OPINION (2024/2024(DEC))
On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X - European External Action Service
AFET-AD-765237
Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Michael Gahler
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The Committee on Foreign Affairs opinion on the EEAS 2023 discharge calls for more funding and staff to meet global challenges, improve procurement, and support human rights, democracy, and Ukraine.¶¶¶
Key points
- Highlights EEAS's central role in foreign policy and fighting foreign information manipulation, but notes its budget is structurally underfunded and affected by inflation.¶
- Calls for increased funding for humanitarian aid in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, and for delegations in the Middle East, Gulf, and Africa.¶¶
- Insists on budget increases for CFSP actions, peace and crisis response instruments, IT and security protocols.¶
- Welcomes EEAS's support for Ukraine via campaigns and training missions, and the appointment of the first EU Special Representative for the Gulf.¶¶¶
- Calls for more resources for digital diplomacy, green diplomacy, and human rights, democracy, and development via NDICI-Global Europe.¶
- Regrets audit findings on procurement errors and deficiencies in funding allocation methodologies; calls for implementation of recommendations.¶¶¶
- Urges member states to provide enough financing to keep the delegation network intact and avoid closures and security postponements.¶
- Calls for increased funding for gender equality and Women, Peace, and Security agenda, and for a more ambitious GAP IV from 2028.¶¶
- Urges EEAS to put children's rights at the centre, promote rule of law and fight corruption with local actors, and enhance support in Western Balkans and Moldova.¶¶¶
- Calls for better protection of women's and LGBTQI+ rights, support for electoral observation missions, and extension of EUPM Moldova's mandate.¶¶¶
- Urges monitoring of democracy and support for human rights defenders, and incorporation of faith diplomacy safeguarding religious minorities.¶¶
Who is affected
- EEAS and its delegations: face budget constraints but are urged to implement reforms and expand activities.¶¶
- EU member states: urged to provide more funding to EEAS and Commission.
- Civil society and human rights defenders in third countries: receive support and engagement.¶¶
- Ukraine and Moldova: benefit from EU missions and support.¶¶¶