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From · Plenary report · 2023-01-26 A-9-2023-0009 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising
To · opinion parliamentary committee · 2022-12-05 JURI-AD-735590 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising
+0 added · −1769 removed · 0 modified paragraphs

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising

(COM(2021)0731 – C90433/2021 – 2021/0381(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2021)0731),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 16 and 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C90433/2021),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee of 23 February 2022,

– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A9-0009/2023),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 a (new)

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Amendment 10

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Recital 11

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 a (new)

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 a (new)

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 b (new)

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 c (new)

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 a (new)

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 b (new)

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 c (new)

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 a (new)

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Amendment 27

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Recital 24

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26 a (new)

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26 b (new)

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26 c (new)

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28 a (new)

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28 b (new)

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28 c (new)

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28 d (new)

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 29

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 31

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 31 a (new)

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 32

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 33

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 36

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 37

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 38

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 41

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42 a (new)

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42 b (new)

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42 c (new)

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 44

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45 a (new)

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45 b (new)

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45 c (new)

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45 d (new)

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 a (new)

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 b (new)

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 c (new)

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 d (new)

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 e (new)

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 f (new)

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 g (new)

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 h (new)

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 i (new)

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 j (new)

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 k (new)

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 l (new)

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 48

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 49

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 50

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 51

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 52

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 53

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 54

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 55

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 56

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 57

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 58

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 58 a (new)

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 59

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 60

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 60 a (new)

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 61

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 62

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 63

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 63 a (new)

Amendment 95

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 65

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 67

Amendment 97

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 68 a (new)

Amendment 98

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 70

Amendment 99

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 71

Amendment 100

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 101

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 102

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point b

Amendment 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point f

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point i

1

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point i a (new)

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 b (new)

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Amendment 116

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point e

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point f

Amendment 119

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point g

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point h

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Amendment 125

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6 b (new)

Amendment 126

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Amendment 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)

Amendment 129

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Amendment 130

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2

Amendment 132

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2

Amendment 134

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 a (new)

Amendment 135

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter II – title

Amendment 136

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – title

Amendment 137

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 138

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 139

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1

Amendment 140

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 141

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Amendment 142

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 143

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 b (new)

Amendment 144

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2 c (new)

Amendment 145

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 a (new)

Amendment 146

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – title

Amendment 147

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 148

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 149

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 150

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 151

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

Amendment 152

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment 153

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Amendment 154

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Amendment 155

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3

Amendment 156

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 157

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3 b (new)

Amendment 158

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – title

Amendment 159

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 160

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Amendment 161

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Amendment 162

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 163

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Amendment 164

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 165

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 166

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 167

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 168

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Amendment 169

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2

Amendment 170

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3

Amendment 171

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 4

Amendment 172

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 5

Amendment 173

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 6

Amendment 174

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 7

Amendment 175

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 8

Amendment 176

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 a (new)

Amendment 177

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 b (new)

Amendment 178

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment 179

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Amendment 180

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 181

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1

Amendment 182

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 183

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2

Amendment 184

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 185

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3

Amendment 186

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 187

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 4

Amendment 188

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 189

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 190

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a

Amendment 191

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Amendment 192

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 193

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 194

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 195

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Amendment 196

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new)

Amendment 197

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 198

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 3

Amendment 199

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 5

Amendment 200

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 7

Amendment 201

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter III – title

Amendment 202

Proposal for a regulation

Article -12 (new)

Amendment 203

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – title

Amendment 204

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Amendment 205

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 206

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 207

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Amendment 208

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 d (new)

Amendment 209

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 e (new)

Amendment 210

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2

Amendment 211

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Amendment 212

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 213

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 214

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point c

Amendment 215

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

Amendment 216

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4

Amendment 217

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 218

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 5

Amendment 219

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 7

Amendment 220

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 8

Amendment 221

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – title

Amendment 222

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Amendment 223

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2

Amendment 224

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 225

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 226

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 227

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Amendment 228

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 d (new)

Amendment 229

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2

Amendment 230

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 231

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Amendment 232

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4

Amendment 233

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point a a (new)

Amendment 234

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point a b (new)

Amendment 235

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point c

Amendment 236

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)

Amendment 237

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Amendment 238

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 b (new)

Amendment 239

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 6

Amendment 240

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 7

Amendment 241

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 8 – point a

Amendment 242

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 8 – point c

Amendment 243

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 8 a (new)

Amendment 244

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 9

Amendment 245

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 a (new)

Amendment 246

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 b (new)

Amendment 247

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1

Amendment 248

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 249

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d

Amendment 250

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point e

Amendment 251

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)

Amendment 252

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 4

Amendment 253

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 254

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 6

Amendment 255

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Amendment 256

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7

Amendment 257

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7 a (new)

Amendment 258

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7 b (new)

Amendment 259

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment 260

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2

Amendment 261

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3

Amendment 262

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 263

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 5

Amendment 264

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 a (new)

Amendment 265

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 2

Amendment 266

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – title

Amendment 267

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point a

Amendment 268

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point b

Amendment 269

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point c

Amendment 270

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point d

Amendment 271

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point e

Amendment 272

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point f

Amendment 273

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point h

Amendment 274

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

On 25 November 2021, the Commission put forward its much-anticipated proposal for a Regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising, which is part of the Commission’s European Democracy Action Plan. The Regulation should enter into force and be fully implemented by April 2023, a year before the 2024 elections to the European Parliament.

The main purpose of the Regulation is to lay down harmonised transparency obligations for providers of political advertising, and to introduce harmonised rules on the use of targeting and amplification techniques for political advertising, where personal data is used. This legislative proposal complements the Digital Services Act Regulation (DSA) as it establishes specific rules that build on the horizontal rules for platforms addressed thereby.

The political advertising services in the EU are evolving, showing particular increase in online services, which are often provided cross border. The digital transition and technological changes have enabled a proliferation of different new media and methods of funding, preparation, placement, promotion, publication and dissemination of political advertising. These developments, against the background of fragmented and unevenly enforced national regulation, clearly demonstrate, that the internal market rules should be adapted so that to ensure adequate level of transparency for political advertising, necessary for a fair and open electoral process in all Member States.

The Rapporteur welcomes the Commission proposal for a Regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising and fully supports its aim to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market, as it seeks to eliminate the current fragmentation of requirements and ensure the free movement of political advertising services across the Union.

When evaluating possible modifications to the Commission proposal, the Rapporteur took into account - inter alia - the new legislative framework provided by the Digital Services Act, the current legislative framework on European Political parties, including the recent Commission proposal to amend Regulation 1141/2014 and finally the European Parliament resolution of 9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation.

Following a broad consultation with various stakeholders, the Rapporteur proposes the following modifications to the Commission proposal.

1. Subject matter, scope and definitions

The Rapporteur proposes to clarify the scope, in particular by adding due diligence obligations to those relating to transparency, which should be applicable to sponsors, in addition to providers of political advertising services and publishers. Furthermore, the Regulation should protect fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Union and national law, including the Charter on Fundamental Rights and should not affect the content of political advertising or national rules on electoral periods and political campaigns. Furthermore, political opinions under the editorial responsibility of a service provider should not be considered political advertising when expressed without any form of payment from a third party.

The Rapporteur also proposes clarifications of several definitions, in particular of ‘political advertising’ ‘political actor’ and ‘political advertising publisher’, ‘targeting and amplification techniques’ and suggests new definition of ‘providers of political advertising services’ in order to contribute to the clearer understanding of the enacting provisions.

The Rapporteur finds it important to spell out clearly the criteria for identifying an advertisement as political advertisement. Such criteria should include the content and objective of the message, its sponsor, the language used to convey the message, as well as the context and the means by which the message is conveyed. There should be a clear link between the message and its design and liability to influence the outcome of an election or referendum, a legislative or regulatory process or voting behaviour. The Rapporteur considers it appropriate to encourage Members States to elaborate guidance, codes of conducts and standards needed to achieve effective application of these criteria.

2. Transparency and due diligence obligations for political advertising services

The Rapporteur considers it crucial to clarify and enhance the obligations of the different actors within the entire chain of political advertising and recommends for them to respect certain due diligence obligations when requesting or providing political advertising services. Furthermore, all service providers should ensure that the contractual arrangements concluded for the provision of a political advertising service specify how the relevant provisions of this Regulation are complied with.

The Rapporteur proposes provision clarifying that political advertising in the EU may be provided only to a sponsor who is a citizen of the Union or to a natural or legal person, established or residing in the EU.

With regards to transparency obligations for political advertising services, the Rapporteur proposes the following clarifications:

 The declaration made by the sponsors or the providers of advertising services acting on behalf of sponsors whether the advertising service constitutes a political advertising service should be made in a good faith, should contain accurate information, and should be provided in timely, complete and accurate manner. In case of manifestly erroneous declarations, the providers of advertising services should request corrections. Furthermore, in this context, additional risk management obligations should apply to service providers who are Very large online platforms in the meaning of the Digital Services Act. Member States should be encouraged to put in place tools that would facilitate the proper application of these obligations;

 Strengthening the provisions on record-keeping and transmission of information to the political advertising publisher so as to ensure that providers of political advertising services retain information they collect in the provision of their services and communicate it to the political advertising publisher in a timely and accurate manner;

 The Commission should put forward common standards to establish harmonised, efficient and prominent labels for political advertisements;

 Clarifications with regards to the information to be provided in the transparency notice and the responsibility of providers of political advertising services, including publishers with regards to accuracy and completeness of information;

 Clarifications with regards to libraries for political advertisements: political advertising publishers need to make information from transparency notices available in online libraries for political advertisements: this should happen in real time for publishers which are Very large online platforms (VLOPs) or Very large online search engines (VLOSEs) and no later than 24 hours for smaller publishers. To help smaller economic players, an EU library for hosting political advertisements shall be developed. Finally, the Commission would be required to adopt common standards to establish common data structure and standards, and a common application programming interface;

 Clarifications with regards to the foreseen procedures for natural and legal persons to easily flag up possibly unlawful political advertisements, and enhanced obligations for publishers and other providers of political advertising services to ensure that such advertisements are properly dealt with.

3. Targeting and amplification of political advertising

When it comes to the obligations concerning targeting and amplification of political advertising involving the processing of personal data, the main focus of the Rapporteur goes to ensuring that political advertising publishers include in the transparency notice all information necessary to allow the individual concerned to understand the logic involved and the main parameters of the technique used. The publisher should also include a reference to effective means to support individuals exercise their data protection rights, in particular a reference to the right to give or refuse consent, with a link to an interface allowing for easily exercise such right.

4. Supervision, enforcement and sanctions

In respect of supervision and enforcement, the Rapporteur proposes to ensure a much closer cooperation at European level between the competent national authorities, while preserving the national competences in this field. As Member States will be required to designate one competent authority as a contact point, the Rapporteur proposes that those authorities work together within the Network of national contact points, in the framework of the already existing European Cooperation Network on Elections. The Rapporteur also elaborates the main tasks of this Network such as the exchange of information and best practices; the preparation of guidance, codes of conducts and standards to support actors involved to comply with main requirements of this Regulation; the development of an harmonised approach on sanctions.

As for the provisions requiring Member States to lay down rules on sanctions, including administrative fines and financial penalties for infringements of the Regulation, the Rapporteur suggests that Member States should also have possibility to impose periodic penalty payments in case of a serious and repeated violations.

5. Review, codes of conduct, interpretative guidance and standards

The Rapporteur suggests clarifying better the review clause, according to which the Commission should regularly evaluate the implementation of the Regulation and report on that. While assessing the effectiveness of this new instrument, the Rapporteur considers that the Commission should pay particular attention to several key elements such as the scope, the definition of political advertising, the effectiveness of codes of conducts, of its governance and the possibility to introduce harmonised sanctions.

Finally, the Rapporteur considers that it would be important to elaborate codes of conduct, interpretative guidance and standards to support the sponsors, service providers acting on the behalf of sponsors, and providers of political advertising services in complying with the key requirements of this Regulation.

3.11.2022

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on transparency and targeting of political advertising

(COM(2021)0731 – C90433/2021 – 2021/0381(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion (*): Sabine Verheyen

(*) Associated committee – Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

On 25 November 2021, the European Commission published its legislative proposal for a regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising, which aims to introduce a legal framework to ensure a high level of transparency of political advertising and related services.

Overall, the Rapporteur welcomes the proposal but would like to suggest a series of amendments in order to clarify certain provisions related to the dissemination of political advertising through offline media forms and in order to ensure a consistent approach between offline and online service providers of political advertising.

In addition, the Rapporteur highlights the interlinks and complementarities between the new proposal and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and the need to safeguard the freedom of expression and right to information.

Finally, regarding the governance aspects, the proposed regulation does not necessarily provide for the creation of any additional authorities or bodies at Member State level as these tasks could be entrusted to relevant competent national authorities, in particular, those already playing a role under the field of media regulation. However, the Rapporteur aims to clarify certain cooperation mechanisms between all the authorities involved in order to try to mitigate future enforcement challenges.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Culture and Education calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 a (new)

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 57

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 58

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 59

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 62

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 63

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point f

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 b (new)

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 4

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 6

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 8

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 6

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 7

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 9

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 4

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point b

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point d

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

1.12.2022

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising

(COM(2021)0731 – C90433/2021 – 2021/0381(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Anna Júlia Donáth

(*) Associated committee – Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 a (new)

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 b (new)

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 31

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 38

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42 a (new)

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 a (new)

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 b (new)

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 c (new)

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 d (new)

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 e (new)

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 f (new)

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 g (new)

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 h (new)

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 i (new)

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 j (new)

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 k (new)

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 l (new)

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 48

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 49

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 50

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 51

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 52

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 53

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 58 a (new)

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 70

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point b

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point i a (new)

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b a (new)

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b b (new)

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b c (new)

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point g

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point h a (new)

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 a (new)

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 a (new)

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – title

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 a (new)

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c b (new)

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c c (new)

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point d

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 b (new)

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 3 c (new)

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 4

Amendment 95

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 5

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Amendment 97

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 6

Amendment 98

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 7

Amendment 99

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 8

Amendment 100

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 a (new)

Amendment 101

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment 102

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3 b (new)

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 4

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 a (new)

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 b (new)

Amendment 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

Amendment 116

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 3

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 5

Amendment 119

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 7

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter III – title

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article -12 (new)

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – title

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 125

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 126

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 d (new)

Amendment 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1 e (new)

Amendment 129

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2

Amendment 130

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 132

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point c

Amendment 134

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

Amendment 135

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 136

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4

Amendment 137

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 5

Amendment 138

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 8

Amendment 139

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – title

Amendment 140

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 141

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 142

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment 143

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Amendment 144

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 d (new)

Amendment 145

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 146

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3

Amendment 147

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4

Amendment 148

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point a (new)

Amendment 149

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point b (new)

Amendment 150

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point c (new)

Amendment 151

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point d (new)

Amendment 152

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point e (new)

Amendment 153

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 – point f (new)

Amendment 154

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 155

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – introductory part

Amendment 156

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new)

Amendment 157

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)

Amendment 158

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 6

Amendment 159

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 9 a (new)

Amendment 160

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1

Amendment 161

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 4

Amendment 162

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 6

Amendment 163

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Amendment 164

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7

Amendment 165

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7 a (new)

Amendment 166

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 7 b (new)

Amendment 167

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment 168

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 169

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2

Amendment 170

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3

Amendment 171

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 5

Amendment 172

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point a

Amendment 173

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point b

Amendment 174

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point d

Amendment 175

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point e

Amendment 176

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point h

Amendment 177

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – subheading 1

Amendment 178

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point a

Amendment 179

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point b

Amendment 180

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point c

Amendment 181

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point d

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

5.12.2022

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising

(COM(2021)0731 – C9-0433/2021 – 2021/0381(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Angelika Niebler

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

Democracy is our highest value in the EU. According to Article 10 of the Treaty of Lisbon, the functioning of the Union shall be founded on representative democracy. Article 11 specifically sets out that i.a. citizens and representative associations shall be given the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action. Moreover, the institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with them.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

18.10.2022

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

for the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising

(COM(2021)0731 – C90433/2021 – 2021/0381(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Daniel Freund

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

In the sensitive context of political advertising, the rapporteur for opinion believes that it is necessary to enhance transparency of the rules and clarify their scope while reinforcing safeguard mechanisms and reducing uncertainties with regard to compliance.

The draft report proposes a creation of a single European political advertisement repository, set up and managed by the Commission, of which the costs are covered by a fee that is proportionate to its use and to income generated from political advertising while exempting SMEs. This should both reduce compliance costs and enhance transparency of the market for the political advertising, including for researchers.

A majority of Member States have provisions allowing the candidates or parties to have free and proportionate access to traditional media during electoral campaigns. Given the shift to non-linear media such as social platforms, the rapporteur for opinion believes that during the elections to the European Parliament, very large online platforms should be required to display a limited amount of political ads free of charge. This should be based on the principle of equal access and give proportionate visibility to electoral entities duly registered for such elections.

The legislative text should also clarify the scope of activities which constitute political advertising – therefore both advertisement generated and promoted by the same actor as well as commercial advertising which is liable to have an impact in particular on regulatory, legislative and voting behaviour should qualify as political advertising and be subjected to regulation. On the other hand, it should be clarified that only those activities which aim exclusively at informing the citizens about the given election, should be exempted.

The complex context of political advertising requires further safeguards. In addition to general provisions in the Digital Services Act regarding risk assessment and mitigation, specific due diligence measures should therefore be reinforced. Similar consideration applies to data protection rules in particular as far as use of targeting and amplification techniques is concerned, but also with regard to tracking of the user’s interaction with political ads. It should also be clarified that the actors monitoring and ensuring compliance with those rules need to be provided with sufficient resources to discharge their duties efficiently.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Constitutional Affairs calls on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 a (new)

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 29

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 41 a (new)

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 49

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 55 a (new)

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 56

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 58

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 62

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point g a (new)

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point g b (new)

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Chapter II – title

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – title

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 6

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 a (new)

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 5

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 a (new)

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 a (new)

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 7 a (new)

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2

ANNEX: LIST OF ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The following list is drawn up on a purely voluntary basis under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur. The rapporteur has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion, until the adoption thereof in committee:

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE