Sittings · Document

Draft report (2024/2024(DEC)) 2025-02-11

2023 discharge: General budget of the EU - European External Action Service

Committee on Budgetary Control

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Amendment 1

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

D. whereas the role of the delegations is to represent the Union and its citizens around the world by building networks and partnerships, and to promote the values of the Union;

deleted

Or. fr

Amendment 2

Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Recital E a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ea. whereas popular referenda in 2005 rejected the Treaty establishing the EEAS.

Or. fr

Amendment 3

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Notes that 21 (30 %) of the 70 transactions contained errors but that the Court, based on the five errors which were quantified, estimates the level of error to be below the materiality threshold;

3. Notes that 21 (30 %) of the 70 transactions contained errors, which is a considerable percentage, but that the Court, based on the five errors which were quantified, estimates the level of error to be below the materiality threshold;

Or. fr

Amendment 4

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Notes that the Court, in its annual report for the financial year 2023, found a quantifiable error in one of the 13 payments examined and raised six non-quantifiable findings concerning the EEAS; notes that the quantifiable error concerned the absence of a valid procurement procedure before a rental contract was signed for a Union delegation; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS took measures to address the two quantifiable errors found by the Court in its 2022 annual report and took measures to avoid such issues in the future;

4. Notes with concern that the Court, in its annual report for the financial year 2023, found a quantifiable error in one of the 13 payments examined and raised six non-quantifiable findings concerning the EEAS; notes that the quantifiable error concerned the absence of a valid procurement procedure before a rental contract was signed for a Union delegation; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS took measures to address the two quantifiable errors found by the Court in its 2022 annual report and took measures to avoid such issues in the future;

Or. en

Amendment 5

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Notes that the final EEAS budget for 2023 was EUR 821 900 280, representing an increase of 4,45 % compared to 2022; notes that the EEAS also disposed of an amount of EUR 259,7 million (including assigned revenues and carried over amounts) from the Commission to cover the administrative costs of Commission staff working in Union delegations; notes further that the EEAS received additional fixed-amount contributions to cover common costs of European Development Fund staff in delegations and co-locations, as well as other amounts received under co-location and other agreements; notes that the total budgetary amount managed by the EEAS in 2023 therefore amounted to EUR 1 198,2 million (commitment appropriations), which represented an increase of 4,8 % compared to the previous year;

5. Notes that the final EEAS budget for 2023 was EUR 821 900 280, which is truly enormous, representing an increase of 4,45 % compared to 2022; notes that the EEAS also disposed of an amount of EUR 259,7 million (including assigned revenues and carried over amounts) from the Commission to cover the administrative costs of Commission staff working in Union delegations; notes further that the EEAS received additional fixed-amount contributions to cover common costs of European Development Fund staff in delegations and co-locations, as well as other amounts received under co-location and other agreements; notes that the total budgetary amount managed by the EEAS in 2023 therefore amounted to EUR 1 198,2 million (commitment appropriations), which represented an increase of 4,8 % compared to the previous year;

Or. fr

Amendment 6

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Julien Sanchez

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Reminds the EEAS of the recommendations of the Court of Auditors, that it is crucial to stipulate stricter conditions in Ukraine for support, when providing institutional support for judicial, law enforcement and prosecutorial institutions, emphasize criteria for integrity and commitment to reform, as well as in particular where fighting corruption in Ukraine is concerned, by focusing on the EU’s contributions;

Or. en

Amendment 7

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 a. Calls for the EEAS mandate to be amended to emphasize that foreign policy is and should remain a competence of Member States making collective decisions by way of unanimity;

Or. en

Amendment 8

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5 b. 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 9

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Notes that, in 2023, the budgetary implementation rate of commitment appropriations stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 91,9 % compared to 90,6 % in 2022; notes that the average time for payment was 13,57 days but notes nevertheless that 8,63 % of the total amount was paid late, which led to EUR 50 253,91 in late interest payments in 2023; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular in delegations;

6. Notes that, in 2023, the budgetary implementation rate of commitment appropriations stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 91,9 % compared to 90,6 % in 2022; notes that the average time for payment was 13,57 days but notes nevertheless that 8,63 % of the total amount was paid late, which led to EUR 50 253,91 in late interest payments in 2023; urges the EEAS to pay its commitments on time; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular in delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 10

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Notes that, in 2023, the budgetary implementation rate of commitment appropriations stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 91,9 % compared to 90,6 % in 2022; notes that the average time for payment was 13,57 days but notes nevertheless that 8,63 % of the total amount was paid late, which led to EUR 50 253,91 in late interest payments in 2023; urges on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular in delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 11

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Notes that, in 2023, the budgetary implementation rate of commitment appropriations stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 91,9 % compared to 90,6 % in 2022; notes that the average time for payment was 13,57 days; notes with horror that 8,63 % of the total amount was paid late, which led to EUR 50 253,91 in late interest payments in 2023; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular in delegations;

Or. fr

Amendment 12

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS has been faced with growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to Human Rights and the Rule of Law; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2023, leading the EEAS to ensure wide-range support for Ukraine, exert pressure on Russia and continue its global outreach to address the wider consequences of the war, including the implementation of the Action Plan on the geopolitical consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine; acknowledges the EEAS's role in gathering evidence against EU-sanctioned Russian state-backed outlets and individuals involved in spreading disinformation and manipulating information to justify Russia's war of aggression; Underlines the need to provide adequate resources to the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to effectively combat disinformation campaigns deployed as strategic tools by authoritarian and illiberal regimes; notes that the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility managed under the authority of the HR/VP was increased from EUR 5,6 million to more than EUR 12 million in 2023; notes that the reignited Israel-Palestine conflict following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 required the EEAS to engage in intense diplomatic efforts, encourage Union institutions to urge regional de-escalation, respond to humanitarian needs and support regional peace efforts; emphasizes that EU and EEAS assistance must align with broader human rights and peace objectives in the region, with strong safeguards in place to ensure that the funds do not, either directly or indirectly, support terrorist or violent activities; calls that EU funding for the reconstruction of Gaza should only commence once all hostages taken by Hamas have been released;

Or. en

Amendment 13

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS has been faced with growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to Human Rights and the Rule of Law; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2023, leading the EEAS to ensure wide-range support for Ukraine, exert pressure on Russia and continue its global outreach to address the wider consequences of the war, including the implementation of the Action Plan on the geopolitical consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the EEAS to reinforce the Union Delegations in the Eastern Partnership countries to support those countries heavily affected by Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; notes that the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility managed under the authority of the HR/VP was increased from EUR 5,6 million to more than EUR 12 million in 2023; calls on the EEAS to collaborate with DG NEAR to ensure effective oversight and monitoring of the projects funded by the Facility; notes that the reignited Israel-Palestine conflict following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 required the EEAS to engage in intense diplomatic efforts, encourage Union institutions to urge regional de-escalation, respond to humanitarian needs and support regional peace efforts; emphasises the importance of transparency in the allocation of financial resources in third countries to ensure accountability in the use of the EU budget and the new financial instruments;

Or. en

Amendment 14

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 15

Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Regrets that between 2014 and 2021, the EU granted funding to the tune of EUR 1.7 million to the Islamic University of Gaza, which was razed to the ground by Israeli air strikes four days after the attacks of 7 October. According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the Islamic University was an ‘important operational, political and military centre of Hamas in Gaza’;

Or. fr

Amendment 16

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Urges the EEAS to work closely with the Commission to ensure that the complete restitution of the Romanian National Treasure, along with the national heritage of other Member States, is on the agenda of any potential future actions regarding the Rusian Federation;

Or. en

Amendment 17

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Denounces the involvement of UNRWA employees in October 7th 2023 terror attack; demands that the EEAS and Commission immediately divert funds away from UNRWA, given concerns that EU taxpayers money could be misused;

Or. en

Amendment 18

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Calls on the EEAS to immediately cease all financial support for UNRWA;

Or. en

Amendment 19

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 c. Denounces UNRWA for failing to implement report recommendations 34 and 35, which call for textbook reviews with Israel and explicitly demand the banning of hate speech, incitement to violence, and anti-Semitic references from textbooks and locally produced supplements in UNRWA schools; requests the EEAS and the Commission to condition and closely scrutinize that no funds are allocated or linked, directly or indirectly, to educational materials or personnel involved in terrorism, radicalization, and incitement;

Or. en

Amendment 20

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Condemns the PA for systematically promoting, antisemitism, in its education system, which has directly contributed to the radicalization of Palestinian youth and played a role in the atrocities of 7 October 2023; condemns and expresses deep concern that EU funds continue to sustain an education system that glorifies terrorism, incites hatred against Jews and Israelis, and undermines prospects for peace and coexistence despite ongoing EU engagement and financial support;

Or. en

Amendment 21

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 a. Expresses its deep concern over the EEAS’s failure to address Parliament’s repeated warnings regarding the misuse of EU funding by terrorist organizations, rather than benefiting the Palestinian civilian population; is deeply concerned about allegations that UNRWA employees have been involved in acts of terror; urges the EEAS to prevent the misuse of EU taxpayers’ money; urges the EEAS and the Commission to insist on controls and audits of UNRWA conducted by the ECA and EU-appointed independent external experts; calls on the EEAS to use other trusted partners in Gaza and the Palestinian territories for the delivery of funds and aid to Palestinian civilians; calls on the EEAS to keep Parliament informed about changes in cooperation between the EEAS and the Palestinian Authority;

Or. en

Amendment 22

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 b. Condemns the problematic and hateful content encouraging violence, spreading antisemitism and inciting hatred in Palestinian school textbooks; stresses that financial support from the Union to the Palestinian Authority in the area of education shall be conditional on full compliance with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance; calls on the EEAS, together with the Commission to ensure that no Union funds are allocated, directly or indirectly, to the drafting, teaching, or exposure of such educational materials to Palestinian children, including those provided by UN organisations;

Or. en

Amendment 23

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 b. Stresses and reaffirms the EP’s previous adopted discharge demanding that all EU financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority be conditioned on the full and verifiable removal of antisemitism, hate, and incitement to violence- across all grades and subjects- from its curriculum. Until these reforms are fully implemented across all grades and subjects, EU funding must remain frozen;

Or. en

Amendment 24

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8b. Notes that, in 2020, this university refused to sign a clause stipulating that ‘no subcontractor or individual, including participants in workshops and/or training courses and recipients of financial aid to third parties’ was listed as a terrorist by the EU;

Or. fr

Amendment 25

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 b. Calls on the EEAS to work together with the Commission to ensure that the Palestinian Authority promptly removes any educational materials that do not comply with the UNESCO standards;

Or. en

Amendment 26

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8 c. Calls on the Council to instruct EEAS to fully support diplomatic efforts by the US administration relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan, thereby reducing migratory pressures emanating from the area;

Or. en

Amendment 27

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Notes that, for 2023, the EEAS reported significant budgetary constraints, leading to drastic cuts and budget optimisation in order to cope with inflation in third countries, fluctuations in local currencies, an increase in prices, in particular the cost of renting office space, IT, security and energy prices, which exposed the EEAS to much higher running costs in foreign countries, thus affecting its ability to function effectively and to fulfil its duty of care towards the staff posted in delegations; notes that, as a result of the budgetary pressures, the EEAS postponed infrastructure maintenance, set aside or cancelled security expenditures in delegations and made cuts to budget posts, such as cuts to the mission and representation budget, office supplies and training courses; deplores that, for budgetary reasons, the EEAS had to prioritise staff participation in election observation missions over other types of missions, such as follow-up missions;

9. Notes that, for 2023, the EEAS reported significant budgetary constraints, leading to drastic cuts and budget optimisation in order to cope with inflation in third countries, fluctuations in local currencies, an increase in prices, in particular the cost of renting office space, IT, security and energy prices, which exposed the EEAS to much higher running costs in foreign countries, thus affecting its ability to function effectively and to fulfil its duty of care towards the staff posted in delegations; notes that, as a result of the budgetary pressures, the EEAS postponed infrastructure maintenance, set aside or cancelled security expenditures in delegations and made cuts to budget posts, such as cuts to the mission and representation budget, office supplies and training courses; calls on the EEAS to scale back its operations in non-priority third countries, starting with dismantling expensive embassies, delegations and representations as well as limiting the number of parties arranged by these entities; calls for a Europe first approach focusing on third countries that clearly contribute to the EU’s immediate interests such as economic prosperity and energy security, border protection, and the prevention of mass migratory flows heading to Europe;

Or. en

Amendment 28

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 29

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Notes that, for 2023, the EEAS reported significant budgetary constraints, leading to drastic cuts and budget optimisation in order to cope with inflation in third countries, fluctuations in local currencies, an increase in prices, in particular the cost of renting office space, IT, security and energy prices, which exposed the EEAS to much higher running costs in foreign countries, thus affecting its ability to function effectively and to fulfil its duty of care towards the staff posted in delegations; regrets that, as a result of the budgetary pressures, the EEAS postponed infrastructure maintenance, set aside or cancelled security expenditures in delegations and made cuts to budget posts, such as cuts to the mission and representation budget, office supplies and training courses; deplores that, for budgetary reasons, the EEAS had to prioritise staff participation in election observation missions over other types of missions, such as follow-up missions;

Or. en

Amendment 30

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS, both at the EEAS headquarters and in delegations, launched a total of 28 open public procurement procedures, 27 competitive procedures with negotiations, 14 negotiated procedures without prior publication of a contract notice, 6 restricted procedures and 2 negotiated procedures for middle-value works contracts, which were successful and led to the award of a contract in 52 % of cases on average; notes that the high standards and complexity of Union procurement rules might be one of the reasons for the relatively high number of failed procurement procedures, as the application of those rules might be challenging for tenderers, especially in local markets; regrets that, for external actions, procurement rules have been simplified in the recast of the Financial Regulation; underlines that procurement rules are intended to ensure that funded projects maintain high standards and are not prone to fraud; calls on the EEAS to always strive for the highest possible level of scrutiny in any tender process; believes that a lack of familiarity in third countries with the high standards of EU procurement rules should not be a pretext or excuse to ever lower the bar;

Or. en

Amendment 31

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS, both at the EEAS headquarters and in delegations, launched a total of 28 open public procurement procedures, 27 competitive procedures with negotiations, 14 negotiated procedures without prior publication of a contract notice, 6 restricted procedures and 2 negotiated procedures for middle-value works contracts, which were successful and led to the award of a contract in 52 % of cases on average; notes that the high standards and complexity of Union procurement rules might be one of the reasons for the relatively high number of failed procurement procedures, as the application of those rules might be challenging for tenderers, especially in third countries; requests the EEAS to investigate the reasons behind the relatively high number of failed procurement procedures and to propose solutions to ensure their effective implementation while maintaining the standards set by the Union; welcomes that, for external actions, procurement rules have been simplified in the recast of the Financial Regulation;

Or. en

Amendment 32

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. fr

Amendment 33

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. fr

Amendment 34

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Notes that the budget for missions was EUR 18 948 650 in 2023, representing a limited increase of 1,46 % compared to the previous year, the aim of which was to compensate the increase in costs due to inflation, but was insufficient when compared with the actual rise in travel costs in 2023; notes that the EEAS does not have a separate budget line for missions and travel for the High Representative(HR)/Vice President(VP) and that the missions and travel costs for the HR/VP are shared between the EEAS and the Commission depending on the purpose of the mission; notes finally, that for 2023, the EEAS had costs of EUR 2 995,14 on 6 missions for the HR/VP and air-taxi costs of EUR 588 103, corresponding to an increase of 229 % compared to 2022; calls the EEAS to explain the reasons for that increase; stresses that transparency and sound financial management in using the Union’s public funds must remain a core principle for all Union institutions;

Or. en

Amendment 35

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Notes that the budget for missions was EUR 18 948 650 in 2023, representing a limited increase of 1,46 % compared to the previous year, the aim of which was to compensate the increase in costs due to inflation, but was insufficient when compared with the actual rise in travel costs in 2023; notes that the EEAS does not have a separate budget line for missions and travel for the High Representative(HR)/Vice President(VP) and that the missions and travel costs for the HR/VP are shared between the EEAS and the Commission depending on the purpose of the mission; notes finally, that for 2023, the EEAS had costs of EUR 2 995,14 on 6 missions for the HR/VP and air-taxi costs of EUR 588 103, corresponding to an increase of 229 % compared to 2022; underlines that the leaders of the Union’s institutions should act as good examples to the public and citizens, especially when using EU resources in the performance of their duties; stresses that the flight options should be chosen on the basis of sound financial management criteria, provided that such alternatives are available and in line with the agenda and venue of meetings; urges the EEAS to explain the reasons for such an increase in the air-taxi costs for the HR/VP;

Or. en

Amendment 36

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 37

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12a. Notes that air taxi costs amounted to EUR 588,103, an increase of 229 % compared to 2022; asks the EEAS to explain the reasons for that increase;

Or. fr

Amendment 38

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Julien Sanchez, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 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 39

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. 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 40

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 c. 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 41

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Condemns the exploitation of humanitarian efforts by UNRWA and its complicity in the indoctrination of Palestinian children in Gaza; reaffirms the EP’s April 2024 Commission discharge resolution (par. 199), categorically associating the atrocities of 7 October 2023 to the violent and anti-Semitic content present in educational materials taught in UNRWA schools; reiterates and stresses grave concern over the findings of the UN’s neutrality review of UNRWA, which concluded that its educational materials contain content that constitutes a "grave violation of neutrality" and contradicts UN values;

Or. en

Amendment 42

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Notes that, following an internal reorganisation, the EEAS created a new Corporate Governance Service in October 2023, composed of three divisions in charge of inspections, internal audit and planning, reporting and compliance, to enable the EEAS to achieve greater accountability, better management and better monitoring of activities; notes that a Corporate Governance Board was also established to ensure coherence on corporate management issues in the EEAS; notes furthermore that the EEAS created the Managing Directorate for Peace, Security and Defence (MD PSD), the Peace, Partnership and Crisis Management Directorate and two new Divisions dedicated to “Hybrid Threats and Cyber” and “Maritime Security” in order to better support the Union’s work in security and defence matters;

13. Notes that, following an internal reorganisation, the EEAS created a new Corporate Governance Service in October 2023, composed of three divisions in charge of inspections, internal audit and planning, reporting and compliance, to enable the EEAS to achieve greater accountability, better management and better monitoring of activities; welcomes that a Corporate Governance Board was also established to ensure coherence on corporate management issues in the EEAS; notes furthermore that the EEAS created the Managing Directorate for Peace, Security and Defence (MD PSD), the Peace, Partnership and Crisis Management Directorate and two new Divisions dedicated to “Hybrid Threats and Cyber” and “Maritime Security” in order to better support the Union’s work in security and defence matters;

Or. en

Amendment 43

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Julien Sanchez, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13 a. Calls on the institution to take full devotion and maximize 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 44

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Notes that, in line with the EEAS Audit Plan for 2023, three audits were finalised in 2023, namely an audit on the management of the registry of exceptions and non-compliance and two audits on the management of local agents’ salaries and the recruitment and management of local agents and equivalent local staff; notes furthermore that, due to an organisational restructuring and corresponding staff turnover in the internal audit function, a planned audit on security could not be launched in 2023 and that such audit will be reassessed in the framework of the preparation of the 2025-27 multiannual strategic internal audit plan; notes that 4 critical and 49 very important audit recommendations related to finalised audits remained open in 2023;

15. Notes that, in line with the EEAS Audit Plan for 2023, three audits were finalised in 2023, namely an audit on the management of the registry of exceptions and non-compliance and two audits on the management of local agents’ salaries and the recruitment and management of local agents and equivalent local staff; notes furthermore with great concern that, due to an organisational restructuring and corresponding staff turnover in the internal audit function, a planned audit on security could not be launched in 2023 and that such audit will be reassessed in the framework of the preparation of the 2025-27 multiannual strategic internal audit plan; stresses the importance of conducting internal audits diligently and regularly; deeply regrets that 4 critical and 49 very important audit recommendations related to finalised audits remained open in 2023; requests that the Parliament be informed on the implementation of the recommendations;

Or. en

Amendment 45

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16. Notes that, in December 2023, the Court adopted its final report following its audit on the coordination role of the EEAS, the scope of which was to assess whether the coordination, in particular with regard to information management, staffing and reporting, both internally and with the Commission and Council, was effective; notes that, in 2023, some of the audit recommendations had already been covered by ongoing initiatives, such as the sending of mission letters to the newly appointed Ambassadors before taking up duty and the efforts made by the EEAS since 2019 to implement its Information Management Strategy; asks that Parliament be kept informed on the follow-up of the Court’s recommendations;

16. Notes that, in December 2023, the Court adopted its final report following its audit on the coordination role of the EEAS, the scope of which was to assess whether the coordination, in particular with regard to information management, staffing and reporting, both internally and with the Commission and Council, was effective; notes that, in 2023, some of the audit recommendations had already been covered by ongoing initiatives, such as the sending of mission letters to the newly appointed Ambassadors before taking up duty and the efforts made by the EEAS since 2019 to implement its Information Management Strategy; calls on the EEAS to fully implement the ECA’s report recommendations to address identified weaknesses in information management, both within its headquarters and EU delegations in non-EU countries, as well as within the High Representative/Vice-President’s private office; asks that Parliament be kept informed on the follow-up of the Court’s recommendations;

Or. en

Amendment 46

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 a. Notes that, in 2023, three EU Delegations (Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and Syria) submitted reservations in their Declarations of Assurance, primarily concerning operational budget lines managed by the European Commission; highlights that these reservations did not have a substantial financial impact on the administrative budget under the responsibility of the EEAS;

Or. en

Amendment 47

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, Marit Maij, Eero Heinäluoma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 c. Expresses deep concern over the Hungarian government's misuse of its role in the EU Presidency to pursue bilateral engagements that contradict the Union's core values, such as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Union sanctions and the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the latter for war crimes; notes with alarm similar engagements with other authoritarian leaders, undermining the EU’s credibility and foreign policy coherence; stresses that, under Article 24(3) TEU, Member States are required to support the Union's external and security policy actively and unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity, and to refrain from actions contrary to the Union's interests; calls on the HR/VP to ensure close coordination of foreign policy actions during EU Presidencies to align them with the Union’s strategic interests and values;

Or. en

Amendment 48

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 d. Calls on the EEAS and Union delegations to intensify monitoring of the state of democracy in various countries and to enhance logistical and technological support for human rights defenders and indigenous individuals, with a particular focus on women;

Or. en

Amendment 49

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 b. Emphasises the need for a robust and resilient external service with clear political leadership to address current challenges and ensure coherence in the Union’s foreign policy; stresses the importance of strong political engagement, bilateral leverage, public and cultural diplomacy to promote Union values and combat disinformation;

Or. en

Amendment 50

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 e. Urges Union delegations to strengthen support for genuine democratic actors and civil society in the Western Balkans, while firmly and publicly condemning actions by illiberal and undemocratic actors that undermine the Union’s interests, and to ensure that IPA III funding is implemented in alignment with the Union’s objectives;

Or. en

Amendment 51

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17 a. Calls on the EEAS and on the European Commission to closely collaborate with the EPLO office in Washington, D.C., and the EU delegation in the United States to identify, fund, and implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the Transatlantic Relationship, including exchange programs for professionals working in public institutions in both the EU and the U.S.;

Or. en

Amendment 52

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, Marit Maij

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 a. Notes that, by the end of 2023, the EEAS statutory population comprised 52,7% men and 47,3% women, reflecting a slight increase in female representation compared to 2022, when 46,8% of staff were women; welcomes the modest progress in gender balance within senior management, where the representation of women increased from 6,3% in 2022 to 7,6% in 2023, and in middle management, where it rose from 30,1% in 2022 to 30,4% in 2023; calls on the EEAS to intensify efforts to achieve a more substantial and visible gender balance across all levels of the organisation;

Or. en

Amendment 53

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, Marit Maij

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 b. Welcomes the publication of the mid-term report on the implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III) by the HR/VP and the Commission at the end of 2023, as well as the decision to extend its timeline to 2027 to align with the multiannual financial framework (MFF); acknowledges GAP III’s significance in promoting gender equality as a strategic priority in EU external action and enhancing its role in this area; welcomes the organisation of the first executive trainings on Gender-Responsive Leadership (GRL) for senior managers in late 2023 by the team of the Ambassador for Gender and Diversity;

Or. en

Amendment 54

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, Marit Maij

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20 c. Welcomes the first EEAS report on Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI) activities targeting LGBTIQA+ individuals, aimed at enhancing understanding of FIMI tactics and fostering cooperation, including with ENISA, to protect the LGBTIQA+ community; expresses concern about the global status of LGBTIQ+ rights and the increasing resistance to gender equality, women's rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to address these setbacks and prioritise targeted support for civil society organisations advocating for these rights;

Or. en

Amendment 55

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes that all Member States are represented in the EEAS staff; notes however that some imbalances persist with Belgium being the most overrepresented Member State making up 12,1 % of total staff employed by the EEAS; notes also that among managers, Italy is the most overrepresented Member State, with 15 % of all managerial positions being occupied by Italians; notes that out of 141 Union Ambassadors, three Member States still do not occupy any Ambassador posts (Hungary, Luxembourg and Malta), whereas the Member States with most Ambassadors are France with 22, Spain and Italy with 16, Germany with 12 and Belgium with 10, meaning that these five countries occupy 54 % of all Ambassador posts; notes with satisfaction that this is a reduction compared to last year, when the same five countries occupied 57 % of the Ambassador posts; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue to ensure a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels;

22. Welcomes that all Member States are represented in the EEAS staff; notes however that some imbalances persist with Belgium being the most overrepresented Member State making up 12,1 % of total staff employed by the EEAS; points out that a significant geographical imbalance is also concentrated between Western and Eastern EU Member States; notes also that among managers, Italy is the most overrepresented Member State, with 15 % of all managerial positions being occupied by Italians; notes that out of 141 Union Ambassadors, three Member States still do not occupy any Ambassador posts (Hungary, Luxembourg and Malta), whereas the Member States with most Ambassadors are France with 22, Spain and Italy with 16, Germany with 12 and Belgium with 10, meaning that these five countries occupy 54 % of all Ambassador posts; notes with satisfaction that this is a reduction compared to last year, when the same five countries occupied 57 % of the Ambassador posts; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue to ensure a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels; reiterates also its concern about gender balance; notes that women are notably under-represented in senior positions, while they are over-represented mainly in AST positions; calls on the EEAS to publish a gender and nationality breakdown of middle and senior management positions; asks the institution to address this issue, while at the same time respecting the competences and merits of the candidates;

Or. en

Amendment 56

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes that all Member States are represented in the EEAS staff; notes however that some imbalances persist with Belgium being the most overrepresented Member State making up 12,1 % of total staff employed by the EEAS; notes also that among managers, Italy is the most overrepresented Member State, with 15 % of all managerial positions being occupied by Italians; notes that out of 141 Union Ambassadors, three Member States still do not occupy any Ambassador posts (Hungary, Luxembourg and Malta), whereas the Member States with most Ambassadors are France with 22, Spain and Italy with 16, Germany with 12 and Belgium with 10, meaning that these five countries occupy 54 % of all Ambassador posts; notes with satisfaction that this is a reduction compared to last year, when the same five countries occupied 57 % of the Ambassador posts; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue to ensure a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels;

Or. en

Amendment 57

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Welcomes that all Member States are represented in the EEAS staff; notes however that some imbalances persist with Belgium being the most overrepresented Member State making up 12,1 % of total staff employed by the EEAS; notes also that among managers, Italy is the most overrepresented Member State, with 15 % of all managerial positions being occupied by Italians; notes that out of 141 Union Ambassadors, three Member States still do not occupy any Ambassador posts (Hungary, Luxembourg and Malta), whereas the Member States with most Ambassadors are France with 22, Spain and Italy with 16, Germany with 12 and Belgium with 10, meaning that these five countries occupy 54 % of all Ambassador posts; notes with satisfaction that this is a reduction compared to last year, when the same five countries occupied 57 % of the Ambassador posts; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue to ensure a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels;

22. Observes that although all Member States are represented in the EEAS staff, significant imbalances persist with Belgium being the most overrepresented Member State making up 12,1 % of total staff employed by the EEAS; notes also that among managers, Italy is the most overrepresented Member State, with 15 % of all managerial positions being occupied by Italians; notes that out of 141 Union Ambassadors, three Member States still do not occupy any Ambassador posts (Hungary, Luxembourg and Malta), whereas the Member States with most Ambassadors are France with 22, Spain and Italy with 16, Germany with 12 and Belgium with 10, meaning that these five countries occupy 54 % of all Ambassador posts; strongly reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue to ensure a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels;

Or. en

Amendment 58

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22 a. Notes with concern that women are still underrepresented at AD level and overrepresented at AST level; deplores that women are still underrepresented at middle and senior management level both in headquarters and in delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 59

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 a. Notes that at the end of 2023, out of 1695 officials and temporary agents, 863 (51 %) were men and 832 (49 %) were women, which represents a slight increase from 2022; notes that among contract agents 57,4% were women , which is a slight increase from 2022; however notes that women are still notably underrepresented in senior positions while overrepresented mainly in AST positions;

Or. en

Amendment 60

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 b. Welcomes that 2023 rotation exercise offered 42 management posts in Delegation and resulted in a 12% increase in the number of women Ambassadors, going from 31.7% to 35.5%, which is still, though, an underrepresentation;

Or. en

Amendment 61

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 c. Call on EEAS to provide the discharge authority with information on the steps taken towards a feminist diplomacy, such us the latest developments of the Gender Action Plan for 2021-2025, and the actions taken by the EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity to promote the participation of women in all diplomatic and political dialogues;

Or. en

Amendment 62

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 24

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

24. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS adopted its Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion 2023-2025, a detailed action plan to promote a safe and respectful working environment and a zero tolerance approach towards harassment; notes that staff representatives, staff associations and the Joint Committee for Equal Opportunities, which was renamed as the Joint Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, were consulted on both documents; notes that the action plan contains anti-harassment preventive measures, such as a mandatory e-learning training course for all staff on “Recognising and addressing harassment at work” and a mandatory management training on “How to create an harassment free work environment”;

Or. en

Amendment 63

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 24

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

24. Notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, the EEAS adopted its Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion 2023-2025, a detailed action plan to promote a safe and respectful working environment and a zero tolerance approach towards harassment; notes that staff representatives, staff associations and the Joint Committee for Equal Opportunities, which was renamed as the Joint Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, were consulted on both documents; notes that the action plan contains anti-harassment preventive measures, such as a mandatory e-learning training course for all staff on “Recognising and addressing harassment at work” and a mandatory management training on “How to create an harassment free work environment”;

Or. en

Amendment 64

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 24 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

24 a. Calls on the EEAS to publish an annual Diversity and Inclusion Report, including concrete actions to improve gender, geographical, and ethnic representation in the service, with special attention to underrepresented nationalities in ambassadorial positions;

Or. en

Amendment 65

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 25

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

25. Notes with concern that, in 2023, the EEAS received three requests for assistance for allegations of psychological harassment involving two officials which led to two administrative enquiries, one of which is still ongoing and the other was closed with a disciplinary sanction; notes that, under the informal procedure, the EEAS mediation service dealt with 28 cases involving allegations of psychological harassment and 10 cases of sexual harassment and that the Confidential Counsellors dealt with 21 cases of allegations of psychological harassment and 6 cases of sexual harassment in 2023; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS prepared a decision on anti-harassment for local staff in delegations, which was adopted in June 2024; acknowledges the efforts made by the EEAS to strengthen its anti-harassment policies, including the introduction of mandatory e-learning modules to raise awareness and the establishment of an 'Istanbul Convention Task Force' aimed at identifying measures to ensure a safer workplace for all; however, expresses serious concern about the persistently high number of harassment cases and calls on the EEAS to implement stronger prevention, victim support, and strict disciplinary measures to ensure zero tolerance for harassment;

Or. en

Amendment 66

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 25

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 67

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

27. Is concerned that the EEAS members of staff on long-term sick leave for more than 50 days increased from 111 members of staff in 2022 to 171 members of staff in 2023, equivalent to an increase of 54 %; notes that the medical service implemented several measures to prevent the risk of burnout, such as the recruitment of a psychiatrist in December 2023 and a more systematic follow-up of sick leave by the medical service, psychological support and guidance to both staff and managers, awareness-raising activities and the creation of a mental health first aiders network; stresses the need for managers to ensure fair task allocation and implement guidance and flexible working arrangements; calls on the EEAS to take a proactive approach to prevent long-term sickness and burnout, prioritising staff wellbeing through effective support measures;

Or. en

Amendment 68

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

27. Is concerned that the EEAS members of staff on long-term sick leave for more than 50 days increased from 111 members of staff in 2022 to 171 members of staff in 2023, equivalent to an increase of 54 %; notes that the medical service implemented several measures to prevent the risk of burnout, such as the recruitment of a psychiatrist in December 2023 and a more systematic follow-up of sick leave by the medical service, psychological support and guidance to both staff and managers, awareness-raising activities and the creation of a mental health first aiders network; calls on the EEAS to take the necessary measures to ensure the mental wellbeing of its staff;

Or. en

Amendment 69

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Daniel Freund

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

27 a. Is concerned that the Hungarian authorities appear to grant security clearance to Hungarian nationals only if they are members of the ruling Fidesz party, thereby restricting career progression opportunities for Hungarians in EU institutions; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to assess the impact of this practice on the principle of equal treatment and fair access to EU employment; urges the Council and Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure that security clearance procedures do not become a tool for political discrimination, undermining the independence and integrity of EU institutions;

Or. en

Amendment 70

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

27 a. Takes note that because of budgetary constraints the number of trainees employed was reduced; call on the EEAS to provide information on the working conditions and remuneration of trainees in the HQ and delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 71

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 28

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

28. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS improved its ethical framework by issuing new instructions to prohibit or limit the missions with costs partially or totally paid by external sources to avoid risks of conflicts of interest by sending a reminder on ethics to all staff; notes that the EEAS also focused on organising specific training courses on ethics, conflicts of interest, internal control and anti-fraud targeted at and adapted to different audiences in the EEAS headquarters and in delegations; notes furthermore that the 16 ‘principles of professional behaviour’ adopted in 2022 continued to be distributed to newcomers and promoted widely, in particular during the ‘Ethics and integrity’ and ‘Anti-harassment policy’ courses; asks that Parliament be kept informed by the EEAS of any further development of its ethical framework;

Or. en

Amendment 72

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 28 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

28 a. Emphasizes that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental value of the free world and the European Union; urges the European External Action Service to incorporate faith diplomacy into its actions, recognizing religion as a part of the solution to global challenges; underlines that this approach should include actively safeguarding the rights of Christians and other religious groups especially in countries where they are a minority, as well as promoting tolerance, and ensuring that religious freedom is part of all relevant external engagements and policies of the EU;

Or. en

Amendment 73

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 29

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

29. Welcomes that, in October 2023, the EEAS adopted a new Anti-Fraud Strategy, applicable to all staff in the EEAS headquarters and in delegations, which resulted from a thorough review process of fraud-related risks and was formally endorsed by OLAF; notes that the EEAS devoted particular efforts to staff training and guidance, in particular through the anti-fraud cell established in December 2022; notes that the EEAS staff posted in Union delegations actively participated in a series of workshops and seminars on fraud awareness and prevention, that staff newly assigned to a Union delegation systematically received training on these issues prior to taking up posts and that the intranet page related to anti-fraud was further revamped with the aim of facilitating the reporting of potential fraud cases and providing a wider range of options for anti-fraud training;

Or. en

Amendment 74

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 29

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 75

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 29

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

29. Welcomes that, in October 2023, the EEAS adopted a new Anti-Fraud Strategy, applicable to all staff in the EEAS headquarters and in delegations, which resulted from a thorough review process of fraud-related risks and was formally endorsed by OLAF; welcomes that the EEAS devoted particular efforts to staff training and guidance, in particular through the anti-fraud cell established in December 2022; notes that the EEAS staff posted in Union delegations actively participated in a series of workshops and seminars on fraud awareness and prevention, that staff newly assigned to a Union delegation systematically received training on these issues prior to taking up posts and that the intranet page related to anti-fraud was further revamped with the aim of facilitating the reporting of potential fraud cases and providing a wider range of options for anti-fraud training;

Or. en

Amendment 76

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 30

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

30. Notes that the EEAS did not receive any whistleblowing cases in 2023; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS started to develop a dedicated whistleblower protection policy in line with the new Anti-Fraud Strategy; asks that Parliament be kept informed about its adoption, scheduled for 2025, and its implementation across the service;

30. Notes that the EEAS did not receive any whistleblowing cases in 2023; notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, the EEAS started to develop a dedicated whistleblower protection policy in line with the new Anti-Fraud Strategy; asks that Parliament be kept informed about its adoption, scheduled for 2025, and its implementation across the service;

Or. en

Amendment 77

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 31 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

31 a. Calls on the EEAS to establish a two-year "cooling-off" period for senior officials and diplomats before they can take up roles in the defense industry, foreign governments, or consulting firms engaged in EU-related policy lobbying;

Or. en

Amendment 78

Tamás Deutsch, Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 32

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

32. Notes with concern that OLAF opened eight investigations in 2023, which are still ongoing, concerning potential misconduct in the context of procurement procedures and implementation of contracts, grant agreements or potential irregularities related to human-resource matters; expresses deep concern over the case uncovered by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which found that certain EEAS diplomats operated an illegal alcohol and cigar smuggling network during their Southeast Asia postings, violating EU rules and the prohibition on abusing diplomatic privileges. Condemns the fact that those involved exploited their official EU positions and the tax and customs exemptions associated with their diplomatic status for personal gain, severely damaging the credibility and reputation of EU institutions. Calls on the EEAS to immediately publish the results of its internal investigations and ensure that appropriate disciplinary and legal actions are taken. Emphasises that stricter control mechanisms and ethical rules must be introduced to prevent such cases, particularly regarding abuses of diplomatic privileges. Calls on the EEAS to report to Parliament on the measures taken in response to this case and on its proposals to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms;

Or. en

Amendment 79

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 32

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 80

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33 a. Takes note of all activities undertaken to raise awareness on outside activities; reminds the Parliament’s request to adopt self-standing implementation provisions on outside activities and assignments, in order to protect the image and reputation of the Union in particular in case of Heads of Delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 81

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34. Notes that, in his/her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission, the HR/VP is bound by the rules of the Transparency Register; stresses that while the EEAS is not an Institution within the meaning of Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union and does not have a direct role in Union law, it does, however, have an important role in Union law with regard to decisions concerning sanctions and the negotiation of international trade agreements, which have a considerable regulatory impact; notes that it would be of great relevance for the EEAS to adopt transparency measures and notify them to the management board of the Transparency Register; invites the EEAS to publish all meetings with all types of lobby organisations, including those of Heads of Union Delegations, in order to improve transparency; asks that Parliament be kept informed of any new initiative taken by the EEAS to improve transparency;

Or. en

Amendment 82

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34 a. Reiterates the importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting and good governance of human resources;

Or. en

Amendment 83

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 84

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34. Notes that, in his/her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission, the HR/VP is bound by the rules of the Transparency Register; stresses that while the EEAS is not an Institution within the meaning of Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union and does not have a direct role in Union law, it does, however, have an important role in Union law with regard to decisions concerning sanctions and the negotiation of international trade agreements, which have a considerable regulatory impact; notes that it would be of great relevance for the EEAS to adopt transparency measures and notify them to the management board of the Transparency Register and to join the Register ; invites the EEAS to publish all meetings with all types of lobby organisations, including those of Heads of Union Delegations, in order to improve transparency; asks that Parliament be kept informed of any new initiative taken by the EEAS to improve transparency;

Or. en

Amendment 85

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34 a. Urges the EEAS to join the EU Transparency Register to align its practices with the European Parliament and Commission, ensuring full disclosure of lobbying activities and financial interests related to defense and diplomatic matters;

Or. en

Amendment 86

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 36

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

36. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS started to host and control an AI environment so that a complete AI governance model could be put in place; notes that this technical step established the grounds for the adoption of guidelines on the use of generative AI and of an AI Strategy in 2024, as well as running proofs of concept;

Or. en

Amendment 87

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37. Notes that, part of the implementation of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence adopted in 2022, the EEAS was involved in the adoption of major policy documents and toolboxes related inter alia to cyber defence, cyber diplomacy, hybrid threats, foreign interference and information manipulation; notes that, internally, the EEAS continued to improve its cybersecurity capabilities via the recruitment of specialised staff and to provide cyber-awareness activities to different audiences including the Security Management Team, members of the delegations, newcomers and managers; calls for enhanced EU support for Moldova in combating disinformation, hybrid threats, and cyberattacks; calls the EU Delegation to Moldova to enhance its efforts to promote a more proactive and effective communication strategy regarding the European perspective, including outreach in the Russian language;

Or. en

Amendment 88

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37. Notes that, part of the implementation of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence adopted in 2022, the EEAS was involved in the adoption of major policy documents and toolboxes related inter alia to cyber defence, cyber diplomacy, hybrid threats, foreign interference and information manipulation; notes that, internally, the EEAS continued to improve its cybersecurity capabilities via the recruitment of specialised staff and to provide cyber-awareness activities to different audiences including the Security Management Team, members of the delegations, newcomers and managers; asks that the EEAS provides regular mandatory cybersecurity training to all staff;

Or. en

Amendment 89

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37 a. Welcomes the establishment of EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova); highlights the essential role of the EUPM Moldova and calls the EU and its Member States to extend the mission's mandate beyond May 2025 while increasing resources to enhance its effectiveness;

Or. en

Amendment 90

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 38

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

38. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS recorded over 29 623 cyber alerts via the Security Incident and Event Monitoring - SIEM, out of which 92 incidents were confirmed as cyberattacks; notes that four cyberattacks had an impact on EEAS operations and only one had significant consequences; warns that the EEAS is a highly likely target for well-resourced actors, including those sponsored by foreign states, seeking to disrupt Union Institutions; notes that the EEAS Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a key actor in dealing with real time threat monitoring and identification of system vulnerabilities; invites the EEAS to continue to consider the need for users’ cyber discipline and cyber awareness as key elements in its cyber security framework; emphasises the importance of the EEAS continuing to prioritise cybersecurity and hybrid threat mitigation while collaborating closely with other Union Institutions and Member States to identify and counter such threats;

Or. en

Amendment 91

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 38

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

38. Notes with concern that, in 2023, the EEAS recorded over 29 623 cyber alerts via the Security Incident and Event Monitoring - SIEM, out of which 92 incidents were confirmed as cyberattacks; notes that four cyberattacks had an impact on EEAS operations and only one had significant consequences; notes that the EEAS Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a key actor in dealing with real time threat monitoring and identification of system vulnerabilities; requests the EEAS to continue to consider the need for users’ cyber discipline and cyber awareness as key elements in its cyber security framework;

Or. en

Amendment 92

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

40. Notes that the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) remained a priority for the EEAS in 2023; welcomes that the FIMI toolbox was endorsed by the European Council in December 2023 based on the pillars of situational awareness, resilience building, disruption and diplomatic responses; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS scaled up its analytical capacity to collect FIMI evidence and build responses to the increasing number of incidents and threats, in particular in the run up to the 2024 European elections; notes that the EEAS also launched new flagship projects to raise awareness and counter Russian disinformation, such as the EUvsDisinfo initiative which reached approximately 20,3 million people in 2023, and to create sustainable partnerships to counter FIMI globally; calls on the EEAS, together with the Commission to dedicate adequate resources to effectively combat FIMI; supports the pledged establishment of a “European Democracy Shield” to detect, track and delete deceitful online content, hereby strengthening the EU’s ability to counter FIMI and enhancing its support for protecting democracies in third countries, especially within the EU neighbourhood; calls on the EEAS and EU Delegations in third countries to strengthen further their respective capacities in fighting and countering disinformation and propaganda linked to the EU’s CFSP;

Or. en

Amendment 93

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 94

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

40 a. Urges the EEAS to enhance oversight of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by introducing binding human rights assessments for all security and military assistance provided under the EPF, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law and EU human rights standards;

Or. en

Amendment 95

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

41. Notes that, in the course of 2023, the budget line 3003 on buildings and associated costs was reinforced by EUR 19 million but that important maintenance works were nevertheless deferred; is concerned that the accumulation of maintenance and security needs poses significant challenges to the EEAS with regard to how to operate the delegations’ network effectively and ensure the duty of care towards delegations staff;

41. Notes that, in the course of 2023, the budget line 3003 on buildings and associated costs was reinforced by EUR 19 million but that important maintenance works were nevertheless deferred; is deeply concerned that the accumulation of maintenance and security needs poses significant challenges to the EEAS with regard to how to operate the delegations’ network safely and effectively, and ensure the duty of care towards delegations staff; requests the EEAS to develop multi-annual contingency plans for builduings maintenance and security;

Or. en

Amendment 96

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 42

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

42. Notes that the EEAS occupies and manages real estate covering about 87 618 sqm in the EEAS headquarters and 379 300 sqm around the world with 174 office buildings and 152 residences for Ambassadors; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS presented a working document outlining its purchase policy to the budgetary authority, which currently stands at 22 % of office buildings and 20 % of residences for Ambassadors, thereby achieving the best value for money; reminds that, in 2023, the taxpayers paid 69,3 million EUR for the rent of the Office Buildings of the EEAS Delegations and 15,1 million EUR for the Residences of Heads of EEAS Delegations; calls on the EEAS to gradually reduce the number of delegations to 20 (located in the top 20 trading partner countries of the EU as a collective) by 2035;

Or. en

Amendment 97

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 43

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

43. Notes that the purchase policy of real estate for Union delegations of April 2023 and the working document on the real estate policy of the EEAS for 2024 aims to achieve the most advantageous long term solution for the Union budget; highlights that none of these documents include any ideas with regard to reducing the number of delegations or creating regional hubs; urges the EEAS to keep Parliament informed of any possible future developments in that direction;

43. Notes that the purchase policy of real estate for Union delegations of April 2023 and the working document on the real estate policy of the EEAS for 2024 aims to achieve the most advantageous long term solution for the Union budget; highlights that none of these documents include any concrete proposals to reducing the staggering number of delegations, residences for ambassadors, or regional hubs; urges the EEAS to swiftly present to the Parliament a plan to reduce the number of delegations and residences for ambassadors from over a hundred to 20 (located in the top 20 trading partner countries of the EU as a collective) by 2035;

Or. en

Amendment 98

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 43 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

43 a. Invites the EEAS to maintain its important network of Delegations around the world with sufficient staff in order to improve its ability to reach out to third countries;

Or. en

Amendment 99

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46. Notes that, in 2023, the EEAS continued to implement the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS/EMS), notably by setting up an Environment Steering Committee and by adopting an Environmental Policy and a relevant communication strategy highlighting the EEAS commitment to environmental sustainability in real estate management; notes that the EMAS Steering Committee worked on new objectives in 2023, the aim of which is to further reduce its carbon footprint by 2030; notes that the measures approved include the reduction of the use of natural gas by 35 %, the reduction of the use of paper, water and waste production by half, an increase in the share of short to medium distance flights for missions in economic class and the better use of green public procurement;

46. Welcomes that, in 2023, the EEAS continued to implement the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS/EMS), notably by setting up an Environment Steering Committee and by adopting an Environmental Policy and a relevant communication strategy highlighting the EEAS commitment to environmental sustainability in real estate management; notes that the EMAS Steering Committee worked on new objectives in 2023, the aim of which is to further reduce its carbon footprint by 2030; notes that the measures approved include the reduction of the use of natural gas by 35 %, the reduction of the use of paper, water and waste production by half, an increase in the share of short to medium distance flights for missions in economic class and the better use of green public procurement;

Or. en

Amendment 100

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48 a. Asks the EEAS to set clear targets to reduce its carbon footprint, with mandatory annual environmental impact reports covering energy efficiency, green public procurement, and sustainable travel policies for staff missions and diplomatic engagements, including a mandatory sustainability clause in all co-location agreements;

Or. en

Amendment 101

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48 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 102

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48 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 103

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48 c. 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 104

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48 d. Calls on the EEAS to make public any results of future reform and share them with the EP to ensure that any changes made are substantive and permanent, to ensure textbooks genuinely fully adhere to UNESCO standards promoting peace and tolerance;

Or. en

Amendment 105

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 50 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

50 a. Calls on the EEAS to institutionalize structured cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and OLAF, ensuring systematic fraud detection mechanisms for EU external action funding, particularly in high-risk conflict zones and fragile states;

Or. en

Amendment 106

Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, Eero Heinäluoma

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 50 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

50 a. Welcomes the EEAS's excellent cooperation with OLAF, the EPPO, the Court, and the EDPS, reflected in regular meetings and exchanges of information; notes the conclusion of dedicated working arrangements in June 2024;

Or. en

Amendment 107

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 51

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

51. Notes that, in its 2023 budget, the EEAS earmarked EUR 990,5 million for a pilot project on launching the European Diplomatic Academy, whereby 50 junior diplomats from Member States and the Union institutions are trained on EU foreign and security policies with the aim of building a true European Diplomatic corps to promote EU foreign policy and external interest; encourages this initiative as a step towards fostering a cohesive and well-trained European diplomatic corps that can effectively represent and defend the Union’s values and interests on the global stage;

Or. en

Amendment 108

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 51

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

51. Notes that, in its 2023 budget, the EEAS earmarked EUR 990,5 million for a pilot project on launching the European Diplomatic Academy, whereby 50 junior diplomats from Member States and the Union institutions are trained on EU foreign and security policies with the aim of building a true European Diplomatic corps to promote EU foreign policy and external interest; underlines the necessity to improve the visibility of the European Diplomatic Academy across all Member States and to strengthen its role and capacities;

Or. en

Amendment 109

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Michal Wiezik, Gilles Boyer

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 51

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

51. Notes that, in its 2023 budget, the EEAS earmarked EUR 990,5 million for a pilot project on launching the European Diplomatic Academy, whereby 50 junior diplomats from Member States and the Union institutions are trained on EU foreign and security policies with the aim of building a true European Diplomatic corps to promote EU foreign policy and external interest; requests that the Parliament is provided with further information on the costs incurred for the 50 participants as well as the unspent funds;

Or. en

Amendment 110

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 51

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

51. Notes that, in its 2023 budget, the EEAS earmarked the astronomical sum of EUR 990,5 million for a pilot project on launching the European Diplomatic Academy, whereby 50 junior diplomats from Member States and the Union institutions are trained on EU foreign and security policies with the aim of building a true European Diplomatic corps to promote EU foreign policy and external interest;

Or. fr

Amendment 111

Bert-Jan Ruissen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

53a. points to the rise in the number of violations of freedom of religion worldwide; calls on the EEAS to adequately equip its staff in view of this in countries where there is no religious freedom or where religious freedom is under pressure (including by means of training courses); with a view to entering into discussions on this topic with the relevant authorities at all levels in countries where freedom of religion is being violated; and make this a key focus of its external action;

Or. nl

Amendment 112

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

53 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

Amendment 113

Andrey Kovatchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Niclas Herbst

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

54. Notes that, as part of its communication activities, the EEAS reaches out to the general public via public events, open days and the reception of visitors’ groups; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS launched several thematic communication campaigns across different channels on the support to Ukraine, the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the respect for Union values; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS consolidated its presence on social media and increased the number of its followers by 41,5 % on LinkedIn, by 13,8 % on Instagram, by 5,4 % on Twitter and by 4,7 % on Facebook; urges the EEAS to enhance its communication of Union policies to citizens in third countries and to strengthen coordination efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of Union-funded projects, particularly in candidate countries, in order to counter the attempts of malicious actors to undermine EU’s efforts;

Or. en

Amendment 114

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

54. Notes that, as part of its communication activities, the EEAS reaches out to the general public via public events, open days and the reception of visitors’ groups; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS launched several thematic communication campaigns across different channels on the support to Ukraine, the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the respect for Union values; welcomes that Ukraine remained a top priority of the EEAS; notes that, in 2023, the EEAS consolidated its presence on social media and increased the number of its followers by 41,5 % on LinkedIn, by 13,8 % on Instagram, by 5,4 % on Twitter and by 4,7 % on Facebook;

Or. en

Amendment 115

Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 55

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

55. Welcomes the involvement of the EEAS in the institutional communication campaign of Parliament for the 2024 European elections, in particular the information campaign targeting the 25 to 30 million European citizens living in third countries on the possible ways to vote in the European elections, in particular via the delegation’ network; notes that this campaign reached out to 11 million recipients, via 26 video campaigns and over 2 000 posts on social media;

55. Regrets the interference of the EEAS in the institutional communication campaign of Parliament for the 2024 European elections, in particular the information campaign targeting the 25 to 30 million European citizens living in third countries on the possible ways to vote in the European elections, in particular via the delegation’ network; notes that this campaign reached out to 11 million recipients, via 26 video campaigns and over 2 000 posts on social media;

Or. fr