Sittings · Document
2023 discharge: General budget of the EU - European Data Protection Supervisor
Committee on Budgetary Control
AM_Com_NonLegReport
Amendment 1
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
E. whereas the EDPS carries out its functions in close cooperation with fellow Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) as part of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), and it serves the public interest while being guided by principles of impartiality, integrity, transparency and pragmatism;
E. whereas the EDPS carries out its functions in close cooperation with fellow Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) as part of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), and it serves the public interest while being guided by principles of impartiality, integrity, transparency, pragmatism and respects EU legislation;
Or. en
Amendment 2
Virginie Joron
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
4. Notes from the Court’s report that in 2023 it audited a salary payment of an official who had last made a declaration concerning rights to family and child allowance in 2020; echoes the Court’s concern that delays in receiving and verifying such declarations increase the risk of ineligible payments;
4. Notes from the Court’s report that in 2023 it audited a salary payment of an official who had last made a declaration concerning rights to family and child allowance in 2020; echoes the Court’s concern that delays in receiving and verifying such declarations increase the risk of ineligible payments; suggests that computerised data sharing with the European Schools be introduced in order to reduce administrative burdens relating to school-age children;
Or. fr
Amendment 3
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
6. Notes with satisfaction that the budget monitoring and planning efforts of the EDPS in the financial year 2023 resulted in a budget implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations of 96 % in 2023 (slightly lower than in 2022 when that rate was 98 %); further notes from the report on the EDPS annual accounts for 2023 that the current year payment appropriations execution rate was 84 % (lower than 88 % in 2022); notes in addition, from EDPS replies to the questionnaire submitted by the Committee on Budgetary Control for the 2023 budgetary discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’), that the execution rate of payment appropriations overall was 91,33 % in 2023, lower than 94,09 % in 2022;
6. Acknowledges that the budget monitoring and planning efforts of the EDPS in the financial year 2023 resulted in a budget implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations of 96 % in 2023 (slightly lower than in 2022 when that rate was 98 %); further notes from the report on the EDPS annual accounts for 2023 that the current year payment appropriations execution rate was 84 % (lower than 88 % in 2022); notes in addition, from EDPS replies to the questionnaire submitted by the Committee on Budgetary Control for the 2023 budgetary discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’), that the execution rate of payment appropriations overall was 91,33 % in 2023, lower than 94,09 % in 2022;
Or. en
Amendment 4
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
9. Notes that the effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continued to create budgetary pressure on the EDPS in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence;
9. Notes that the effects of illegal Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continued to create budgetary pressure on the EDPS in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence; calls on the EDPS to abide to the competences of its mandate with a collaborative approach with the European institutions and agencies and to avoid initiating any legal action, especially those which are manifestly inadmissible, in order to avoid negative repercussions on the management of resources, which do not allow the EDPS to carry out its activities as an Institution;
Or. en
Amendment 5
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
9. Notes that the effects of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continued to create budgetary pressure on the EDPS in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence;
9. Notes that the EDPS has faced continuous budgetary pressure in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence; encourages EDPS to use innovative budget tools such as the zero-based budgeting to reallocate its funds and cut costs;
Or. en
Amendment 6
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS budget for staff missions increased by 28,90 % from EUR 251 000 in 2022 to EUR 323 421 in 2023 due to an increase in prices for flight tickets and hotel costs; notes that, as part of that budget, an amount of EUR 33 000 was dedicated for missions of the Supervisor in 2023; also notes, from the Annual Report, that the number of staff missions increased from 171 in 2022 to 246 in 2023;
10. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS budget for staff missions increased by 28,90 % from EUR 251 000 in 2022 to EUR 323 421 in 2023 due to an increase in prices for flight tickets and hotel costs; notes that, as part of that budget, an amount of EUR 33 000 was dedicated for missions of the Supervisor in 2023; also notes, from the Annual Report, that the number of staff missions increased from 171 in 2022 to 246 in 2023; encourages the EDPS to promote the use of video-conferencing tools where suitable, as this could contribute to lowering the number of missions and reducing costs;
Or. en
Amendment 7
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS budget for staff missions increased by 28,90 % from EUR 251 000 in 2022 to EUR 323 421 in 2023 due to an increase in prices for flight tickets and hotel costs; notes that, as part of that budget, an amount of EUR 33 000 was dedicated for missions of the Supervisor in 2023; also notes, from the Annual Report, that the number of staff missions increased from 171 in 2022 to 246 in 2023;
10. Expresses concern about the significant increase in EDPS staff mission costs, from EUR 28 789 in 2021 and EUR 176 903 in 2022, to EUR 284 580 in 2023; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively; notes that the EDPS ceased making public the number of missions funded by organisers, as well as information on which unit or sector participated in each mission, thus reducing transparency regarding mission expenses; calls on the EDPS to reinstate this practice;
Or. en
Amendment 8
Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10 a. Calls on the institution to assess how the European Parliament’s regulatory framework to avoid corruption and fraud has failed, allowing active involvement of European Parliamentarians in a mafia like network engaging in corruption, money laundering for several years without detection
Or. en
Amendment 9
Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
10 b. Calls on the institution to draw lessons learned and conclusions on its own internal rules and procedures taking into account the revision of the Parliament’s Rules of procedure and Code of conduct in September 2023, however recommends the institution to come up with further and stronger ways to step up against fraud and to fully protect the EU’s financial interests;
Or. en
Amendment 10
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
16. Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS carried out eight investigations and five pre-investigations, marking a significant increase compared to previous years; notes that in 2023 the EDPS was actively involved in a total of 13 investigations and seven pre-investigations, either launched in 2023 or carried over from prior years; notes that the EPDS continued two complex and resource-intensive formal investigations from 2021 into the use by European Union Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (EUIBAs) of cloud services from non-EU/EEA entities, including a focus on the Commission's use of Microsoft 365; notes further that the EDPS also launched five investigations based on complaints about EUIBAs' websites, focusing in a broad way on privacy and data protection issues, with preliminary assessments expected in 2024;
16. Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS carried out eight investigations and five pre-investigations, marking a significant increase compared to previous years; notes that in 2023 the EDPS was actively involved in a total of 13 investigations and seven pre-investigations, either launched in 2023 or carried over from prior years; notes that the EPDS continued two complex and resource-intensive formal investigations from 2021 into the use by European Union Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (EUIBAs) of cloud services from non-EU/EEA entities, including a focus on the Commission's use of Microsoft 365; urges the finalization of this investigation on time because of its significant impact on the working of institutions; notes further that the EDPS also launched five investigations based on complaints about EUIBAs' websites, focusing in a broad way on privacy and data protection issues, with preliminary assessments expected in 2024;
Or. en
Amendment 11
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
16 a. Urges the EDPS to prioritize and enhance procedures for handling personal data of minors under 15, particularly in the context of Europol’s systems, where such individuals may be marked as suspects; recognizes the heightened vulnerability of this group and the need for robust safeguards;
Or. en
Amendment 12
Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch, Julien Sanchez
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
17a. Deplores the fact that the Commission has unlawfully targeted advertisements targeting citizens by using sensitive personal data regarding their political opinions;
congratulates the EDPS for his commitment to data protection and for his decision against the Commission;
Or. fr
Amendment 13
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; acknowledges that the EDPS did not challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; notes that Europol did not support the defendant co-legislators in that case; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, whereas a final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS on 22 July 2024;
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; regrets that the EDPS did not realise the manifest inadmissibility of its appeal, even if the institution did not intend to challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; calls on the institution to cooperate with European institutions and agencies, before initiating legal proceedings that prevent the fulfilment of its mandate and the use of its resources for purposes or which they were intended; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, regrets that the final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS only on 22 July 2024;
Or. en
Amendment 14
Pasquale Tridico
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; acknowledges that the EDPS did not challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; notes that Europol did not support the defendant co-legislators in that case; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, whereas a final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS on 22 July 2024;
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; acknowledges that the EDPS did not challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; notes that Europol did not support the defendant co-legislators in that case; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, whereas a final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS on 22 July 2024; reminds that the fact that important legal matters are brought before the CJEU by the EDPS in its supervisory role should not be seen as affecting the loyal cooperation and good relations between the EDPS and the entities it supervises;
Or. en
Amendment 15
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; acknowledges that the EDPS did not challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; notes that Europol did not support the defendant co-legislators in that case; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, whereas a final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS on 22 July 2024;
18. Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for the annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the CJEU, which was later rejected by the CJEU; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the General Court ruling in case T-578/22, believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; acknowledges that the EDPS did not challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting, whereas a final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS on 22 July 2024;
Or. en
Amendment 16
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
20. Notes that the internal audit service (IAS) carried out an audit on the methodology for the planning of EDPS audits in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the audit was concluded with two recommendations for which the EDPS submitted an action plan to the IAS; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed on the progress made in that matter;
20. Notes that the internal audit service (IAS) carried out an audit on the methodology for the planning of EDPS audits in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the audit was concluded with two recommendations for which the EDPS submitted an action plan to the IAS; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed on a regular basis on the progress made in that matter;
Or. en
Amendment 17
Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
20 a. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU and its institutions, shall promote solidarity and equality between women and men
Or. en
Amendment 18
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is, despite the over-representation of five nationalities, an excellent score for such a small institution and an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022;
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is, despite the over-representation of five nationalities, an excellent score for such a small institution and an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022; welcomes the increased diversity of nationalities represented, but notes with regret the continued underrepresentation of women in senior management positions; calls for the adoption of a gender parity roadmap, including proactive recruitment measures and leadership training programs for female staff members;
Or. en
Amendment 19
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is, despite the over-representation of five nationalities, an excellent score for such a small institution and an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022;
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022);
Or. en
Amendment 20
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is, despite the over-representation of five nationalities, an excellent score for such a small institution and an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022;
21. Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is, despite the over-representation of five nationalities, an excellent score for such a small institution and an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022; encourages the EDPS to continue its efforts towards a more balanced geographical representation among all Member States specifically at managerial level;
Or. en
Amendment 21
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
21 a. Notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022; notes with dissatisfaction the over-representation of five nationalities and an underrepresentation of other nationalities; urges the EDPS to continue its efforts to achieve a balanced geographical distribution of nationals from all Member States within its staff, by improving communication, fostering visibility, and enhancing job conditions to attract underrepresented nationalities;
Or. en
Amendment 22
Pasquale Tridico
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
21 a. Notes that EDPs continues to employ more women than men - with the ratio being over 60%; regrets that still no women are in senior management, and invites the EDPS to promote the application of women also in view of the next election of a Supervisor by the EP;
Or. en
Amendment 23
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
22 a. Observes that, in 2023, the EDPS maintained a workforce comprising 65% women and 35% men, consistent with trends from previous years; expresses concern over the absence of women in senior management roles during this period, despite achieving gender parity among the six middle management positions; urges the EDPS to intensify its efforts to ensure gender-balanced representation across all staff levels;
Or. en
Amendment 24
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
22. Notes a high occupancy rate of the establishment plan of 95,65 % but also a high turnover rate of 13 % in 2023; notes that most of the unfilled positions were a result of candidates being unsuitable, given the EDPS’ need for highly specialised profiles and the small pool of eligible candidates; welcomes the addressing of those challenges through republication with a wider or more targeted dissemination of the vacancy or by redrafting the requirements; calls on the EDPS to continue to address the challenges in finding suitable candidates and to keep the discharge authority informed about improvements on staff recruitment and turnover;
22. Notes a high occupancy rate of the establishment plan of 95,65 % but also a high turnover rate of 13 % in 2023; notes that most of the unfilled positions were a result of candidates being unsuitable, given the EDPS’ need for highly specialised profiles and the small pool of eligible candidates; welcomes the addressing of those challenges through republication with a wider or more targeted dissemination of the vacancy or by redrafting the requirements; welcomes the steps taken by the EDPS regarding the hiring process; calls on the EDPS to continue to address the challenges in finding suitable candidates and to keep the discharge authority informed about improvements on staff recruitment and turnover;
Or. en
Amendment 25
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
22 a. Calls on the EDPS to conduct an annual diversity audit and publish a report outlining measures taken to improve gender, geographical, and social balance within the institution, including targeted recruitment efforts for underrepresented groups;
Or. en
Amendment 26
Tomáš Zdechovský
on behalf of the EPP Group
Kinga Kollár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
23. Notes that, in the second half of 2023, the EDPS’ human resources (HR) team launched a pilot for a new on-boarding process for newcomers, with sessions that cover, inter alia, presentations of core units’ work, ethics, procurement procedures and information security, whereas three on-boarding sessions were offered in 2023; invites the EDPS to continue offering to newcomers “on-boarding” sessions that include ethics training, as they have become the standard in the European institutions; notes moreover that 12 individual sessions were offered for EDPS and EDPB staff, six sessions of group coaching in which participants (manager level) learned from each other, as well as a one-year team coaching with a designer for leadership development at the European School of Administration in 2023;
23. Notes that, in the second half of 2023, the EDPS’ human resources (HR) team launched a pilot for a new on-boarding process for newcomers, with sessions that cover, inter alia, presentations of core units’ work, ethics, procurement procedures and information security, whereas three on-boarding sessions were offered in 2023; invites the EDPS to continue offering to newcomers “on-boarding” and to all members of the staff mandatory sessions that remind the importance of principles such as ethics, conflicts of interest, transparency, internal control and anti-fraud, as they have become the standard in the European institutions; notes moreover that 12 individual sessions were offered for EDPS and EDPB staff, six sessions of group coaching in which participants (manager level) learned from each other, as well as a one-year team coaching with a designer for leadership development at the European School of Administration in 2023;
Or. en
Amendment 27
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
24. Notes, from the Questionnaire, that the EDPS offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, that are well-received by members of staff who can benefit, inter alia, from parental leave, time credits, part-time work or working from abroad for a limited number of days per year; notes that, in 2023, the majority of staff made use of those working conditions, whereas 86,30 % of staff were on teleworking in 2023;
24. Notes, from the Questionnaire, that the EDPS offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, that are well-received by members of staff who can benefit, inter alia, from parental leave, time credits, part-time work or working from abroad for a limited number of days per year; notes that, in 2023, the majority of staff made use of those working conditions, whereas 86,30 % of staff were on teleworking in 2023; considers that the building infrastructure should be optimised to reflect this high rate of teleworking, which could contribute to reducing operational costs and ensuring more efficient use of office space;
Or. en
Amendment 28
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
24 a. Welcomes the EDPS’ continued efforts to actively improve physical and mental well-being of its staff;
Or. en
Amendment 29
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
26. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS considers confidential any information on burnout cases, including the number thereof; disagrees with that opinion and asks the EDPS to provide the discharge authority with the number of burnout cases on a yearly basis; notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, there were no harassment cases reported at the EDPS; welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to provide an anti-harassment presentation delivered by one of the EDPS’ confidential counsellors, as part of the induction training called the ‘EDPS Welcome Day’; commends the publication of the decision on anti-harassment and the role of the confidential counsellors on the EDPS’ intranet;
26. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS considers confidential any information on burnout cases, including the number thereof; disagrees with that opinion and calls the EDPS to provide the discharge authority with the number of burnout cases on a yearly basis; notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, there were no harassment cases reported at the EDPS; welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to provide an anti-harassment presentation delivered by one of the EDPS’ confidential counsellors, as part of the induction training called the ‘EDPS Welcome Day’; commends the publication of the decision on anti-harassment and the role of the confidential counsellors on the EDPS’ intranet;
Or. en
Amendment 30
Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
26 a. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU’s and its institutions, aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples, to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security
Or. en
Amendment 31
Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Julien Sanchez, Ondřej Knotek
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
26 b. Calls on the institution to take full devotion and maximise its efforts with all its available measures and assets to promote peace and to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, and to preserve peace and strengthen European security
Or. en
Amendment 32
Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
26 c. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU and its institutions, shall respect the equality of Member States before the Treaties as well as their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government
Or. en
Amendment 33
Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek, Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
26 d. Calls on the institution to always respect the equality of Member States and to treat all Member States equally, respect their sovereignty and their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government
Or. en
Amendment 34
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
27. Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS focused its efforts on increasing staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework by organising mandatory dedicated training sessions for all staff and induction trainings for EDPS/EDPB newcomers, appointing a new ethics officer and participating in the ‘Comité Paritaire des Questions Statuaries’ working group on ethics; welcomes the establishment of a mailbox by the EPDS, where members of staff can submit their requests regarding any ethics related inquiries, as well as the use of Commission’s Ethics module in Sysper; encourages the EDPS to continue raising awareness and organising surveys to assess the level of staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework;
27. Welcomes that, in 2023, the EDPS focused its efforts on increasing staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework by organising mandatory dedicated training sessions for all staff and induction trainings for EDPS/EDPB newcomers, appointing a new ethics officer and participating in the ‘Comité Paritaire des Questions Statuaries’ working group on ethics; welcomes the establishment of a mailbox by the EPDS, where members of staff can submit their requests regarding any ethics related inquiries, as well as the use of Commission’s Ethics module in Sysper; encourages the EDPS to continue raising awareness and organising surveys to assess the level of staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework; Calls for the publication of an annual ethics compliance report, including details on staff training participation, reported ethical concerns, and corrective actions taken to ensure transparency and institutional integrity;
Or. en
Amendment 35
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
28 a. Notes with satisfaction that the EDPS has never been involved in any investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) since its establishment;
Or. en
Amendment 36
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
30. Notes from the Follow-up Report that, with a view to formally joining the Union’s Transparency Register (TR), the EDPS has launched an internal assessment on transparency measures, whereas in 2023 exploratory meetings and exchanges of the EDPS with secretariat of the TR took place; calls on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of the outcome of that assessment exercise; reiterates its call on the EDPS to join the TR;
30. Urges the EDPS to proactively disclose meetings with any third parties to ensure transparency in its regulatory and advisory functions; calls for the use of transparency register of such interactions;
Or. en
Amendment 37
Pasquale Tridico
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
30. Notes from the Follow-up Report that, with a view to formally joining the Union’s Transparency Register (TR), the EDPS has launched an internal assessment on transparency measures, whereas in 2023 exploratory meetings and exchanges of the EDPS with secretariat of the TR took place; calls on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of the outcome of that assessment exercise; reiterates its call on the EDPS to join the TR;
30. Regrets that the EDPS has still not formally joined the transparency register; nevertheless notes from the Follow-up Report that, with a view to formally joining the Union’s Transparency Register (TR), the EDPS has launched an internal assessment on transparency measures, whereas in 2023 exploratory meetings and exchanges of the EDPS with secretariat of the TR took place; calls on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of the outcome of that assessment exercise; reiterates its call on the EDPS to join the TR;
Or. en
Amendment 38
Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
32. Notes from the Questionnaire that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;
32. Notes with satisfaction from the Questionnaire that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;
Or. en
Amendment 39
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
32. Notes from the Questionnaire that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;
32. Welcomes that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;
Or. en
Amendment 40
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
32 a. Calls on the EDPS to introduce a mandatory "cooling-off" period of at least two years for former senior officials before they can engage in lobbying or advisory roles related to data protection or technology regulation, to prevent conflicts of interest;
Or. en
Amendment 41
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
33 a. Urges the EDPS to publicly disclose any recusals due to conflicts of interest in its enforcement decisions, ensuring full transparency in regulatory oversight and decision-making;
Or. en
Amendment 42
Tomáš Zdechovský
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
36 a. Welcomes the EDPS's focus on ensuring that external contractors meet the necessary moral and ethical standards expected of all Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, particularly in light of the previous use of external companies by EDPS that, according to Yale University's ranking, continue to operate in Russia;
Or. en
Amendment 43
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
38. Acknowledges the leading role of EDPS in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions, while working closely with bodies such as European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and cybersecurity hubs such as CERT-EU; notes that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to improve its readiness to protect personal data and sensitive information against cyber-attacks in view of the rapidly changing cybersecurity threat landscape; commends in that context the EDPS for reviewing its security policies and methodologies in preparation for the impact of the Cybersecurity Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841); notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS introduced a request for two additional full-time equivalents to cover cybersecurity infrastructure in connection with EDPS’s obligations under that Regulation as well as the EDPS’ role as a member of the Interinstitutional Cybersecurity Board (IICB); notes further with appreciation that the EPDS upgraded its Information Security Policy and the EDPS Acceptable Use Policy to address specific cybersecurity threats in relation to teleworking, use of personal mobile devices and banning of dangerous applications (TikTok); notes that the EDPS did not encounter any cyber-attacks in 2023;
38. Acknowledges the leading role of EDPS in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions, while working closely with bodies such as European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and cybersecurity hubs such as CERT-EU; urges it to develop a structured audit framework for cybesecurity risks within EU bodies; notes that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to improve its readiness to protect personal data and sensitive information against cyber-attacks in view of the rapidly changing cybersecurity threat landscape; commends in that context the EDPS for reviewing its security policies and methodologies in preparation for the impact of the Cybersecurity Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841); notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS introduced a request for two additional full-time equivalents to cover cybersecurity infrastructure in connection with EDPS’s obligations under that Regulation as well as the EDPS’ role as a member of the Interinstitutional Cybersecurity Board (IICB); notes further with appreciation that the EPDS upgraded its Information Security Policy and the EDPS Acceptable Use Policy to address specific cybersecurity threats in relation to teleworking, use of personal mobile devices and banning of dangerous applications (TikTok); notes that the EDPS did not encounter any cyber-attacks in 2023; calls for annual public reporting on detected threats, response measures, and institutional cyber resilience;
Or. en
Amendment 44
Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
39. Commends the EDPS for updating cybersecurity training for all staff and revamping the security training model for newcomers; appreciates that the EPDS has been proactive in raising awareness about cyber security risks, for instance by preparing fact sheets, conducting surveys with EUIBAs and running awareness campaigns;
39. Commends the EDPS for updating cybersecurity training for all staff and revamping the security training model for newcomers; appreciates that the EPDS has been proactive in raising awareness about cyber security risks, for instance by preparing fact sheets, conducting surveys with EUIBAs and running awareness campaigns; encourages the EDPS to ensure that staff receives compulsory training on the safe and ethical use of AI tools to enhance their understanding and mitigate potential risks;
Or. en
Amendment 45
Pasquale Tridico
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
40. Notes that, in 2023, as in 2022, the EDPS and EDPB were the sole tenants of Parliament’s building where they were located, following the move of the Ombudsman at the end of 2021 to keep the rental and maintenance costs at a reasonable level; notes that the EDPS had to request an additional EUR 81 856,84 for paying rental costs to Parliament, given that the indexation rate was 8,82 % and thus higher than the 2 % ceiling for administrative expenditures;
40. Notes that, in 2023, as in 2022, the EDPS and EDPB were the sole tenants of Parliament’s building where they were located, following the move of the Ombudsman at the end of 2021 and that by renting their premises from the Parliament rather than the private market EDPS intends to keep the rental and maintenance costs at a reasonable level; notes that the EDPS had to request an additional EUR 81 856,84 for paying rental costs to Parliament, given that the indexation rate was 8,82 % and thus higher than the 2 % ceiling for administrative expenditures;
Or. en
Amendment 46
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
42 a. Calls on the EDPS to develop and publish a comprehensive Green Transition Plan that includes clear targets for carbon neutrality by 2035, sustainable procurement policies, and mandatory environmental impact assessments for all travel-related activities;
Or. en
Amendment 47
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
43 a. Urges the EDPS to adopt the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to systematically monitor and improve its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of energy consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable office policies;
Or. en
Amendment 48
Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
44 a. Asks the institution to give recommendations to the European Parliament and its Budgetary Control Committee on new ways to fight against misconduct and misuse of EU funds based on their own institutional experience and lessons learned from cases in the past, share best practices, as it has been proven that the European Union’s financial interests were not well protected in the European Parliament; as unveiled by the criminal case and the investigations, believes that the Parliament could benefit from a fresh perspective in the matter and input from the institution
Or. en
Amendment 49
Damian Boeselager
on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
46 a. Calls for closer cooperation between the EDPS, the European Court of Auditors, OLAF, and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to develop common protocols for fraud detection in digital data and financial transactions within EU institutions; stresses the need for joint audits on AI-based fraud risks;
Or. en
Amendment 50
Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Motion for a resolution
Amendment
47 a. Calls on the institution to refrain from promoting, spreading and supporting gender and woke ideology and respect the Treaty and its provisions as well as to respect the Member States’ national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, history, religion and traditions.
Or. en