and scientific reliability of tracking progress towards long-term objectives, such as the 2050 planetary boundaries goal, and stresses the importance of prioritizing achievable, cost-effective short- and medium-term targets that align with current technological capabilities and deliver measurable benefits to Member States and citizens;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Welcom~~Notes the fact that the Asylum Reserve Pool became operational and, by the end of 2023, included close to 350 experts; ~~regret~~further notes that due to delays in nominations by some Member States of their respective experts, the envisaged number, 500, was not yet reached;

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Notes that the work of the EEA is by nature trans-boundary and that the quality and usefulness of the EEA research and activities is significantly enhanced by the inclusion of non-EU EEA member countries and non-EU EEA cooperating countries, for example demonstrated by the excellent standing cooperation with the Western Balkan countries; hopes in the context of enlargement that the EEA will soon be able to welcome Moldova and Ukraine as cooperating or member countries; regrets also in this context that the United Kingdom has not yet returned as an EEA member or cooperating country following its exit from the European Union;

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the fact that the EUAA’s first fundamental rights officer (FRO) took office on 16 May 2023; appreciates the concept of a visible and easily accessible complaints mechanism developed by the FRO in consultation with the Commission and the Consultative Forum;deleted

Amendment 55 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the fact that, following the Discharge Authority’s recommendations of 2022, the EEA has established regular progress monitoring processes for both the implementation of key reports and assessments and recently with a stronger focus on indicators, and has consecutively reached a budget execution rate of 100% of the annual budget, a 100% delivery rate of key reports and assessments, and high engagement with key stakeholders and network partners throughout the year; notes the need for more actionable recommendations and enhanced coordination with national agencies to ensure the effective application of EU environmental policies;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes the fact that~~Questions the competence of the EUAA’s first fundamental rights officer (FRO) ~~took office on 16 May 2023; appreciates the concept of a visible and easily accessible complaints mechanism developed by the FRO in consultation with the Commission and the Consultative Forum~~considering that the FRA is already providing expertise to the agency;

Amendment 56 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Stresses that gender balance in the composition of the top management of our Agencies and institutions must be a guideline; welcomes the fact that the Agency's senior management is currently composed of 50% men and 50% women, according to the figures communicated;

Amendment 56 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the fact that the EUAA’s first fundamental rights officer (FRO) took office on 16 May 2023; appreciates the ~~concep~~establishment of a visible and easily accessible complaints mechanism developed by the FRO in consultation with the Commission and the Consultative Forum;

Amendment 57 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Notes that 20.1 % of its staff are nationals of the Member State where the Agency is located; recalls the importance of geographical balance and encourages the Agency to continue to take the necessary measures to have a balanced and fair geographical representation;

Amendment 57 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Welcom~~Notes the adoption of the EUAA revised external cooperation strategy5 and strategy on vulnerability~~6 ; underlines that both should serve as a~~; regrets that in 2023, a fundamental rights strategy was not yet adopted; reminds the obligation of the agency to guarantee ~~for~~ the protection of fundamental rights in the asylum and reception systems of EU+ countries; _________________ 5 https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/p ublications/2023- 05/EUAA_External_Cooperation_Strateg y.pdf 6 https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/p ublications/2023- 12/EUAA_Vulnerability_Strategy.pdf, including in its cooperation with third countries;

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Takes note with concern that despite the multi-year nature of the EEA’s tasks, an imbalance exists concerning the numbers of permanent versus contractual posts, as well as operational staff versus support staff, leading to a constant need for reskilling as well as an overload of administrative work for scientists; takes note that the growing number of collaborations between Directorates- General in implementing the Green Deal has created a complex patchwork of agreements that results in heavy administrative burden for the EEA, whereby some tasks which are long-term in nature are funded by short-term financial agreements; considers that taking into account the substantial increase of workload, and in order to properly perform the tasks on the Union’s goals for, inter alia, climate neutrality, circular economy and nature restoration, the EEA’s staff number should continue to substantially grow in the years to come and the EEA budget needs to increase in proportion in order to keep up with the necessary increase in staff numbers.

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Appreciates the efforts of EUAA to move towards digitalisation, including by adopting the strategy on digital innovation in asylum procedures and reception systems7 ; stresses nevertheless the need to ensure full access to asylum and compliance with fundamental rights in this process; _________________ 7 https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/pu blications/2023-10/2023_EUAA-Strategy- on-Digital-Innovation-in-Asylum- Procedures-and-Reception- Systems_EN.pdf

Amendment 59 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Takes note with concern that despite the multi-year nature of the EEA’s tasks, an imbalance exists concerning the numbers of permanent versus contractual posts in the Agency, as well as operational staff versus support staff, leading to a constant need for reskilling as well as an overload of administrative work for scientists; considers that taking into account the substantial increase of workload, and in order to properly perform the ~~tasks on~~required tasks linked to the Union’s goals for, inter alia, climate neutrality, circular economy and nature restoration, the EEA’s staff number should continue to substantially grow in the years to come and this should be reflected in the financial resources allocated to the Agency.

Amendment 59 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~with satisfaction~~ that 1 000 training sessions were organised by EUAA, and that there is a constant increase in terms of the number of asylum and reception officials and civil society actors trained (+6 % compared to 2022); ~~welcomes the further development of the European asylum curriculum, with training modules such as the ones addressing gender-based violence and the situation of children in the asylum process;~~

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its satisfaction that the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has ~~declared the transactions of the Agencie~~confirmed the legality and regularity, in all material respects, of the transactions underlying the Agencies' annual accounts for the financial year 2023 ~~to be legal and regular in all material respects, and that~~, as well as the fair representation of their financial position, ats of 31 December 2023~~, is fairly represented in all material respects~~;

Amendment 6 #

Emma WIESNER, Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTÍNEZ, Karin KARLSBRO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Commends Eurojust’s efforts towards the digitalisation of justice, namely the implementation of a new Case Management System following the latest amendment to the Eurojust Regulation~~1 ,~~, and the implementation of the new JITs Collaboration Platform~~2 , and its efforts to fulfil its role~~; notes the role of Eurojust as the contact point for third countries and international organisations regarding ECRIS-TCN requests in the context of criminal proceedings; _________________ 1 Regulation (EU) 2023/2131 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 October 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decision 2005/671/JHA, as regards digital information exchange in terrorism cases (OJ L, 2023/2131, 11.10.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2131/oj ). 2 Regulation (EU) 2023/969 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a collaboration platform to support the functioning of joint investigation teams and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 (OJ L, 2023/969, 17.5.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/969/oj).

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls the Unions ‘zero tolerance’ approach to IUU fishing and the Agency’s vital contribution in the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), in particular of fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; welcomes the increase of the seaborne Offshore Patrol activities coupled and a intensification in its chartered Aerial Surveillance; notes that expenses for chartering Off-Shore Patrol Vessels augmented by 105 % while those for Aerial Surveillance chartering increased eight- fold staying within budget as foreseen in its Single Programming Document for 2023; stresses that this development is due to the augmentation of tasks and activities entrusted to the Agency;

Amendment 60 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Takes note with concern that despite the multi-year nature of the EEA’s tasks, an imbalance exists concerning the numbers of permanent versus contractual posts, as well as operational staff versus support staff, leading to a constant need for reskilling as well as an overload of administrative work for scientists; ~~considers that taking into account the substantial increase of workload,~~opposes however substantial increases in staff numbers, calling instead for and in ~~order~~ternal review of staff allocation and responsibilities to improperly perform the tasks on the Union’s goals for, inter alia, climate neutrality, circular economy and nature restoration, the EEA’s staff number should continue to substantially grow in the years to come.ve effectiveness in delivering ENVI-related objectives; recommends the adoption of automation and digital solutions to alleviate administrative burdens on scientific staff, enabling them to focus on core research activities without requiring substantial increases in staff numbers;

Amendment 60 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with satisfaction that 1 000 training sessions were organised by EUAA, and that there is a constant increase in terms of the number of asylum and reception officials and civil society actors trained (+6 % compared to 2022); welcomes the further development of the European asylum curriculum, with training modules such as the ones addressing gender-based violence, vulnerability and the situation of children in the asylum process;

Amendment 61 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Takes note with concern that despite the multi-year nature of the EEA’s tasks, an imbalance exists concerning the numbers of permanent versus contractual posts, as well as operational staff versus support staff, leading to a constant need for reskilling as well as an overload of administrative work for scientists; considers that taking into account the substantial increase of workload, and in order to properly perform the tasks on the Union’s goals for, inter alia, climate neutrality, circular economy and nature rehighlights the importance of aligning staff resources with the EEA’s long-term responsibilities and growing demands, potentially requiring a gradual and storat~~ion, the EEA’s staff number should continue to substantially grow in the years to co~~egic adjustment in staff numbers over time.;

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~with satisfaction~~ that 1 000 training sessions were organised by EUAA, and that there is a constant increase in terms of the number of asylum and reception officials and civil society actors trained (+6 % compared to 2022)~~; welcomes the further development of the European asylum curriculum, with training modules such as the ones addressing gender-based violence and the situation of children in the asylum process~~ in an attempt to offset the constant increase in the unstoppable migratory influx encouraged by the European Commission for almost 10 years now;

Amendment 62 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 62 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Expresses concerns on the participation in 2023 of the EUAA in "Pilot projects" in Bulgaria and Romania intended to strengthen border controls, accelerate asylum and deportation proceedings while EU legislation had not yet been approved;

Amendment 63 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Cautions against overburdening the EEA with additional tasks arising from new directives and regulations, emphasizing the need to focus on its primary responsibilities; stresses the importance of ensuring that resources are not diluted by attempting to address an overly broad range of objectives, which could compromise the quality and impact of its outputs;

Amendment 63 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Regrets that in 2023, an amount of EUR 12,6 million, representing 3,2 % of the total payment appropriations available, was non-compliant expenditure which exceeded the materiality threshold set for the audit and therefore resulted a qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments by the Court; calls on the Agency to urgently prepare a detailed corrective action plan which includes a timetable and accountability for the elimination of non-compliant expenditure; calls on the Agency to keep the Court of Auditors regularly informed of progress in the implementation of the corrective action plan;

Amendment 64 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Reiterates the need for the EEA to adequately hire staff able to carry out the immense task devoted to the Agency, encourages in this regard the Commission to intensify its measures to assist Agencies in ensuring the competence required, reminds the EEA of the importance of achieving gender and geographical balance among staff, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for everyone but not least for parent staff and to continuously work with improving workers' health and well-being;

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes with concern the emphasis of matter to the annual accounts issued by the Court due to two active framework contracts; reiterates its concern that several observations form the Court from previous years are still ongoing; underlines the recurrent high rates of carry overs and recalls that this situation undermines the budgetary principle of annuality and are indicative of structural issues in the budget process and implementation cycle; calls on eu-LISA to follow up on the observations from the Court and to ~~step up efforts to~~ implement corrective actions in all remaining cases of non-compliance and to report to the discharge authority on the progress achieved; recalls that the European Parliament can use its power not to grant discharge in case recommendations would not effectively be followed up;

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Acknowledges the EFSA's~~' contribution to~~ essential role in ensuring the safety of the Union food and feed chain, and ~~its considerable efforts in providing risk managers with comprehensive,~~providing independent ~~and~~, up-to- date scientific advice on questions linked to the food chain, communicating clearly to the public on its outputs and the information on which they are based, and cooperating with interested parties and institutional partners to promote coherence and trust in the food safety system; stresses the need for the EFSA to focus on its core responsibilities, avoiding unnecessary expansion into non-essential initiatives that may dilute its effectiveness;

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Acknowledges eu-LISA’s efforts to achieve the~~Takes note of eu-LISA’s objectives set for 2023 in the Single Programming Document 2023– 2025; ~~notes with satisfaction~~further notes the full implementation of the renewed Schengen Information System (SIS) in March and the smooth integration of Cyprus to SIS in July 2023 and the integration of Croatia into Visa Information System (VIS);

Amendment 66 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the EFSA's' contribution to the safety of the Union food and feed chain, and its considerable efforts in providing risk managers with comprehensive, independent and up-to- date scientific advice on questions linked to the food chain, communicating clearly to the public on its outputhowever expresses deep concern over some of the aspects of the Agency's work relating to inadequate actualisation of regulation regarding pesticides and othe ~~information on which they are based, and cooperating with interested parties and institutional partners to promote coherence and trust~~r toxins, deplores the close ties between the agency and agrochemical industry and reiterates the need for a thorough investigation into the ~~food safety system~~se ties;

Amendment 66 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges eu-LISA’s efforts to achieve the objectives set for 2023 in the Single Programming Document 2023– 2025; notes ~~with satisfaction~~ the full implementation of the renewed Schengen Information System (SIS) in March and the smooth integration of Cyprus to SIS in July 2023 and the integration of Croatia into Visa Information System (VIS);

Amendment 67 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR, Sophie WILMÈS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the involvement of the EFSA in ENVI’s work and more generally the engagement of EFSA with initiatives related to the Farm to Fork and the Union Chemical strategies, with a particular emphasis on pesticides, nutrition, animal welfare, and chemical risk assessment; stresses the need for these efforts to remain firmly grounded in robust, evidence-based policy-making, including the establish~~ing~~ment of an Union chemicals data platform, to ensure that decisions are informed by the best available scientific data and promote effective and balanced regulatory outcomes;

Amendment 67 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes the new Interoperability roadmap; regrets that the new timeline for the roll-out and interoperability of EU information systems was necessary due to delays in development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and European Criminal Records Information System on third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN); calls on eu-LISA to prioritise the swift implementation of those information systems and set a new specific operational start date; underlines that swift, effective, and reliable information exchange is critical for sustaining and strengthening the Union’s area of freedom, security, and justice;

Amendment 68 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Cautions against overburdening the EFSA with additional tasks linked to broader initiatives such as the Farm to Fork and Union Chemical strategies, emphasizing that its primary focus should remain on food safety and core chemical risk assessments;

Amendment 68 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes the new Interoperability roadmap; ~~regret~~notes that the new timeline for the roll-out and interoperability of EU information systems was necessary due to delays in development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and European Criminal Records Information System on third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN); underlines that swift, effective, and reliable information exchange, while fully complying with fundamental rights, is critical for sustaining and strengthening the Union’s area of freedom, security, and justice;

Amendment 69 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Believes that EFSA should continue to pay special attention to the public opinion, and commit itself to increased openness, transparency and scrutiny to and by the public and independent scientists;

Amendment 69 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes the new Interoperability roadmap; ~~regret~~acknowledges that the new timeline for the roll-out and interoperability of EU information systems was necessary due to delays in development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and European Criminal Records Information System on third-country nationals (ECRIS- TCN); underlines that swift, effective, and reliable information exchange in accordance with the applicable legislation, is critical for sustaining and strengthening the Union’s area of freedom, security, and justice;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the measures taken by the aAgencies in light of the European Parliament recommendations in its discharge for the financial year 2022; stresses the importance of increasing the Agencies’ efforts in terms of cooperation with other agencies and international organisations, digitalisation, and gender and geographical balance in senior management positions; proposes a comprehensive audit of the Agencies to identify and eliminate non-essential activities, ensuring that resources are concentrated on critical areas of public health, safety, and environmental protection; recommends that appointments to senior management positions in the Agencies be based on merit and expertise, ensuring optimal performance, while remaining unbiased with regard to gender;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Appreciates Eurojust’s continued support to Ukraine, by the JIT investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine, by operating the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) to preserve, store and analyse evidence of core international crimes in a single, secure, central database, by ensuring a safe digital data transmission method for the evidence submission, and its analysis; further welcomes the launching of the new International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) at Eurojust with the aim to support national investigations and agree on common investigative and prosecution strategies~~, and by actively contributing to the work of the Seize and Freeze taskforce in order to ensure the effective implementation of EU sanctions across the European Union~~;

Amendment 7 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls the Agency’s vital contribution in the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), in particular of fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; welcomes the increase of the seaborne Offshore Patrol activities coupled ~~and a~~with the intensification inof its chartered Aerial Surveillance; notes that expenses for chartering Off-Shore Patrol Vessels augmented by 105 % ~~while those for Aerial Surveillance chartering~~; takes note of the explanation of this increase~~d eight-fold staying within budget as foreseen in its Single Programming Document for~~, which is attributed to the charter of three vessels in 2023; ~~stress~~observes that ~~this development is due to the augmentation of tasks and activities entrusted to the Agency~~expenses for Aerial Surveillance chartering increased eight- fold due to a significant increase in the intensity of the services;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes that the EFSA closed 660 scientific questions in 2023, slightly below the target of 673 but better than the result achieved since 2020; highlights the need to decrease the amount of questions in stock; welcomes the measures put in please to increase the speed of the Risk Assessment process; proposes the establishment of an expedited assessment track for urgent health concerns and response mechanisms for discrepancies between Union standards and trade obligations, to reduce backlog and respond to trade obligations;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Welcomes the fact~~Stresses that eu-LISA started preparations for taking over the operational management of the e-CODEX system (e- Justice Communication via Online Data Exchange) and that also commenced preparations for the design and development of the Joint Investigation Teams collaboration platform (JITs CP) to provide secure electronic information exchange for cross-border criminal investigations.; notes the review of the rules for the prevention and management of conflict of interest concerning the representatives of the management board and of the advisory groups; calls on the agency to ensure there is no conflict of interest;

Amendment 71 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 71 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Expresses concern that Frontex is the largest EU agency which has received exponential budget increases in the last years despite evidence of lack of implementation of its regulation and fundamental rights violations as reported in the 2022 OLAF report, including that Frontex used European taxpayer money to fund pushbacks in at least six instances;

Amendment 72 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Reiterates its regrets that the EFSA, in relation to the two-year cooling off period, still includes in its independence policy the obligation to screen experts' interests only in relation to the mandate of the scientific group to which the expert is applying, and reiterates its regrets that the research funding from companies in the Authority's remit is not considered relevant to the cooling off period as long as amounts at stake do not rise above 25 % of the total research budget managed by the expert and/or their research team, and that the threshold is applied to individual sources as opposed to all private sources combined; highlights that the Authority's refusal to address these two very serious issues in relation to the Authority's prevention and management of conflicts of interests is unacceptable and needs to be resolved immediately;

Amendment 72 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Not~~Welcomes the significant increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including an impressive 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; takes the view, however, that the number of people staying in the Union illegally has increased significantly in recent years, on account of which there should be a significant increase in returns; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023;

Amendment 73 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Takes note~~Notes with concern that, according to the Annual Strategy Survey launched by the EFSA asking for feedback from its customers, partners, and stakeholders who are directly or indirectly involved in the delivery of the EFSA’s scientific opinions, the EFSA’s ability to provide its advice in a timely manner remains a point of attention as in the previous year; calls on the EFSA to implement the necessary measures to improve this aspect;

Amendment 73 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Notes the significant~~Welcomes the increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including an ~~impressive~~ 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023notes, however, that the overall return rate in the European Union remained below 30%, indicating that current initiatives remain insufficient in the light of scale of illegal migration flows; emphasizes the need for Frontex to further prioritize and expand its return operations as a central element of its mandate and to work closely with Member States to enhance the effectiveness of return and reintegration programs;

Amendment 74 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Calls on the Commission to increase the budget of EFSA and stresses the necessity of ensuring adequate staffing to reflect the needs of the more systematic implementation of a ‘One Health’ approach to risk assessment;

Amendment 74 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the significant increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including an impressive 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, withFrontex’s budget in 2023 from EUR 1 017 million to EUR 1 205 million (+18%) and its staff from 2 063 to 2 238 (+8%); stresses that Frontex is by large the agency that received more significant budget increases in the last years; recalls that Frontex ~~exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023~~budget has skyrocketed from EUR 118 million in 2011 to EUR 1 017 million in 2023; considers that this represents a disproportionate unbalance compared to other JHA Agencies;

Amendment 75 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Highlights the need for the EFSA to develop strong cooperation with all its stakeholders, including the other Agencies for better connection and outputs dissemination; welcomes the fact that the EFSA developed cooperation with Member States, including with the increase support of focal points, mainly focusing on support in the area of data collection and communication; encourages EFSA to even further increase its efforts to protect animal welfare and promote the use of non-animal testing methods, also in its cooperation with other institutions;

Amendment 75 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the significant increase in returns from the preceding years exceptionally low and unsatisfactory levels, with Frontex exceeding its modest target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including a~~n impressive~~ 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; welcomes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, successfully managing 6 438 cases in 2023;

Amendment 76 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Highlights the need for the EFSA to develop strong cooperation with all its stakeholders, including the other Agencies for better connection and outputs dissemination; welcomes the fact that the EFSA developed cooperation with Member States, including with the increased support of fthe Focal pPoints Network, mainly focusing on support in the area of data collection and communication;

Amendment 76 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Notes~~Expresses concern over the significant increase in returns, with Frontex exceeding its target of 20 000 by assisting 39 239 returns in total, including ~~an impressive~~ 87% increase in voluntary returns and a 20% rise in forced returns compared to 2022; ~~welcom~~notes the enhanced support provided to Member States in post-return and post- arrival assistance, with Frontex exceeding its target of 5 000 cases in the Joint Reintegration System, ~~successfully~~ managing 6 438 cases in 2023;

Amendment 77 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Recalls that since 2015, the Parliament has adopted 83 resolutions objecting to the placing on the market of GMOs for food and feed; highlights that one reason for these objections are gaps in the risk assessment undertaken by the Authority's Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms; urges the Authority to address and close these gaps as a matter of urgency;

Amendment 77 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Notes the progressiv~~Expresses concern over the expansion of cooperation with third countries throughout 2023, marked by a variety of activities such as familiarisation visits, identification missions, and workshops, totalling 36 initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration; highlights the high risks of Frontex becoming complicit of fundamental rights violations given the widely reported violations occuring in third countries Fronex cooperates with;

Amendment 78 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Stresses that gender balance in the composition of the top management of our Agencies and institutions must be a guideline; notes that the EFSA's senior management is currently composed of 63% men and 38% women, according to the figures communicated; calls on the Agency to take this into consideration in future recruitments;

Amendment 78 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes the ~~progressive~~modest expansion of cooperation with third countries throughout 2023, marked by a variety of activities such as familiarisation visits, identification missions, and workshops, totalling 36 initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration;

Amendment 79 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Notes that a recent report1a highlighted that EFSA’s ‘GMO Panel’, which is responsible for the assessment of genetically engineered organisms, includes a large number of researchers involved in the development of genetically engineered plants, some of whom have links to the industry; urges the Authority to better address conflict of interests and to actively include more independent experts in its panels; _________________ 1a https://www.testbiotech.org/wp- content/uploads/2024/09/Testbiotech_EF SA_GMO_Panel_2024-1.pdf

Amendment 79 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Acknowledges the essential~~Notes the limited role Frontex plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, ~~with~~as shown in the Cutro and Pylos shipwrecks cases in 2023 and as emphasised in the inquiry launched by the European Ombudsman; notes nevertheless that maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations respond~~ing~~ed to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, ~~underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanit~~amongst which many were pulled back to Libya despite Libya not being a safe port; calls urgently on Frontex to cease its cooperation with the so-called Libyan coast guards; notes the legal notice pursuant to Art. 265 TFEU requesting Frontex’s Executive Director, Mr. Hans Leijtens, to partia~~n efforts~~lly terminate the agency’s aerial surveillance activities in the ‘pre-frontier area’ in the Central Mediterranean;

Amendment 8 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the measures taken by the aAgencies in light of the European Parliament recommendations in its discharge for the financial year 2022; stresses the importance of increasing the Agencies’ efforts in terms of cooperation with other agencies and international organisations, ~~digitalisation, and gender and geographical balance in senior management positions~~stresses the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve gender and geographical balance among institutional staff and in senior management positions, reminds the Agencies in this regard of the importance of protecting the work-life balance not least among parent staff and to continously develop strategies to protect workers' health and well-being;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Appreciates~~Stresses the importance of Eurojust’s continued support to Ukraine, by the JIT investigating alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine, by operating the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) to preserve, store and analyse evidence of core international crimes in a single, secure, central database, by ensuring a safe digital data transmission method for the evidence submission, and its analysis; further welcomes the launching of the new International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) at Eurojust with the aim to support national investigations and agree on common investigative and prosecution strategies, and by actively contributing to the work of the Seize and Freeze taskforce in order to ensure the effective implementation of EU sanctions across the European Union;

Amendment 8 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls the Agency’s vital contribution in the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), in particular of fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; ~~welcom~~notes the increase of the seaborne Offshore Patrol activities coupled and a intensification in its chartered Aerial Surveillance; notes that expenses for chartering Off-Shore Patrol Vessels augmented by 105 % while those for Aerial Surveillance chartering increased eight- fold staying within budget as foreseen in its Single Programming Document for 2023; stresses that this development is due to the augmentation of tasks and activities entrusted to the Agency;

Amendment 80 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5 b. Notes that 41.8 % of its staff are nationals of the Member State where the Agency is located; recalls the importance of geographical balance and encourages the Agency to continue to take the necessary measures to have a balanced and fair geographical representation;

Amendment 80 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges the essential role Frontex plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts; expresses its deep regret at the recurring tragic loss of life in the Mediterranean with over 4,000 people being dead or missing on Mediterranean and Northwest Africa maritime routes in 2023 accoring to UNHCR; renews its call for the establishment of a comprehensive EU SAR mission implemented by the Member States’ competent authorities and Frontex;

Amendment 81 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5 c. Highlights that the European Parliament adopted two resolutions at the beginning of the mandate to object to Maximum Residues Levels (MRLs) for pesticides due to cumulative and synergistic effects not having been taken into account in EFSA’s reasoned opinion;

Amendment 81 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. AEmphasises the key role and main task of Frontex in protecting the Union’s external borders; acknowledges the essential role Frontex also plays in Ssearch and Rrescue (SAR) operations, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts; emphasises the need to step up efforts to prevent human trafficking in the Mediterranean;

Amendment 82 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the fact that the EFSA continued implementing its new organisational structure that was put in place in 2022 to reflect the Transparency Regulation; notes that the Transparency Regulation required the Commission to develop and adopt a ‘General Plan for Risk Communication’, which has not been presented by the Commission despite the preparatory work completed by the EFSA; highlights the need to improve efficiency and transparency in the EFSA’s process architecture.

Amendment 82 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges the essential role Frontex plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants~~, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts~~; recalls that in line with expectations expressed by many Member States, a sustainable EU border management policy should effectively explore the possibilities for Frontex to disembark rescued migrants in coastal third countries of departure;

Amendment 83 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the fact that the EFSA continued implementing its new organisational structure that was put in place in 2022 to reflect the Transparency Regulation~~; h~~, but emphasizes the importance of ensuring that it leads to measurable efficiency gains, avoids increased administrative complexity or costs, and enhances effectiveness in achieving ENVI-related objectives. Highlights the need to improve efficiency and transparency in the EFSA’s process architecture.;

Amendment 83 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the fact that the EFSA continued implementing its new organisational structure that was put in place in 2022 to reflect the Transparency Regulation; highlights the need to continuously improve efficiency and transparency in the EFSA’s process architecture.

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges the essential role that Frontex could plays in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations~~, with maritime and aerial assets deployed in joint operations responding to 785 incidents involving 43 508 migrants, underscoring the critical contribution of Frontex to humanitarian efforts~~ and reiterates its call for the establishment of a comprehensive EU SAR mission implemented by the Member States’ competent authorities and Frontex;

Amendment 85 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Stresses the need to preserve EFSA’s independence by avoiding any ad-hoc future modification to its functioning, such as expanding the scope of pre-submission advice (article 32a of the Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety) to technical matters such as study design and protocols to be tested; notes the potential damage to public trust in EFSA work from ad-hoc changes to its functioning;

Amendment 85 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

Amendment 86 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Encourages EFSA to expand its efforts in horizon scanning and early identification of emerging risks in the food and feed chain, particularly in areas linked to climate change and the increasing complexity of global supply chains; stresses the importance of adopting proactive approaches to risk assessment and mitigation to ensure the resilience of the Union’s food system.

Amendment 86 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Highlights the positiv~~Notes some progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execution of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; ~~welcomes the proactiv~~notes the follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights~~, with the majority being dismissed for non-admissibility; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountability~~ as well as the increasing Serious Incident Reports related to fundamental rights violations; deplores however the inaction of national authorities in investigating the facts contained in Serious Incident Reports, that create an increasing culture of impunity within the EU when it comes to migrants' fundamental rights violations; notes that the FRO recommended for Frontex to suspend its activities in Greece under article 46 of the EBCG Regulation; deplores also that, despite Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountability has not fully become a reality in practice, as noted by the European Ombudsman, including through its refusal to disclose documents relating to its cooperation with the so called Libyan coast guard;

Amendment 87 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6 b. Underlines the significance of enhancing public engagement and outreach activities, including leveraging digital tools to increase public access to scientific information and the rationale behind EFSA’s decisions; calls for the development of user-friendly platforms that promote greater understanding and foster citizen participation in the food safety dialogue.

Amendment 87 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execution of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights, with the majority being dismissed for non-admissibility; highlights the importance of close cooperation with national authorities to ensure the appropriate follow-up on allegations of fundamental rights violations in line with national fundamental rights mechanisms; stresses that Frontex officers must avoid involvement in any actions that could directly or indirectly violate fundamental rights; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountability; stresses the need for more detailed post-operation information;

Amendment 88 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6 c. Notes the growing importance of alternative protein sources and novel foods in achieving the Union’s sustainability goals; calls on the EFSA to prioritize the development of robust scientific frameworks for assessing the safety and nutritional impact of these products, ensuring that innovation is underpinned by rigorous risk assessment standards.

Amendment 88 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Highlights the positive~~Deplores the slow progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets~~, including~~; acknowledges the ongoing execution of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; ~~welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex~~is concerned about the fact that the majority onf complaints related to fundamental rights~~, with the majority~~ are being dismissed for non- admissibility~~; welcom~~, and considers that awareness about the complaints mechanism should be improved to strengthen its effectiveness; urges Frontex's to reinforced its commitment to transparency and accountability;

Amendment 89 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6 d. Calls for closer collaboration between the EFSA and the ECDC to enhance the monitoring and assessment of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance; stresses the need for a unified approach to safeguarding public health through a ‘One Health’ perspective.

Amendment 89 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execu~~Acknowledges the implementation of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights, with the majority being dismissed for non- admissibility; welcomes Frontex's reinforced commitment to transparency and accountabilitynotes, however, that the emphasis on fundamental rights must not divert resources from Frontex’s core operational tasks, particularly its mandate to manage returns effectively; calls for a balanced approach where fundamental rights compliance supports, rather than hinders, the execution of operational priorities;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the fact that the Agencies took effective corrective actions following most of the 2022 observations from the ECA; takes note of 2023 observations for the Agencies, in particular observations related to ex-ante checks, and calls on them to ensure an effective follow- up.; demands that Agencies failing to implement corrective actions within stipulated timelines face reductions in their administrative budgets, with the aim of improving the efficiency of funding for essential activities such as environmental protection, public health, and food safety objectives in the long run;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Notes with satisfaction the strong collaboration with the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, notably the conclusion of a new working arrangement with European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the opening of 15 new cases where Eurojust supported European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as well as the cooperation on 42 cases with European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) ~~including on~~; stresses that Eurojust and Europol launched a pilot project for the systematic and structural exchange of data for link detection purposes, which will be reviewed in the first half of 2024; welcomes the Eurojust-OLAF Action Plan 2022-2023 to fight crimes affecting the European Union’s financial interests;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes the successful conclusion of the PESCAO project which involved the Agency in major international coalitions against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Western Africa ~~allow~~entailing a steady flow of revenue amounting to a total EUR 3,86 million since 2018, financed by the European Development Fund; stresses the importance of the Agency’s further participation to similar projects, in particular projects related to the implementation of the recently reformed Fisheries Control Framework;

Amendment 90 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Reiterates the key role of the EMA in protecting human and animal health by assessing and supervising medicines for human or veterinary use ~~and protecting public health by raising awareness on key issues including antimicrobial resistance and prevention of communicable diseases through vaccination~~; emphasizes the importance of focusing resources on its core responsibilities and avoiding unnecessary expansion into broader public health awareness campaigns;

Amendment 90 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Highlights the recommendations of the FRO in its 2023 annual report, in particular the need to strengthen fundamental rights and procedural safeguards applicable to several areas and activities of Frontex, such as screening, debriefing and patrolling; underlines FRO’s opinions, particularly the opinion on suspending or terminating operations in Greece, the opinion relating to fundamental rights concerns regarding alerts to Libyan authorities in the context of the multipurpose aerial surveillance services provided by Frontex and the opinion of the use of force monitoring; expresses deep concern about the cases where national authorities were reluctant to provide access to relevant data for the purpose of the investigations or follow up cases or denied officers’ involvement in alleged fundamental rights violations; underlines the lack of reporting is a recurrent concern from the FRO; urges Frontex to implement all the recommendations from the FRO’s annual reports and to follow-up on FRO’s opinions;

Amendment 91 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Expresses deep concern over reports of conflict of interest and influence of the pharmaceutical industry over EMA 1d, reiterates that the agency serves the public interest of safe and affordable medicine, regrets inaction shown by the agency to tackle accusations of "revolving doors" in the case of scientific experts and their involvement with big pharmaceutical companies, regrets with profound concern the unwillingness of the Agency to challenge financial interests and to properly prioritise public health concerns; _________________ 1d https://www.investigate- europe.eu/posts/deadly-prices-big- pharma-influence-hangs-over-europes- medicines-regulator

Amendment 91 #

Michalis HADJIPANTELA, Dan-Ştefan MOTREANU, Radan KANEV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Supports Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, noting the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking;deleted

Amendment 92 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that in 2023, the EMA recommended for marketing authorisation 77 new human medicines, including 39 new active substances, and 14 new veterinary medicines, including 9 new active substances; welcomes the fact that the EMA confirmed seventeen orphan- status designations under the Union framework for orphan medicines, the purpose of which is to encourage the development and marketing of medicines for patients with rare diseases, adopting an expedited mechanism under special conditions;

Amendment 92 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Supports Frontex’s continued~~Considers necessary to step up efforts to strengthen itFrontex’s FRO,; not~~ing~~es the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises th~~at Frontex has taken significant steps~~e steps taken in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming ~~and human trafficking~~in order to achieve better gender balance, especially in the context of joint operations, and stronger gender considerations in the context of recruiting, training and capacity building, career and work conditions and communication, as well as on addressing trafficking in human beings and protecting the victims, but consider them insufficient;

Amendment 93 #

Tom VANDENDRIESSCHE, António TÂNGER CORRÊA, Petra STEGER, Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA, Nikola BARTŮŠEK, Fabrice LEGGERI, Roberto VANNACCI, Pascale PIERA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Notes the EMA decision to lift its COVID-19 business continuity measures, in alignment with the World Health Organisation declaration of the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern; welcomes the fact that it enabled the EMA to shift its focus to address other challenges, including the finalisation of the EMA’s extended mandate obligations, of the medical devices and in vitro medical devices regulations (MDR/IVDR), and the first reflections on the EC proposal for the revision of the general Union pharmaceutical legislation for human medicines; cautions against overburdening the EMA with growing obligations and instead highlights the need to focus on existing tasks in order to directly enhance human and animal health outcomes;

Amendment 93 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Support~~Notes Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, ~~not~~including the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking, however, that these efforts must not detract from Frontex’s primary mission to safeguard Europe’s borders and increase the efficiency of its return operations; encourages Frontex to develop a clearer division of responsibilities between the FRO and operational units, ensuring that fundamental rights monitoring enhances, rather than impedes, the effectiveness of border management and return operations;

Amendment 94 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the EMA’s efforts to contribute to Union priorities, including via inter alia the implementation of the Union Beating Cancer Plan, the Union Chemical Strategy for Sustainability and the European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance.; urges the EMA to further cooperate with relevant agencies and actors to combat new, rare and difficult-to-diagnose cancers; reiterates the need to pay special attention to often misdiagnosed conditions among women and girls and to be conscious of class bias in health related issues and pharmacological needs;

Amendment 94 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Supports Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, noting the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; ~~recognis~~notes that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO~~, particularly~~ on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking; expresses concern that it has not been the case regarding FRO's recommendations to suspend operations based on article 46;

Amendment 95 #

Jonas SJÖSTEDT, Sebastian EVERDING, Anja HAZEKAMP, Li ANDERSSON, Catarina MARTINS, Per CLAUSEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that the EMA is a fee- funded agency, with 88,21 % of its 2023 revenue stemming from fees for applications for marketing licenses for pharmaceutical products and for post- authorisation activities, 11,43 % stemming from the Union budget and 0,36 % from various other sources; highlights the need to ensure transparency of these revenues and welcomes the fact that in the future the EMA will have the obligation to publish in its activity report the annual revenue received per type of fee and charge according to Regulation (EU) 2024/5682 ; reiterates the importance of scientific integrity and patient safety; commits to supporting the EMA to guard these principles regardless of the levels of fee- based incomes to the agency; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/568 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fees and charges payable to the European Medicines Agency, amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2022/123 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) No 658/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 297/95 (OJ L, 2024/568, 14.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/568/oj).

Amendment 95 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Supports Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, noting the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; ~~stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence;~~ recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as ~~gender mainstreaming and human trafficking~~the fundamental rights of migrants, while disregarding Member States citizens right to safe and secure societies;

Amendment 96 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that the EMA is a fee- funded agency, with 88,21 % of its 2023 revenue stemming from fees for applications for marketing licenses for pharmaceutical products and for post- authorisation activities, 11,43 % stemming from the Union budget and 0,36 % from various other sources; stresses that despite the majority of funding coming from private sources, the EMA is a public authority; underlines that public trust in and guarantee of the Agency’s independence and integrity is crucial and therefore highlights the need to ensure transparency of these revenues ~~and~~; welcomes the fact that in the future the EMA will have the obligation to publish in its activity report the annual revenue received per type of fee and charge according to Regulation (EU) 2024/5682 ; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/568 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fees and charges payable to the European Medicines Agency, amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2022/123 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) No 658/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 297/95 (OJ L, 2024/568, 14.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/568/oj).

Amendment 96 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with appreciation that most Fundamental Rights targets were met in 2023, contributing to a more robust and rights-based approach to Frontex operations; calls for continued focus on implementing concrete actions based on the recommendations of the FRO and for further strengthening Frontex’s human rights framework;deleted

Amendment 97 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recalls that the EMA is a fee- funded agency, with 88,21 % of its 2023 revenue stemming from fees for applications for marketing licenses for pharmaceutical products and for post- authorisation activities, 11,43 % stemming from the Union budget and 0,36 % from various other sources; highlights the need to ensure full transparency of these revenues and welcomes the fact that in the future the EMA will have the obligation to publish in its activity report the annual revenue received per type of fee and charge according to Regulation (EU) 2024/5682 ; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/568 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fees and charges payable to the European Medicines Agency, amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2022/123 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) No 658/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 297/95 (OJ L, 2024/568, 14.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/568/oj).

Amendment 97 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with appreciation that most Fundamental Rights targets were met in 2023, contributing to a more robust and rights-based approach to Frontex operations; calls for continued focus on implementing concreUrges to further strengthening Frontex’s human rights framework; takes the position that the Management Board should play a proactive role in identifying and preventing serious risk of fundamental rights violations; reiterates the importance to implement the standard operating procedures to withdraw the financing of, or suspend or terminate, or not launch Frontex acti~~ons based on t~~vities in cases whe re~~commendations of the FRO and for further~~ such risks arise; urges the Management Board to strengthen in~~g Frontex’s human rights framework~~ternal oversight structures as well as cooperation and communication with competent administrative and judicial authorities and independent civil society actors in host Member States;

Amendment 98 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Irena JOVEVA, Hilde VAUTMANS, Lucia YAR

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that in 2023 the EMA received 6 965 requests for information and 709 requests for access to documents and that the EMA applies a queuing system that leads to delays in the treatment of the requests; emphasises the importance of transparency in the EMA operations, hence the need to ensure a timely access to information and documents in order to reinforce public trust in regulatory decisions and the medicines placed on the EU market;

Amendment 98 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes with appreciation that most Fundamental Rights targets were met in 2023, contributing to a more robust and rights-based approach to Frontex operations; regrets, despite official replies by the Executive Director of Frontex, the lack of concrete action on some of the opinions issued by the FRO and thus calls for continued focus on implementing ~~concrete~~such actions based on the recommendations of the FRO and for further strengthening Frontex’s human rights framework;

Amendment 99 #

Olivier CHASTEL, Christine SINGER, Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY, Vlad VASILE-VOICULESCU, Sigrid FRIIS, Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE, Martin HOJSÍK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Stresses that gender balance in the composition of the top management of our agencies and institutions must be a guideline; notes that the Agency's senior management is currently composed of 60% men and 40% women, according to the figures communicated; calls on the Agency to take this into consideration in future recruitments;

Amendment 99 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~with appreciation that~~that even if most Fundamental Rights targets were met in 2023, ~~contributing to a more robust and rights-based approach to Frontex operations~~severe fundamental rights concerns remain in countries where Frontex is being deployed; calls for continued focus on implementing concrete actions based on the recommendations of the FRO, including the suspension of its operations under article 46, and for further strengthening Frontex’s monitoring of human rights ~~framework~~violations;

source: 766.863

2024/12/12 FEMM 47 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. whereas Article 8 TFEU ~~mand~~states that the Union toshall aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote gender equality ~~between men and women~~in all its activities, thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming; whereas gender equality must be incorporated into all ~~its activitie~~EU policies and activites, including via gender budgeting at all levels of the budgetary process; whereas equality is a fundamental right under the Treaty of Lisbon and a priority for the Union ~~with~~and achieving gender equality is crucial to upholding these rights; whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has a central role in supporting Union institutions and Member States in achieving that aim;

Amendment 10 #

Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Lucia YAR, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Jana TOOM

Draft opinion
Recital B

Amendment 11 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Recital B

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)

B a. whereas EIGE's work focused also on gender-based violence (GBV), by working on a EU wide survey on GBV to close the 10 year data gap on the prevalence of violence against women in the EU; whereas crises exacerbate women’s vulnerability and exposure to violence, intensifying existing structural inequalities and aggravating all types of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological and cyberviolence; whereas EIGE continued to support gender mainstreaming efforts in the EU;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)

B a. whereas gender equality in the Union has been particularly impacted by the consequences of the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis, which women are disproportionately affected by, and the backlashes against gender equality and women’s rights, especially around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in several Member States; whereas this further deepens inequalities and hampers gender equality;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)

B a. whereas EIGE works towards the provision of evidence on gender-based violence (GBV) that can support the EU and Member States (and beyond) in their efforts to eradicate all forms of violence;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)

B b. whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the Union, including gender mainstreaming in all Union policies and the resulting national policies, the fight against discrimination based on gender, and raising Union citizens’ awareness of gender equality; whereas crises exacerbate women’s social and economic vulnerabilities, intensifying exposure to violence and deepening existing structural inequalities; whereas the disproportionate economic impacts of crises, including the green transition, often fall on women, particularly those in low-income, caregiving, or informal sector roles;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)

B b. whereas EIGE pointed out that women are underrepresented in the creation and development of clean innovation; whereas this has added value for European policymaking;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)

B c. whereas EU agencies, such as EIGE, contribute to the implementation of EU policies and strive for the development of a more sustainable, inclusive and competitive Europe for the benefit of all EU citizens; whereas these agencies are decentralised and thereby independent in the development of their work programmes;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Has serious concerns that EIGE’s mission was diverted from improving equality by its focus on the Euro~~Stresses that EIGE was correct in its index’s assertion that high energy prices place a lot of very small businesses at risk of indebtedness and even bankruptcy, many of them owned by women or employing women, especially in personal care services; to that end, underlines that future research on the gender aspects of the Green Deal should seek to address that women are not overburdened with bureaucratic red tape an ~~Green Deal~~d costly energy bills to the detriment of the European economy; points out that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives;

Amendment 19 #

Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Lucia YAR, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Jana TOOM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Has serious concerns that EIGE’s mission w~~Stresses that in the last d~~iverted from improving equality by its focus on the European Green Deal; points out that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives~~ecade economic, social, labour and gender inequalities within and between Member States have become more acute; recalls the important role played by EIGE in understanding and addressing the extent and causes of gender inequality in the EU;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. whereas Article 8 TFEU mandates the Union to aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality between men and women in all its activities; whereas equality is a fundamental right under the Treaty of Lisbon and a priority for the Union with the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) supporting Union institutions and Member States in achieving that aim; whereas it is EIGE's objective to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all EU policies, a task in which it has proven to be vital and effective; whereas it is therefore underlined that EIGE needs to be provided with sufficient and stable financial and human resources to fulfil its tasks;

Amendment 20 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Has serious concerns that EIGE’s mission was diverted from improving equality by its focus on the European Green Deal; points out that~~Notes EIGE’s continuous high level of budget execution, despite the persistent understaffing of the agency, with commitment appropriations of up to 98 % in and a payment appropriations rate of 83 %; congratulates EIGE for achieveding 92,.76 % of its work programme objectives;

Amendment 21 #

Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Lucia YAR, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Jana TOOM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. H~~as serious concerns that EIGE’s mission was diverted from improving e~~ighlights that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives; notes that the 2023 Gender Equality ~~by its~~Index focused on ~~the European Green Deal; points out that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives~~how gender gaps impact and are impacted by green transition efforts, especially in sectors like energy and transport;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Has serious concerns ~~that EIGE’s mission was diverted from improving equality by its focus on the European Green Deal~~about the lack of gender mainstreaming within climate policies and welcomes EIGE's initiatives shed light on this phenomenom; points out that EIGE achieved 92,76 % of its work programme objectives;

Amendment 23 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Notes that EIGE was established as EU’s knowledge centre on gender equality to produce independent research and share best practises to eliminate discrimination based on gender, combine research, data and tools to help EU and it’s Member States to design inclusive and gender-transformative policies and to mainstream gender equality into all their policies; highlights the urgency for the Union to advance on gender equality, in the light of ongoing crisis, such as climate crisis, wars, backlashes on gender equality and anti-gender and anti- democratic movements; in this regard, recalls that one in three women in the EU experience gender based violence during their lifetime, including physical, sexual and psychological violene or threats of violence1a; recalls that women are more severely affected by poverty and notes in that regard that gender pay gap in the EU is 13%1b and pension gender pension gap is 29%,1c effecting women’s societal wellbeing; notes that women in the EU also experience threats to their fundamental rights and bodily autonomy, as attacks against SRHR, including abortion rights persist; reiterates that women are also disproportionately affected by climate crisis and wars and conflicts; _________________ 1a https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra _uploads/eu- gender_based_violence_survey_key_result s.pdf 1b https://commission.europa.eu/strategy- and-policy/policies/justice-and- fundamental-rights/gender- equality/equal-pay/gender-pay-gap- situation-eu_en 1c https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/product s-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210203-1

Amendment 24 #

Catherine GRISET, Mathilde ANDROUËT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that the EIGE participated, along with Eurostat and the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, in the EU gender-based violence survey, published on 25 November 2024; calls on the EIGE to prioritise the fight against violence, to tackle this issue without any ideological bias, to ensure that the scale of violence against women in public places is not underestimated, and to gather data on the profiles of perpetrators, not just victims; stresses that this information is vitally important when adopting efficient public policies to combat violence against women;

Amendment 25 #

Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Lucia YAR, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Jana TOOM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Emphasizes that addressing gender-based violence cannot be decoupled from tackling economic and social inequalities; calls on EIGE to prioritize research and recommendations that focus on reducing the gender pay gap, increasing women’s access to quality jobs, and ensuring their economic independence as a fundamental part of its mission to combat violence against women and girls;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Welcomes the ongoing cooperation between EIGE and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality; stresses the valuable contribution that EIGE can make to all Parliament committees, in order to better integrate the gender perspective in all EU policies;

Amendment 27 #

Raquel GARCÍA HERMIDA-VAN DER WALLE, Lucia YAR, Abir AL-SAHLANI, Veronika CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ, Jana TOOM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Note~~Recalls that the ~~8,5 % increase in~~ EIGE’s sta~~ff costs can be attributed to the continued high~~sk is to collect, analyse, and disseminate inflormation ~~rate as well as a 2,7% indexation of salaries, and that the average number of staff r~~as regards gender equality and to develop, analyse, evaluate and dissemain~~ed at 45; notes that two contract agents were engaged and funded by the IPA contribution agreement with the Commission’s Directorate-G~~ate methodological tools in order to support the integration of genderal for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; acknowledges the persisting understaffing of EIGE and suggests that EIGE focus its work programme on violence against women and girls while deprioritizing actions related to the European Green Deal where necessary in light of current staff capacit equality into all Union policies and the resulting national policies; encourages collaboration between the EIGE and other Union agencies;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the 8,5 % increase in EIGE’s staff costs can be attributed to the continued high inflation rate as well as a 2,7% indexation of salaries, and that the average number of staff remained at 45; notes that two contract agents were engaged and funded by the IPA contribution agreement with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; acknowledges the persisting understaffing of EIGE ~~and suggests that EIGE focus its work programme on violence against women and girls while deprioritizing actions related to the European Green Deal where necessary in light of current staff capacities~~; notes that Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality, states in article 6 that EIGE should function independently in the public interest; acknowledges that EIGE thus produces independent research and as such is capable of dealing with the prioritization of their work independently as well; encourages the European Commission to prioritise gender mainstreaming in all its policies and ensure that EIGE has sufficient capacity to research this topic;

Amendment 29 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the 8,5 % increase in EIGE’s staff costs can be attributed to the continued high inflation rate as well as a 2,7% indexation of salaries, and that the average number of staff remained at 45; notes that two contract agents were engaged and funded by the IPA contribution agreement with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; acknowledges the persisting understaffing of EIGE and suggests that ~~EIGE focus its work programme on violence against women and girls while deprioritizing actions related to the European Green Deal where necessary in l~~additional staffing resources, including statuary staff, shall be allocated to EIGE in response to the increasing urgent demands, technical assistance, and requests for its services; further calls for increased budget allocations to support the Institute’s recruitment and research capabilities, enabling EIGE to better address subsequent crisis and the growing backlashes against gender equality, women's rights and rights of ~~current staff capacities~~LGBTIQ+ persons, which disproportionately affect women;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. whereas Article 8 TFEU mandates the Union to aim to eliminate inequalities establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming and to promote equality between men and women in all its activities; whereas equality is a fundamental right under the Treaty of Lisbon and a priority for the Union with the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) supporting Union institutions and Member States in achieving that aim;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the 8,5 % increase in EIGE’s staff costs can be attributed to the continued high inflation rate as well as a 2,7% indexation of salaries, and that the average number of staff remained at 45; notes that two contract agents were engaged and funded by the IPA contribution agreement with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; acknowledges the persisting understaffing of EIGE, a~~nd suggests that EIGE focus its work programme on violence against women and girls while deprioritizing actions related to the European Green Deal where necessary in light of current staff capacities~~s evidenced in the findings of the second external evaluation and calls on the Commission to propose the necessary resources for the Agency to enable it to fulfil its tasks, particularly as regards to gender mainstreaming;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Recalls that EIGE has experienced persistent issues with understaffing, which were further aggravated through the sharp increase in requests for technical assistance as a result of the prioritisation of gender mainstreaming in all Union policies and initiatives in the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025; stresses its calls for EIGE to be granted the budget and staff allocations, including an increase in contract agents, required to handle the significant increase in workload;

Amendment 33 #

Paulo DO NASCIMENTO CABRAL, Loucas FOURLAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Welcomes EIGE’s gender equality highlights which presented Croatia and Greece as having the highest share of women among research and innovation personnel in business enterprises in the electricity and gas and water supply sectors; notes that such information has added value to the cause of gender equality in the energy market;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Highlights the importance of resuming actions related to the gender mainstreaming that did not achieve a 100% success rate, particularly those due to procedural reasons;

Amendment 35 #

Catherine GRISET, Mathilde ANDROUËT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes that the overall gender imbalance among EIGE staff has increased in recent years, with women accounting for 75 % of employees in 2023;

Amendment 36 #

Paulo DO NASCIMENTO CABRAL, Loucas FOURLAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Recognizes the high success rates of EIGE in developing actions and communication campaigns on gender equality, emphasizing its importance in creating awareness;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Notes that EIGE already considers violence against women as being one of the most severe human rights violations within societies;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2 c. Highlights the important research by the Agency which presents how violence is a result of inequalities that affect all women, but that indeed some groups of women are more vulnerable to experiencing violence such as women with disabilities; calls on EIGE to further develop its future work on this pressing topic;

Amendment 39 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2 d. agrees with EIGE in its research that women and girls with disabilities are often at a higher risk of transport poverty due to limited transport affordability, availability, and accessibility;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)

A a. whereas EIGE’s core mission focuses on achieving gender equality in the EU by providing research, collecting and communicating data, and developing methods to improve statistics and data collection, measuring the state of gender equality at both EU and Member State levels, developing methodological tools and providing technical support for gender mainstreaming, and cooperating with EU institutions, it’s Member States, EU agencies, international organisations, academia, civil society and other stakeholders;

Amendment 40 #

Margarita DE LA PISA CARRIÓN, Sebastian KRUIS, Mireia BORRÁS PABÓN, Viktória FERENC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Acknowledges that specific measures were taken in the area of financial management~~Recalls that the European Institute for Gender Equality was set up to help the European institutions and the Member States to emainsutre ~~a proper implementation of interinstitutional framework contracts.~~am gender equality in all their policies and combat gender-based discrimination by supplying up-to-date studies, and thus makes an important contribution to efforts to achieve genuine gender equality;

Amendment 41 #

Assita KANKO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Acknowledges that specific measures were taken in the area of financial management to ensure a proper implementation of interinstitutional framework contracts. to comply with the observations of the Court;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – point 1 (new)

(1) Strongly opposes the diversion of resources and attention from critical economic and social objectives by earmarking funds specifically for a gender perspective; acknowledges that this approach has proven ineffective, as significant progress in areas such as reducing violence against women or achieving gender equality has not been realised despite the allocation of resources;

Amendment 43 #

Margarita DE LA PISA CARRIÓN, Sebastian KRUIS, Mireia BORRÁS PABÓN, Viktória FERENC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – point 2 (new)

(2) Affirms that these funds have been exploited for purely ideological purposes, resulting in the imposition of a forced social change that undermines national sovereignty and the rights of families;

Amendment 44 #

Margarita DE LA PISA CARRIÓN, Sebastian KRUIS, Mireia BORRÁS PABÓN, Viktória FERENC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – point 3 (new)

(3) Advocates for project funding to be objective, effective, and neutral, free from partisan influence, and designed to benefit society as a whole, prioritizing the genuine needs of EU citizens, irrespective of gender;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Welcomes the ongoing cooperation between EIGE and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), in particular the Institute’s contribution to the ongoing efforts of the Committee concerning gender-based violence, work-life balance, the gender pay and pension gap, impact of crises on women, gender mainstreaming and budgeting; strongly supports the work of the Institute, which enables the Committee to properly do its work; notes the importance of availability of reliable gender-disaggregated data in order to allow for evidence-based policy making; notes the valuable contribution EIGE can make to all the European Parliament's Committees and other EU agencies in order to better integrate gender mainstreaming in all EU policies; calls on EIGE to adopt an intersectional framework in its research and policymaking to address the compounded social and economic disadvantages faced by women from marginalized groups, including women of color, migrants, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQA+ individuals; stresses the importance of collecting disaggregated data to develop targeted solutions for these groups;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Is of the opinion, on the basis of the data currently available, that discharge can be granted to the Director of the EIGE in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2023.

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Is of the opinion, on the basis of the data currently available, that discharge can be granted to the Director of EIGE in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2023.

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)

A a. whereas the Gender Equality Index 2023 for the European Union (EU) surpassed 70 points for the first time, showing a growth of 1.6 points since 2022; whereas the increase in the overall EU score is the highest year-on-year rise since the first edition of the Index in 2013;

Amendment 6 #

Joanna SCHEURING-WIELGUS, Alessandra MORETTI, Vilija BLINKEVIČIŪTĖ, Elisabeth GROSSMANN, Lina GÁLVEZ, Marko VEŠLIGAJ

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)

A a. whereas gender equality must be incorporated into all EU policies, including via gender budgeting at all levels of the budgetary process; whereas EIGE was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the Union;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. whereas in 2023 EIGE’s work focused on two thematic priorities: the European Green Deal and gender-based violence; whereas crises exacerbate women’s vulnerability and exposure to violence, intensifying existing structural inequalities and aggravating all types of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual and psychological; whereas the effectiveness of EIGE’s actions ofollowing the principle of gender mainstreaming, incorporating gender sensitive perspective, and researching the effect of all policies on women are crucial aspects of achieving gender equality; whereas in 2023 EIGE’s work focused on, among other areas, supporting the objective of a green and gender-equal Europe through the Green Deal, via the Gender Equality index, developing the good practises toolkit and awareness raising; whereas the focus on the Green Deal was appropriate; whereas in EIGE’s publication in October 2023 on Gender Balance in the European Green Deal, ~~which ne~~it was concludeds t~~o be revised and updated to set achievable targets in general to achieve equality and support women~~hat, in order to deliver the European Green Deal with a just and socially fair transition that leaves no one behind, additional efforts are needed to address the under- representation of women in key decision- making positions, especifically ~~in the Union, is questionable~~, greater focus is required at the national level to honour both EU and national commitments to equal representation in positions of power;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. whereas ~~in 2023 EIGE’s work focused on two thematic priorities: the European Green Deal and gender-based violence~~gender equality is far from a reality in the Union, with the 2023 Gender Equality Index having made a modest increase of only 1.6 points to reach 70.2, and with some domains showing signs of regression, in particular in economic and income metrics; whereas crises exacerbate women’s vulnerability and exposure to violence, intensifying existing structural inequalities and aggravating all types of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual and psychological; whereas ~~the effectiveness of EIGE’s actions on the European Green Deal, which needs to be revised and updated to set achievable targets in~~women face systemic social and economic inequalities across the Union, exacerbated by intersecting factors such as race, disability, sexual orientation, gender~~al to achieve equal~~ identity, and ~~support women, especially in the Union, is questionable~~migration status, which hinder their access to opportunities, fair wages, and social protections;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

source: 766.793

2024/12/13 TRAN 43 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Anthony SMITH, Nikos PAPPAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Observes that the three agencies carried out their work in 2023 in full alignment with agreed objectives of the Commission; takes note that the regular monitoring and supervision activities on these decentralised agencies did not identify any particular issue that could have a material impact on the assurance; points out that reports from both external and internal auditors did not highlight any major issue that might raise additional concerns for DG MOVE;

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes the efforts of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (‘the Centre’) to enable and promote multilingualism in the Union, for example as regards communications of the Union agencies and the development of terminology in specialised subject areas to improve the quality of translations; calls for all written documents to be translated and made available in the official languages of the European Union within reasonable deadlines;

Amendment 10 #

Marjan ŠAREC, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Taner KABILOV, Benoit CASSART, Valérie DEVAUX

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2 c. Welcomes the Agency's engagement in making environmental protection a key priority, by setting key milestones related to the ReFuelEU Aviation legislation (signed in October 2023) to ensure a level playing field for sustainable air transport and facilitating the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF);

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. TNotes with satisfaction that the revenue and payments underlying EMSA's accounts for the year that ended on 31 December 2023 are legal and regular in all material respects; takes notice of the Court’s observation identifying irregularities in the Agency’s management and control systems, noting however that these irregularities did not affect the payments; points out that EMSA took action to address the shortcomings identified;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Notes that in 2023, EMSA continued providing a highly effective assistance in helping to reduce the impact of the maritime transport sector on the environment, including through its involvement in the numerous initiatives related to European Green Deal; takes particular notice of the technical expertise it provided in the context of the review of the Maritime Safety Package; commends the Agency’s support to the Commission and the Member States in the final adoption of the proposals made as a part of the Fit for 55 package, notably on the extension of the Emission Trading System (ETS) to maritime transport and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation; welcomes the adaptation of THETIS-MRV to the requirements of the ETS legislation;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Commends the contribution of EMSA to safety and standardisation frameworks at both EU and IMO levels; welcomes its proactive role in addressing safety and standardisation gaps, including by drafting best practices and guidance that cover both traditional safety concerns and new challenges related to electrical systems, batteries, and the carriage of electric vehicles on ships;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Observes that 2023 was marked by the geopolitical instability, including the continuation of the war in Ukraine, the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, and the security threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, all seriously impacting shipping; in this context, commends the support that EMSA provided to the Commission and the Member States by using its monitoring and surveillance capacities, including its advanced digital tools, to mitigate the impact of this instability on maritime transport. Encourages EMSA, in this context, to continue to invest in the development of advanced digital tools and surveillance technologies that will enable a more effective response to evolving security threats in maritime regions, as well as to take steps to increase resilience to cyber threats.

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Highlights the importance of the work EMSA has done in the area of sustainability, updating THETIS-MRV to support the extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to the maritime transport sector, assisting the Commission and the Member States in the monitoring and collection of data in relation to nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from ships, continuing its work to study the potential of different alternative fuels and the potential safety aspects stemming from the uptake and deployment of sustainable alternative sources of power for ships against the background of FuelEU Maritime, and publishing safety guidance on battery-energy storage systems on board ships;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Calls on the Agency to develop a long-term strategy for responding to geopolitical changes, including cooperation with NATO and other international partners to better secure European sea lanes;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Welcomes the ongoing research in the area of digitalization, with regards to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the accompanying identification of competences for MASS operators, and the safety risks related to its development;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2 c. Takes into account that EMSA carried out nine RPAS operations for the Member States and relevant EU Agencies, including Multipurpose Maritime Surveillance operations with a regional focus; welcomes EMSA's successful delivery of an RPAS regional service in the Baltic, which operated from mid-April to September 2023, covering Estonia, Finland, and Latvia;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2 d. Underlines the ongoing importance of EMSA's support to the Member States in terms of developing relevant capacity building, and implementing and coordinating training activities;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Calls for greater transparency and efficiency in the financial management of all three agencies, particularly in areas where weaknesses in procurement and budget management have been identified by the European Court of Auditors; stresses the need to implement effectively the Court's recommendations in order to tackle these weaknesses;

Amendment 2 #

Catherine GRISET

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Notes, however, that many meetings and documents remain untranslated in the European institutions owing to a shortage of interpreters, but also a lack of more innovative tools to translate these exchanges in real time; encourages the Centre to build partnerships with companies developing artificial intelligence with the aim of improving real-time translation capacity, ultimately allowing multilingualism to be maintained without increasing its financial burden;

Amendment 20 #

Marjan ŠAREC, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Taner KABILOV, Benoit CASSART, Valérie DEVAUX

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Takes notice of the Court’s observations that identified the weaknesses concerning the Agency’s public procurement, management and control systems as well as various aspects of its budgetary management; observes that the frequency of the Agency’s late payments in 2023 reached 13 % (148 payments out of 1 101); notes that while the total amount of late payment interest was immaterial, the significant frequency is detrimental to the Agency’s reputation; calls on ERA to improve its compliance with the legal time limits for paymentsthe Agency issued 33 % of its invoices late; notes that this delay is mostly due to the lack of legal leverage to impose deadlines on national safety authorities; calls on the Commission to revise Regulation 2018/764 on the fees and charges payable to ERA and their conditions of payment to give such leverage to the Agency;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. TNotes with satisfaction that the revenue and payments underlying ERA’s accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 are legal and regular in all material respects; takes notice of the Court’s observations that identified the weaknesses concerning the Agency’s public procurement, management and control systems as well as various aspects of its budgetary management; observes that the frequency of the Agency’s late payments in 2023 reached 13 % (148 payments out of 1 101); notes that while the total amount of late payment interest was immaterial, the significant frequency is detrimental to the Agency’s reputation; calls on ERA to improve its compliance with the legal time limits for payments;expects that ERA will properly define the selection criteria in procurement procedures and appropriately assess cases of abnormally low bids.1a _________________ 1a Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2023, Section 3.11.10 "Observations on management and control systems", pp. 132-133, 137.

Amendment 22 #

Marjan ŠAREC, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Taner KABILOV, Benoit CASSART, Valérie DEVAUX

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Observes that the frequency of the Agency’s late payments in 2023 reached 13 % (148 payments out of 1 101); notes that while the total amount of late payment interest was immaterial, the significant frequency is detrimental to the Agency’s reputation; calls on ERA to improve its compliance with the legal time limits for payments, also noting that 14% of invoices were issued late; urges ERA, following the review of Regulation 2018/764, to continue with all necessary actions to reduce delays with invoicing.1b _________________ 1b Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2023, Section 3.11.11 "Observations on budgetary management", pp. 133, 137.

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Calls on the Agency to put in place more rigorous internal controls and staff training to reduce the frequency of payment delays and improve budget management;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes in particular, that ERA contributes, on technical matters, to the implementation of Union legislation by developing a common approach to safety on the Union rail system and by enhancing the level of interoperability on the Union rail system and associated data, with a specific focus on facilitating the interoperable deployment of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and on access to data for pushing rail modernisation and digitalisation; ~~takes notice of the close cooperation with the national authorities acting in the fields of railway safety and interoperability; emphasis~~welcomes the 2023 results achieved in its role of the EU authority in charge of issuing authorisations for placing railway vehicles on the market, single safety certificates for railway undertakings, and ERTMS trackside approvals, which were the highest since the full implementation of the Technical Pillar of the 4th Railway Package; takes notice of the close cooperation with the national authorities acting in the fields of railway safety and interoperability; welcomes the Agency’s continued work on safety culture through preparing specific reports and organising tailored training sessions; emphasizes that the actions of ERA will substantially contribute to an increased competitiveness of rail and to the seamless cross-border traffic in the EU.;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 26 #

Elena NEVADO DEL CAMPO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Points out that in 2023, ERA successfully addressed the difficulties related to human and budgetary resources as well as a significant increase in both policy and authority tasks; this notwithstanding, regrets that resource- related constrains have continued to impact the Agency’s potential, and the development of the information sharing system in Europe; observes that in 2023, the Agency’s Management Board has endorsed a dedicated paper on Strengthening Operational Safety (SOS) in Europe focusing on two initiatives – the Safety Information Sharing System and the Priority Countries Programme, noting however the absence of an associated legal and financial statement to underpin the potential of boosting operational safety across the EU by these initiatives; calls on the Agency to continue working closely with the Commission and the Member States to unlock this important stream of work in the future.

Amendment 28 #

Valérie DEVAUX, Marjan ŠAREC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Recalls that the Agency has the smallest budget among the transport agencies despite the outstanding environmental performance and other benefits of rail transport; calls for an increase of the budget of the Agency in order to provide it with the necessary means to enable it to act as an efficient authority and to fulfil its tasks, particularly those with regard to increasing competitiveness, improving safety and cross-border interoperability;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Recalls that ERA has the smallest budget among the transport agencies despite the outstanding environmental benefits of rail prioritized by Commission; while commending the 9% budget increase in 2023, calls for a more significant appropriation to ensure the Agency has essential resources to function as an efficient authority and effectively fulfil its tasks;

Amendment 3 #

Marjan ŠAREC, Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Taner KABILOV, Benoit CASSART, Valérie DEVAUX

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. TNotes with satisfaction that the revenue and payments underlying EASA's accounts for the year that ended on 31 December 2023 are legal and regular in all material respects; however, takes notice of the Court’s observation concerning the Agency’s public procurement shortcomings; notes with satisfaction that the Court did not identify any non-procurement weaknesses in its control and management or budgetary management systems; with regard to the follow-up of the Court’s previous years’ observations, remarks that at the end of 2023, 3 out of 5 observations remained open;

Amendment 3 #

Sunčana GLAVAK, Ioan-Rareş BOGDAN, Bogdan Andrzej ZDROJEWSKI, Sabine VERHEYEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Observes with concern the Court’s findings with regard to various public procurement procedures, which led to irregular payments; encourages the Centre to continue its efforts in improving its monitoring of contracts and its procurement procedures; recommends the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms and regular training for staff to ensure compliance and mitigate risks;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Commends the Agency's work to increase railway safety in the EU by delivering a rising demand of Single Safety Certificates, preparing specific reports on safety culture, and in particular its involvement in line with art. 35(5) following the tragic Tempi train accident in February 2023, where ERA issued swift audits and recommendations;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Underlines the importance of ensuring that railway transport is accessible, interconnected, efficient, and affordable for everyone; Stresses the need to improve rail connectivity in rural and remote regions and to guarantee access to railway services for individuals with reduced mobility and persons with disabilities;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Commends the work of the Agency in successfully easing drafts on the public EU budget by increasing its Fees and Charges activities in 2023 compared to 2022 by issuing 1837 decisions on Vehicle Authorisations, 76 Single Safety Certificates and 10 ERTMS Trackside Approvals.

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2 c. Welcomes the endorsement of the EUAN Diversity and Inclusion Charter by the Agency, which promotes the development of a modern, diverse workforce essential for the future of the European rail sector; notes the initiatives taken by the agency towards fostering an inclusive and equitable environment in particular for women pursuing careers in the rail industry, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender or background, in the European railway sector; Encourages continued support for such efforts to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative rail workforce;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2 c. Commends the Agency continuous effort to improve its efficiency and budget execution through its Strengthening plan adopted in 2022; notes however that these efforts cannot compensate the insufficient budget of the Agency;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2 d. Regrets that the current requirements on the reporting of railway safety accidents and incidents are fragmented across Europe, limited to an oversight function only, and not supported by an appropriate enabling tool, and urgently calls therefore on the European Commission to address this gap and provide any necessary funding to that end.

Amendment 36 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Benoit CASSART, Taner KABILOV, Marjan ŠAREC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2 d. Takes into account that ERA endorsed a policy for classifying and protecting sensitive information to strengthen the implementation of the internal control framework;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Takes notice of the Court’s observation concerning the Agency’s public procurement shortcomings; notes with satisfaction that those shortcomings have been addressed in the meantime and that the Court did not identify any non- procurement weaknesses in its control and management or budgetary management systems; with regard to the follow-up of the Court’s previous years’ observations, remarks that at the end of 2023, 3 out of 5 observations remained open;

Amendment 4 #

Zsuzsanna BORVENDÉG

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Observes with concern the Court’s findings with regard to various public procurement procedures, which led to irregular payments; ~~encourages the Centre to~~ calls for those responsible to be held account~~inue its efforts in improving its monitoring of contracts and its procurement procedures~~able for their actions, for compensation to be paid for the damage caused and for abusive practices to be ended immediately;

Amendment 5 #

Jan-Christoph OETJEN, Benoit CASSART, Taner KABILOV, Marjan ŠAREC

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Takes notice of the adoption of the ReFuelEU Aviation legislation in October 2023 and of the new set of specific tasks that the Agency would be charged with in this framework, including the development of the European Environmental Labelling for Aviation scheme and the reinforced role of the Agency in promoting and measuring the usage of sustainable aviation fuels and the associated reductions in CO2 emissions., including through the Sustainability Portal and the annual technical report prescribed by Article 13 of the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation; calls for sufficient financial and personnel resources in order to fulfil these tasks;

Amendment 5 #

Nikos PAPPAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Notes that the Centre has still three open observations that have not yet been remedied; encourages the Centre to comply with the ECA's recommendation for corrective action;

Amendment 6 #

Sunčana GLAVAK, Ioan-Rareş BOGDAN, Bogdan Andrzej ZDROJEWSKI, Sabine VERHEYEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Acknowledges the significant impact of the war in Ukraine on the European aviation sector; notes that the closure of Ukraine’s airspace, along with the restricted access to the Russian and Belarusian airspace, resulted in longer flight routes for most carriers, skyrocketing fuel prices, and increased CO2 emissions and airfare costs for commercial flights, all of which have made it increasingly challenging for the industry to return to the pre-pandemic levels;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~that women ar~~with concern the underrepresentedation of women in senior and middle management positions as well as ond the management board; urges the Centre to ~~work towards gender balance at all levels of staff~~implement a comprehensive gender balance strategy, including measurable targets and proactive recruitment initiatives, to ensure equitable representation at all levels;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Remarks that in 2023, the Drone programme entered the last phase of its regulatory development for Unmanned Aircraft Systems; recalls that the Commission’s Drone Strategy 2.0 actively tasked the Agency with nine flagship actions and that in 2023 all nine were fully or partially achieved, meeting its objectives to deliver a world’s leading regulatory framework for this innovative part of the aviation industry;

Amendment 7 #

Lara MAGONI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that women are underrepresented in senior and middle management positions and the management board; urges the Centre to work towards gender balance at all levels of staff while keeping merit as lead requirement to access a position;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Notes that in 2023, EASA significantly strengthened its cooperation with military organisations within the scope provided by the EU Action plan on military mobility 2.0 and is now invited to all NATO Aviation Committee meetings; takes notice of the endorsement of the Agency’s Civil Military Cooperation strategy – its long-time priority – supporting its involvement in certification tasks for military aircraft deriving from civilian ones based on the “as civil as possible as military as necessary” concept;

Amendment 9 #