Sittings · Document

Draft report (2024/2030(DEC)) 2025-02-27

2023 discharge: General budget of the EU - Agencies

Committee on Budgetary Control

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Amendment 1

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Citation 36 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2023 on Frontex building on the fact-finding investigation of the LIBE Working Group for Frontex Scrutiny1a,

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1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0483_EN.pdf

Or. en

Amendment 2

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Recital A

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

A. whereas EU agencies1 are distinct legal entities set up to carry out specific technical, scientific or managerial tasks that help Union institutions to design and implement policies; whereas they are located in different member states and have significant influence in areas of vital importance to European citizens’ daily lives, such as health, safety, security, freedom and justice;

A. whereas EU agencies1 are distinct legal entities set up to carry out specific technical, scientific or managerial tasks that help Union institutions to design and implement policies; whereas they are located in different member states and have significant influence in areas of importance to European citizens’ daily lives, such as health, safety, security, freedom and justice; notes, however, that some of these agencies do not belong to areas falling strictly under Union competence, such as health, thus running counter to Article 168 TFEU;

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1 There are three types of EU Agencies: decentralised agencies, executive agencies and other bodies.

Or. fr

Amendment 3

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Recital B

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B. whereas this resolution contains, for each body within the meaning of Article 70 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, and for the Euratom Supply Agency, cross-cutting observations accompanying the discharge decisions, in accordance with Article 268 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and Article 3 of Annex V to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure;

B. regrets that this resolution contains, for each body within the meaning of Article 70 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, and for the Euratom Supply Agency, cross-cutting observations accompanying the discharge decisions, in accordance with Article 268 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and Article 3 of Annex V to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which make it impossible to examine each discharge individually and to identify and raise the issues specific to them, or to express an opinion on each of them, thereby distorting the final vote on this resolution; calls for a return to examining individual discharges as from the 2024 discharges in both the Committee on Budgetary Control and the committees asked for opinions;

Or. fr

Amendment 4

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Recital C

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

C. whereas Union decentralised agencies and the Euratom Supply Agency should focus on missions with clear European added value and the organisation of such missions should be optimised to avoid overlaps in the best interests of the Union taxpayer, as already identified in the area of health (where the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control gives it competences which overlap with those of the Commission’s European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority);

Or. fr

Amendment 5

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Recital C

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

C. whereas Union decentralised agencies and the Euratom Supply Agency should focus on missions with clear European added value and the organisation of such missions should be optimised to avoid overlaps in the best interests of the Union taxpayer; whereas Union decentralised agencies should focus solely on missions where Member States lack the capability to act independently, and their existence should be reviewed regularly to prevent bureaucratic expansion and inefficiency;

Or. en

Amendment 6

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Recital D

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

D. whereas in the context of the discharge procedure, the discharge authority aims to emphasise the significant importance of enhancing the democratic legitimacy of Union institutions; whereas this involves enhancing transparency and accountability, as well as implementing performance-based budgeting and ensuring good governance of human resources; stresses that the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) must not act as a political advocacy body but should strictly adhere to its mandate; calls for an investigation into the agency’s spending on activities that promote political narratives under the guise of human rights;

Or. en

Amendment 7

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

E. whereas the Union’s action in the field of budgetary control is based on two principles: on the one hand, ensuring that the Union’s budget is properly spent, on the other, protecting the Union’s financial interests, and combating fraud; emphasizes that agencies involved in migration, such as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), must prioritise border security and the protection of European citizens; opposes any redirection of funds towards policies that encourage illegal migration or weaken national border controls;

Or. en

Amendment 8

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Recital E

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

E. whereas the Union’s action in the field of budgetary control is based on two principles: on the one hand, ensuring that the Union’s budget is properly and transparently spent, on the other, protecting the Union’s financial interests, and combating fraud;

Or. en

Amendment 9

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Recital F

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F. whereas, in 2012, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission adopted a ‘Joint Statement’2 and a comprehensive set of guiding principles – a ‘Common Approach’ – to make the agencies more coherent, effective and accountable; whereas the Commission committed to follow-up on this agreement, where relevant in cooperation with the agencies; whereas a critical review of EU agencies should be undertaken to eliminate redundancy, consolidate overlapping functions, and streamline operations, ensuring that no agency exists merely to justify its own bureaucracy;

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2 Joint Statement of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission on decentralised agencies of July 2012.

Or. en

Amendment 10

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ga. whereas EIT Director speaking on behalf of the EU Agencies Network, agreed on 4 December 2024 during the Committee on Budgetary Control to conduct a research on the types of contracts from cleaning personnel working at the decentralised agencies including the ratio of long or short term contracts;

Or. en

Amendment 11

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Recalls that this resolution covers 31 out of the 33 decentralised agencies and 2 of the other four bodies (EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and ESA - Euratom Supply Agency); highlights that the budgetary and discharge procedures for two fully self-financed decentralised agencies, namely the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), are administered by the CPVO Administrative Council and the EUIPO Budget Committee, respectively, and are not part of this resolution; notes that, similarly, the Single Resolution Board’s (SRB) annual budgetary and discharge procedure is solely under the responsibility of its Board;

2. Underlines the need for enhanced financial oversight of EU agencies, ensuring that all expenditures are justified, cost-effective, and do not duplicate national efforts; calls for a review of agency funding mechanisms to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money for politically motivated projects; recalls that this resolution covers 31 out of the 33 decentralised agencies and 2 of the other four bodies (EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and ESA - Euratom Supply Agency); highlights that the budgetary and discharge procedures for two fully self-financed decentralised agencies, namely the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), are administered by the CPVO Administrative Council and the EUIPO Budget Committee, respectively, and are not part of this resolution; notes that, similarly, the Single Resolution Board’s (SRB) annual budgetary and discharge procedure is solely under the responsibility of its Board;

Or. en

Amendment 12

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 13

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2a. calls for cost saving by wide-ranging mergers and closures of unnecessary Decentralised Agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 14

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Highlights the importance of the discharge procedure as it is not only a treaty-based obligation, but also promotes and aims to ensure transparency, accountability and open dialogue on the finances of the Union; notes that it also grants the agencies a possibility to showcase their work and demonstrate their added value to the Union and its citizens; stresses, furthermore, that agencies provide answers to the questionnaires sent by Parliament and are invited to public hearings by the discharge authority and that this gives citizens, companies, NGOs and other stakeholders the possibility to follow the meetings and be assured that the revenue and expenditure are in line with the principles of sound financial management;

3. Highlights the importance of the discharge procedure as it is not only a treaty-based obligation, but also promotes and aims to ensure transparency, accountability and open dialogue on the finances of the Union; in that regard, regrets that the agencies’ discharges are no longer examined individually – which makes it easier to identify in each entity the areas that are working and those that are not and to give an opinion on each of them – thereby distorting the final vote on this resolution; notes that it also grants the agencies a possibility to showcase their work and demonstrate their added value to the Union and its citizens; stresses, furthermore, that agencies provide answers to the questionnaires sent by Parliament and are invited to public hearings by the discharge authority and that this gives citizens, companies, NGOs and other stakeholders the possibility to follow the meetings and be assured that the revenue and expenditure are in line with the principles of sound financial management;

Or. fr

Amendment 15

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 16

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Considers that the concept of granting discharge by an internal discharge authority as in the case of the EUIPO, CPVO and SRB could potentially lead to a conflict of interest; believes that discharge granted by Parliament avoids the potential for conflicts of interest and contributes to the transparency and public image of the agencies;

4. Considers that the concept of granting discharge by an internal discharge authority as in the case of the EUIPO, CPVO and SRB could potentially lead to a conflict of interest; believes that discharge granted by Parliament minimises the potential for conflicts of interest and contributes to the transparency and public image of the agencies;

Or. fr

Amendment 17

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6a. Finds that the current architecture of the European Union Agencies does have duplications and overlapping mandates, believes that the EU needs to lead the way to cut administrative costs, simplify, in order to boost competitiveness and to streamline EU public administration, recommends to assess how a DOGE-style (Department of Government Efficiency) reform package could be implemented and how could it could benefit the efficiency of the governance of the European Union and its agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 18

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7. Points out that while the establishment or expansion of EU agencies is intended to enhance the Union's capabilities, it is critical to ensure that this process is guided by thorough evaluations, impact assessments, and a clear demonstration of added value; highlights that this approach would not only ensure better regulation but also enhance the effectiveness, accountability, transparency and coherence of the Union’s institutional landscape;

7. Points out that while the establishment or expansion of EU agencies is intended to enhance the Union's capabilities, it is critical to ensure that this process is guided by thorough evaluations, impact assessments, and a clear demonstration of added value so that lessons can be learned and consideration can be given to terminating their mandate if necessary; highlights that this approach would not only ensure better regulation but also enhance the effectiveness, accountability, transparency and coherence of the Union’s institutional landscape;

Or. fr

Amendment 19

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7a. Regrets that the general budget of the agencies (Union decentralised agencies, executive agencies and bodies) more than doubled in 10 years to reach 4.7 billion in 2023 (compared to 4.5 in 2022); is concerned that for four of the agencies – EIT, eu-LISA, ELA and ENISA – the error rate is between 3.2 and 4.1 %, representing more than EUR 28 million, which is problematic in terms of honesty in the use of public funds, but also in view of the large number of agencies; notes that ineligible costs have been identified for the EIT and calls for such situations not to be repeated;

Or. fr

Amendment 20

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7a. Recalls the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal, putting Europe at the forefront of research and innovation globally, especially in disruptive technologies, and delivering on the objective of meeting the 3 % GDP expenditure target on R&D by 2030, asks the agencies to find ways to promote these goals and to be part of the changes;

Or. en

Amendment 21

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7a. Recalls that the added value of the agencies can be further enhanced if the EU institutions prioritise making use of the knowledge and expertise of the EU’s agencies instead of external contractors where appropriate;

Or. en

Amendment 22

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

7b. 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, is of the conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict and that peace is the only viable and sustainable solution;

Or. en

Amendment 23

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Recalls that point 60 of the Common Approach states that every EU agency should be evaluated every 5 years; notes that the Commission should be responsible for organising these evaluations and that, for every second evaluation, the sunset/review clause is to be applied; echoes the recommendation of the Court of Auditors (“the Court”) in the Special Report 22/20203 which advises the Commission to increase the use of cross-cutting evaluations of agencies in the context of the Commission’s fitness checks of the different policy areas; insists, moreover, that evaluation results should be used to identify synergies and possible changes, including mergers, and, where appropriate, to prepare legislative proposals in response to changing needs;

8. Recalls that point 60 of the Common Approach states that every EU agency should be evaluated every 5 years; notes that the Commission should be responsible for organising these evaluations and that, for every second evaluation, the sunset/review clause is to be applied; echoes the recommendation of the Court of Auditors (“the Court”) in the Special Report 22/20203 which advises the Commission to increase the use of cross-cutting evaluations of agencies in the context of the Commission’s fitness checks of the different policy areas; insists, moreover, that evaluation results should be used to identify synergies and possible changes, including merging of agencies, where appropriate, in order to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies; where relevant, such evaluations should also explore ways to enhance governance structures while ensuring agencies remain effective;

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3 "Future of EU agencies – Potential for more flexibility and cooperation", https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eca/special-reports/agencies-performance-audit-22-2020/en/.

Or. en

Amendment 24

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8. Recalls that point 60 of the Common Approach states that every EU agency should be evaluated every 5 years; notes that the Commission should be responsible for organising these evaluations and that, for every second evaluation, the sunset/review clause is to be applied; echoes the recommendation of the Court of Auditors (“the Court”) in the Special Report 22/20203 which advises the Commission to increase the use of cross-cutting evaluations of agencies in the context of the Commission’s fitness checks of the different policy areas; insists, moreover, that evaluation results, based also on the reports of the European Court of Auditors, should be used to identify synergies and possible changes, including mergers, and, where appropriate, to prepare legislative proposals in response to changing needs or indeed to consider terminating the mandate of certain agencies;

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3 “Future of EU agencies – Potential for more flexibility and cooperation”, https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eca/special-reports/agencies-performance-audit-22-2020/en/.

Or. fr

Amendment 25

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Recalls the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal, which has set out a way for a simplification revolution, ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and drastically reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs, simplification and making existing rules more effective could contribute and strengthen the protection of the EU’s financial interests, applying these principles could benefit the work and functioning of the agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 26

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Points to the mounting confusion stemming from the multitude of cases where the agencies' names and acronyms are either identical or almost identical; calls on the respective bodies to consider changing names to allow for the different agencies to be clearly distinguished from each other;

Or. en

Amendment 27

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8a. Believes that budgetary efficiency is key to the functioning of the Agencies and that in order to maximise effects and savings, further synergies and consolidation in the activities of Agencies with complementary activities should be explored;

Or. en

Amendment 28

Tamás Deutsch, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8b. 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 29

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8b. Reiterates the need to strengthen the mandate, both in terms of prerogatives, but also resources, of all agencies contributing to strengthened security for the European citizens, namely Frontex, Europol and Eurojust;

Or. en

Amendment 30

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

8c. Demands that the EU must stop funding illegal migration, financing progressive left-wing media attacking Member States' sovereignty, promoting the spread of woke propaganda or war propaganda from the EU budget; requests in this regard that both direct or indirect support channelled through NGOs must be finished and no money should be spent on promoting the European Commission’s false political agenda by the Commission or its agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 31

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9. Recalls that the Common Approach4 , gives an overview of the governance structure of the decentralised agencies; reminds that the Common Approach suggests that the management board should consist of one representative from each Member State, two representatives from the Commission, one member designated by the European Parliament (where appropriate), and a 'fairly limited' number of stakeholder representatives (where appropriate);

9. Recalls that the Common Approach4, gives an overview of the governance structure of the decentralised agencies; reminds that the Common Approach suggests that the management board should consist of one representative from each Member State, two representatives from the Commission, one member designated by the European Parliament (where appropriate), and a 'fairly limited' number of stakeholder representatives (where appropriate); emphasizes the importance of ensuring transparency in the selection process of stakeholder representatives and ensuring that they reflect a diverse range of interests;

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4 The Common Approach is not legally binding, the institutions agreed to take it into account when making decisions concerning the decentralised agencies.

Or. en

Amendment 32

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9a. Recalls that the management boards of all decentralised agencies play a crucial role in ensuring good governance and accountability; underlines the importance of fostering a safe and respectful working environment within the agencies; stresses that all members of the management boards should undergo mandatory harassment prevention training at the start of their mandate and that such training should be renewed every five years to ensure continuous awareness and adherence to best practices, in alignment with the rules of the other institutions, and especially those of the European Parliament;

Or. en

Amendment 33

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10a. Considers this to be a mere description, not a discharge report;

Or. en

Amendment 34

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Takes note of the conclusions of the evaluation of Eurofound, Cedefop, ETF and EU-OSHA concerning the tripartite governance structure (Eurofound, Cedefop and EU-OSHA); observes that the tripartite structure provides benefits such as representation, strategic direction, and knowledge-sharing but the size and diversity of the management boards pose challenges in navigating compromises on core business and administrative decisions; points out that the evaluation considered alternative governance models to involve social partners more efficiently, with a focus on reducing costs through hybrid meetings; stresses that the evaluation suggested that while stakeholder expertise is crucial, exploring other models may offer equally effective and more efficient ways of involving stakeholders7 ;

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7 Evaluation of EU Agencies: Eurofound, Cedefop, ETF and EU-OSHA SWD(2024) 222 final, p. 66.

Or. en

Amendment 35

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

deleted

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8 Letter addressed to DG Justice in February 2024. Subject: Management Board support to the Commission in its follow-up to EIGE’s second external evaluation.

Or. en

Amendment 36

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Takes note of the results of the second and independent evaluation of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and the subsequent proposal by the Management Board (MB) to review the composition of the MB and the establishment of an Executive Board aiming at the representation of all EU Member States in the Agency’s MB alongside the creation of an Executive Board of the MB that would be based on the current Standing Committee, and which would help to streamline the decision-making process in EIGE and contribute to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness and recognises the progress made within the agencies towards gender balance among their staff; calls for intensified efforts to ensure gender balance at the senior management level and to integrate gender equality systematically into all agency policies, procedures, and activities8;

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8 Letter addressed to DG Justice in February 2024. Subject: Management Board support to the Commission in its follow-up to EIGE’s second external evaluation.

Or. en

Amendment 37

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 – introductory part

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Takes note of the conclusions of the report on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) and its findings deeming the Regulation fit for purpose, including a review of the Standing Corps published in February 2024, highlighting with regard to the Governance of the Agency the following aspects9 :

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9 Source: Report on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard, including a review of the Standing Corps. 02.02.2024.

Or. en

Amendment 38

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 – introductory part

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

_________________

9 Source: Report on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard, including a review of the Standing Corps. 02.02.2024.

Or. en

Amendment 39

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 – indent 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– there is a clear distribution of tasks between the MB and the Executive Director;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 40

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 – indent 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– insufficient representation of authorities responsible for returns on the MB, as members are primarily from national border management authorities which are often not responsible for returns;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 41

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 – indent 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– Frontex's internal governance is not fully equipped to support its expanded 2019 mandate, with issues like overlapping responsibilities and occasional conflicting approaches10 ; notes that the implementation of the new organisational structure adopted by the MB in November 2023 should address this matter; notes that key proposals involve consolidating strategic insight and coordination functions, decentralising management to increase accountability, and reallocating resources effectively;

deleted

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10 Examples include the split management of the Standing Corps across a number of divisions; the split of the corporate governance division into two (creating a fragmented approach and inconsistencies, with one division responsible for ICT, finance and other for human resources, legal and procurement).

Or. en

Amendment 42

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14a. Notes with grave concern that despite steps taken, severe fundamental rights violations have been reported from different operational areas where Frontex is active, reiterates that respect for the principles and values of the Union must be the condition sine qua non for Frontex to commit to a joint operation with a Member State, as in the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2023 on Frontex building on the fact-finding investigation of the LIBE Working Group for Frontex Scrutiny; expresses furthermore the need for adequate follow up and consequences drawn by the Agency, after the Crotone and Adriana shipwrecks in 2023, where Frontex was present with aerial surveillance;

Or. en

Amendment 43

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14a. Notes that the implementation of the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) Regulation has created administrative inefficiencies, as highlighted in the evaluation report on Regulation (EU) 2019/1896; recognizes that Member States face additional costs and bureaucratic hurdles due to complex reimbursement procedures for their personnel deployed to Frontex; believes that, given the increasing administrative workload on Member States, the Commission should explore ways to simplify these processes;

Or. en

Amendment 44

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14b. Highlights the recommendations of the FRO in its 2023 annual report, in particular the need to strengthen fundamental rights and procedural safeguards applicable to several areas and activities of Frontex, such as screening, debriefing and patrolling; underlines FRO’s opinions, particularly relating to fundamental rights concerns regarding alerts to Libyan authorities in the context of the multipurpose aerial surveillance services provided by the Agency and the opinion of the use of force monitoring; expresses deep concern about the cases where national authorities were reluctant to provide access to relevant data for the purpose of the investigations or follow up cases or denied officers’ involvement in alleged fundamental rights violations; underlines the lack of reporting is a recurrent concern from the FRO; urges Frontex to implement all the recommendations from the FRO’s annual reports and to follow-up on FRO’s opinions;

Or. en

Amendment 45

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14b. Emphasizes that excessive bureaucracy diverts resources that could be used more effectively; regrets that a cumbersome administrative system and inadequate reimbursement levels make it difficult for Member States to maintain staffing levels and meet their national border management needs;

Or. en

Amendment 46

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

deleted

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11 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0075 - part 3.

Or. en

Amendment 47

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Regrets and denounces the intrusion of the ideology of politically left-wing NGOs, supported by the Commission, which have imposed themselves in recent years, increasing the number of staff mandated to monitor fundamental rights and providing training in this area to Standing Corps officers (Frontex), thus diverting the Frontex agency from – and sometimes even hindering – its core mission; regrets that expenditure on remuneration in 2023 for the Fundamental Rights Office (headquarters and monitors) amounted to as much as EUR 4 367 527 (+78 % in one year) and that expenditure related to fundamental rights activities amounted to EUR 105 083 in 2023 (up 21 % in one year); reiterates that Frontex must focus on border surveillance of the Schengen area, fighting cross-border crime and assisting return operations, thus contributing to the protection of the people of Europe; calls for the redeployment of resources and the continued recruitment of the necessary frontline staff at the EU’s external borders and in hot spots, and for the number of administrative posts to be streamlined; deplores the fact that the overall return rate in the European Union remains below 30 %, indicating that current initiatives remain insufficient in light of scale of illegal migration flows; stresses the need for Frontex to further prioritise its return operations and to work closely with Member States to enhance the effectiveness of the return programmes; stresses the urgent need for the EUAA to help Member States take measures to prevent illegal immigration and to process returns efficiently; calls for the possibility of reviewing asylum applications in countries of origin and transit to be considered in order to avoid fuelling migration into the Union;

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11 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0075 - part 3.

Or. fr

Amendment 48

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Reiterates the importance of structural and continuous fundamental rights training for Standing Corps officers (Frontex), ensuring their awareness of and compliance with relevant fundamental rights obligations and standards, with international human rights and humanitarian law11;

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11 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0075 - part 3.

Or. en

Amendment 49

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Reiterates the necessity of fundamental rights training for Standing Corps officers (Frontex), ensuring their awareness of and compliance with relevant fundamental rights obligations and standards, with international human rights and humanitarian law11; underlines the importance of strengthening operational techniques and capacities so as to more effectively detect irregular crossings and implement timely and sustainable return procedures, as only 24,3 % of orders to leave the EU territory were effectively executed1a; stresses that a balanced approach, combining effective border control and prompt returns with robust fundamental rights safeguards, is key to maintaining a secure Schengen area and a credible EU migration management framework;

_________________

1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2024/762470/EPRS_BRI(2024)762470_EN.pdf

11 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0075 - part 3.

Or. en

Amendment 50

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

_________________

11 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0075 - part 3.

Or. en

Amendment 51

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15a. Underlines the importance of safeguarding the independence of EU agencies from undue industry influence to maintain public trust in their decision-making; expresses concern over regulatory shortcomings and potential conflicts of interest within certain agencies; highlights issues related to close ties to industry and reports of undue influence, particularly through revolving doors between public institutions and private companies; stresses the need for greater transparency, stronger oversight mechanisms, and a firm commitment to prioritising public health and safety over financial interests;

Or. en

Amendment 52

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15a. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, including the ongoing execution of the Fundamental Rights Action Plan and the independent evaluation of the Agency’s compliance with the Fundamental Rights Framework, in line with the EBCG Regulation; welcomes the proactive follow-up by Frontex on complaints related to fundamental rights, with the majority being dismissed for non-admissibility; welcomes Frontex’s reinforced commitment to transparency and accountability;

Or. en

Amendment 53

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15a. Regrets that the FRA is constantly seeking to interfere in the work of the institutions and agencies, in particular those with internal staff responsible for fundamental rights; rejects its call for more funding;

Or. fr

Amendment 54

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15b. Deplores the fact that the EUAA has only recently taken steps to terminate its rental contracts for premises in Lesbos and Rome, which had been identified as irregular by the European Court of Auditors since 2014, and which still cost EUR 123 800 for the financial year 2023 alone; in view of the steady increase in irregular migration across Europe, regrets that the EUAA is considering creating more posts for fundamental rights monitors rather than combating illegal immigration;

Or. fr

Amendment 55

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15b. Notes with concern – given its broad mandate – that Frontex continues to struggle to meets its required occupancy as laid down in its staff establishment plan and that this problem dates back to at least 2018;

Or. en

Amendment 56

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

17. Highlights that the increase in the revenue from 2022 to 2023 has been significant in some Agencies, representing 54,59 % for the European Supply Agency (ESA), 20,86 % for Eurojust, 19,65 % for Frontex and 19,15 % for ACER;

Or. en

Amendment 57

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18. Notes that in ESA the increase is mainly due to the continued development of the Nuclear Observatory and ESA Management of Information (NOEMI) IT system and the provision of accounting services to the agency; in Eurojust the increase is mainly due to the additional resources necessary to perform tasks added by three Commission proposals for regulations and the particularly severe impact of inflation15; in Frontex the budget increase aims to continue building the standing corps of border guards, including equipment16; in the case of ACER, the increase is mainly due to the additional tasks delegated in planned revised Regulations on energy infrastructure and methane emissions reduction17, the related annual remuneration indexation, higher legal expenses, and a higher budget allocation derived from fees for specific projects; deplores this increase for ACER, given that it was ineffective, if not to say counterproductive, in 2023, in particular with the reopening of coal-fired power plants, which by definition are polluting, in order to ensure a minimum level of energy supply stability in Europe; criticises the fact that the response has not been up to task and has been affected by rising energy costs, the setting system for which does not protect consumers’ interests;

_________________

15 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 24.

16 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 26.

17 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 21.

Or. fr

Amendment 58

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18. Notes that in ESA the increase is mainly due to the continued development of the Nuclear Observatory and ESA Management of Information (NOEMI) IT system and the provision of accounting services to the agency; in Eurojust the increase is mainly due to the additional resources necessary to perform tasks added by three Commission proposals for regulations and the particularly severe impact of inflation15; in Frontex the budget increase aims to continue building the standing corps of border guards, including equipment16; however, stresses that resources could be better allocated to ensure comprehensive fundamental rights training, enhancing search and rescue operations, and providing safe and legal pathways for those seeking protection; in the case of ACER, the increase is mainly due to the additional tasks delegated in planned revised Regulations on energy infrastructure and methane emissions reduction17, the related annual remuneration indexation, higher legal expenses, and a higher budget allocation derived from fees for specific projects;

_________________

15 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 24.

16 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 26.

17 Working document III draft budget 2023, p. 21.

Or. en

Amendment 59

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 60

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Is of the opinion that the average growth rate of 32 % in Frontex’s budget, is fully in line with the political priorities of the Commission, the emerging challenges facing the EU and the expectations of EU citizens for more security and fight against illegal migration; calls for further increases in Frontex’s budget;

Or. en

Amendment 61

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Underlines the average growth rate of 32 % in Frontex’s budget, from EUR 364 million to EUR 829 million from 2020 to 2023, with recurrent high levels of carryovers (45 % in 2023); acknowledges the response to the written question indicating that Frontex's carryovers are linked to its operational cycle, which does not align with the calendar year and cannot be easily adjusted as it involves all Member States; stresses the importance of considering the specific particularities of each agency when assessing carryover thresholds; calls on the EUAN to collaborate with the agencies and the ECA to develop a standardized presentation of carryovers that better aligns with the annuality principle of the financial regulation;

Or. en

Amendment 62

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Takes note of the average growth rate of 32 % in Frontex’s budget, from EUR 364 million to EUR 829 million from 2020 to 2023, along with recurrent high levels of carryovers (45 % in 2023);

Or. en

Amendment 63

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Is of the opinion that considering the average growth rate of 32 % in Frontex’s budget, from EUR 364 million to EUR 829 million from 2020 to 2023, along with recurrent high levels of carryovers (45 % in 2023), further increases in Frontex’s budget should should not only be reconsidered but instead should consider actively decreasing Frontex`s budget; notes that the issues due to the high growth rate in budget could have been avoided with funds differently distributed within the Union’s budget; calls on the Commission to re-evaluate Frontex’s budget in the annual budgetary procedure, prioritising a redistribution of resources towards fundamental rights training, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and improved asylum and search and rescue operations, rather than an unchecked expansion of border management capacities; emphasizes that any future budget allocations should be contingent on clear improvements in budgetary absorption capacity, particularly by means of effective staff recruitment and operational expenditure planning;

Or. en

Amendment 64

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. fr

Amendment 65

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Recalls that the majority of Union agencies receive their funding entirely from contributions from the EU budget; notes, however, that some agencies are fully or partially financed through alternative sources of revenue, including certificates, authorisations, registration of substances, contributions, data collection, market surveillance, supervision, and other services such as translation and terminology as provided by the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT);

20. Reaffirms that the budget of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) must be allocated exclusively to strengthening external border controls and cannot be used for non-border-related activities or funding external NGOs involved in migration facilitation; recalls that the majority of Union agencies receive their funding entirely from contributions from the EU budget; notes, however, that some agencies are fully or partially financed through alternative sources of revenue, including certificates, authorisations, registration of substances, contributions, data collection, market surveillance, supervision, and other services such as translation and terminology as provided by the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT);

Or. en

Amendment 66

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 67

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 26 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

26a. Believes that the discharge procedure should be suspended until all contracts between the EU agencies and NGO's are made public and a full and independent audit on all NGO funding by the agencies has been concluded;

Or. en

Amendment 68

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

27. Underlines that over the last decade CdT experienced 7 years of budgetary deficits and 6 years of accounting losses due to declining volumes of business; takes note that, to address the fall in business volumes, CdT has been drawing on a special reserve that was established in 2011 to ensure budget and price stability; notes that this reserve peaked at EUR 15,6 million in 2014, subsequently dropped to EUR 10,3 million in 2022 and EUR 8,9 million in 2023; is aware that once the reserve is fully depleted, any further deficits would have to be covered by EU budget subsidies, as provided for by the CdT’s founding regulation; calls on CdT to report back to the discharge authority on its plans to mitigate the risks of business continuity;

27. Underlines that over the last decade CdT experienced 7 years of budgetary deficits and 6 years of accounting losses due to declining volumes of business; takes note that, to address the fall in business volumes, CdT has been drawing on a special reserve that was established in 2011 to ensure budget and price stability; notes that this reserve peaked at EUR 15,6 million in 2014, subsequently dropped to EUR 10,3 million in 2022 and EUR 8,9 million in 2023; deplores the fact that once the reserve is fully depleted, any further deficits would have to be covered by EU budget subsidies, as provided for by the CdT’s founding regulation; calls on CdT to report back to the discharge authority on its plans to mitigate the risks of business continuity and to review and redeploy its business in line with development of new technologies impacting it;

Or. fr

Amendment 69

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 28

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

28. Notes the conclusion of the European Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’) in its annual report on Union agencies for the financial year 2023 (the ‘Court’s report’), that the Court’s audit had similar results as in the previous year (2022), with weaknesses in public procurement procedures having remained the main source of irregular payments;

Or. fr

Amendment 70

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 32

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

32. Notes that the Court, for the sixth year in a row, considers the risk to sound financial management to be medium and primarily associated with public procurement procedures that did not ensure that the best possible value for money was achieved;

32. Is concerned that the Court, for the sixth year in a row, considers the risk to sound financial management to be medium and primarily associated with public procurement procedures that did not ensure that the best possible value for money was achieved;

Or. en

Amendment 71

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34a. Calls on Frontex to prioritise the full implementation of all outstanding recommendations from European audit and scrutiny bodies, particularly those from the European Parliament’s Frontex Scrutiny Working Group, OLAF, the European Ombudsman, the Court, and the Frontex Working Group on Fundamental Rights and Legal Operational Aspects of Operations (WG FRaLO);

Or. en

Amendment 72

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37. Acknowledges that, concerning ELA, the qualification relates to payments amounting to EUR 1,6 million in 2023, representing 3,8 % of the total payment appropriations available; notes that this amount includes EUR 1,3 million related to a contract deemed irregular in the 2022 audit report due to the awarded value exceeding the established maximum contract limit, and EUR 0,3 million associated with deficiencies in ex ante checks on contract implementation; takes note of ELA reply’s explaining that the irregular contract ended on February 2024, and was replaced by a new framework agreement established in November 2023; is aware of ELA’s decision to continue with the irregular contract temporarily to mitigate risks, protect its reputation, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery, allowing it to maintain consistent operations and fulfil planned activities until the new agreement took effect;

37. Regrets that, concerning ELA, the qualification relates to payments amounting to EUR 1,6 million in 2023, representing 3,8 % of the total payment appropriations available; notes that this amount includes EUR 1,3 million related to a contract deemed irregular in the 2022 audit report due to the awarded value exceeding the established maximum contract limit, and EUR 0,3 million associated with deficiencies in ex ante checks on contract implementation; takes note of ELA reply’s explaining that the irregular contract ended on February 2024, and was replaced by a new framework agreement established in November 2023; is aware of ELA’s decision to continue with the irregular contract temporarily to mitigate risks, protect its reputation, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery, allowing it to maintain consistent operations and fulfil planned activities until the new agreement took effect;

Or. en

Amendment 73

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37a. Emphasizes that non-compliance with fundamental rights obligations, particularly in agencies such as Frontex, should lead to financial consequences and external oversight to ensure corrective measures are implemented; Agencies with repeated procedural violations, such as procurement irregularities, conflicts of interest, and transparency failures, shall face conditional budget allocations, mandatory corrective action plans, and stricter external audit;

Or. en

Amendment 74

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

40. Notes with concern the recurrence of a qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of eu-LISA’s payments, reflecting persistent issues raised by the Court in previous reports since 2020; takes note of the Court’s observation that most of the contracts affected by error have either expired or been terminated by eu- LISA in 2023;

40. Notes the recurrence of a qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of eu-LISA’s payments, reflecting persistent issues raised by the Court in previous reports since 2020; takes note of the Court’s observation that most of the contracts affected by error have either expired or been terminated by eu- LISA in 2023;

Or. en

Amendment 75

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 – introductory part

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

41. Observes that the basis for a qualified opinion (eu-LISA) in 2023 included the following irregularities:

41. Observes that the basis for a qualified opinion (eu-LISA) in 2023 included irregularities relating to the framework contract, the negotiated procedure, the contract amendment and the terms of the framework contract;

Or. en

Amendment 76

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 – indent 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– framework Contract Irregularity: notes that eu-LISA made significant changes in some pricing elements of the financial offers of two tenderers, going beyond the corrections allowed under Article 151 of the Financial, directly affecting the tender’s outcome, with related payments totalling EUR 2,7 million in 2023

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 77

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 – indent 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– unjustified Negotiated Procedure: further notes the irregular payment of EUR 7,7 million connected to a framework contract awarded via a negotiated procedure without proper justification, contravening procurement standards;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 78

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 – indent 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– unauthorised Contract Amendment: observes that payments amounting to EUR 1,8 million were classified as irregular following an unauthorized amendment that increased the value of a fixed-price contract by EUR 3,6 million;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 79

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 – indent 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– non-compliance with Framework Contract Terms: notes with concern that payments of the framework contract for maintaining shared infrastructure totalling EUR 0,4 million were irregular, as the specific contract deviated from the framework contract;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 80

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 42

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

42. Expresses deep concern over the recurrence of procurement issues that result in a qualified opinion for the fourth year in a row and urges eu-LISA to take immediate corrective action to address and prevent these problems in future financial management and procurement practices, ensuring full compliance with the Financial Regulation;

42. Expresses concern over the recurrence of procurement issues that result in a qualified opinion for the fourth year in a row and urges eu-LISA to take immediate corrective action to address and prevent these problems in future financial management and procurement practices, ensuring full compliance with the Financial Regulation;

Or. en

Amendment 81

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 42

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 82

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 43

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

43. Notes that the Court, during the hearing18 , acknowledged that despite the opinion issued for 2023 (eu-LISA), the identified faults are being addressed and improvements have been noted;

43. Welcomes that the Court, during the hearing18, acknowledged that despite the opinion issued for 2023 (eu-LISA), the identified faults are being addressed and improvements have been noted;

_________________

18 CONT Committee meeting, 4 December 2023.

Or. en

Amendment 83

Marit Maij, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 44

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

44. Insists that although the Financial Regulation does not set ceilings for carryovers, recurrent and excessive levels of carryovers undermine the budgetary principle of annuality and are indicative of structural issues in the budget process and implementation cycle; notes that in 14 Agencies (ENISA, Eurofound, EIGE, eu-LISA, EMA, EUSPA, ELA, FRA, EFCA, ECDC, EU-OSHA, ACER, Frontex and ESA) the level of carryovers affecting all budget titles combined is higher than 15 %; notes that in the case of Frontex and ESA, carryovers reach more than 40 % and 50 % respectively;

44. Insists that although the Financial Regulation does not set ceilings for carryovers, non-planned recurrent and excessive levels of carryovers undermine the budgetary principle of annuality and are indicative of structural issues in the budget process and implementation cycle; notes that in 14 Agencies (ENISA, Eurofound, EIGE, eu-LISA, EMA, EUSPA, ELA, FRA, EFCA, ECDC, EU-OSHA, ACER, Frontex and ESA) the level of carryovers affecting all budget titles combined is higher than 15 %; notes that in the case of Frontex and ESA, carryovers reach more than 40 % and 50 % respectively;

Or. en

Amendment 84

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 45

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

45. Recalls that the regulatory framework mandates that agencies make payments within specific deadlines; notes that any failure to meet these deadlines may result in creditors being entitled to late-payment interest; observes that, for the year 2023, the Court reports that while the total amount of late-payment interest incurred was considered immaterial, it is noteworthy that nine agencies (ACER, ECDC, EEA, EUDA, ENISA, ERA, EU-OSHA, Eurojust, and Frontex) frequently failed to meet their payment deadlines; asks the agencies in question to ensure adherence to legal time limits for payments; highlights that although the amount of late-payment interest incurred was minor, the high frequency of delayed payments may negatively impact the agencies’ reputations;

Or. en

Amendment 85

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48. Draws attention to disclosures in the annual accounts of ERA and Eurojust regarding the implementation of SUMMA19 ; notes that, throughout 2023, technical issues continued to contribute to a rise in late payments (50 % in 2023) and instances of non-compliance in Eurojust; notes that ERA experienced technical issues during the first trimester, though substantial improvements were made in comparison with 2022;

48. Draws attention to disclosures in the annual accounts of ERA and Eurojust regarding the implementation of SUMMA, as the Commission’s financial platform seems to be badly malfunctioning19; deplores the fact that, throughout 2023, technical issues continued to contribute to a rise in late payments (50 % in 2023) and instances of non-compliance in Eurojust; notes that ERA experienced technical issues during the first trimester, though substantial improvements were made in comparison with 2022;

_________________

19 New budgetary, accounting and financial system started as a pilot in 2022.

Or. fr

Amendment 86

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 52 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

52 a. Stresses the need for sufficient resources to ensure that the agencies are able to fulfil new tasks required of them by new legislation;

Or. en

Amendment 87

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

54. Notes that EMA provides significant disclosures in its annual accounts relating to its former London premises and the uncertainties created by the fact that the subtenant´s parent company has filed for bankruptcy; notes with concern that EMA could be held liable for the entire amount remaining payable under the head lease; is aware that the maximum amount, including a council tax liability, that will be payable by EMA if the premises remain vacant for the remainder of the lease, is EUR 550 million; notes that EMA is currently renegotiating the sublease conditions with the group’s UK branch and as part of these renegotiations, EMA has agreed to a deferral of rental payments for the first two quarters of 2024 and a reduction in the subtenant’s rent from 1 January 2024; notes that in this connection EMA has made a provision for onerous contract in the amount of EUR 131,4 million; takes note that the Agency´s subtenant has met its contractual obligations for the year 2023, with rental payments covering the period up to 31 December 2023;

54. Notes that EMA provides significant disclosures in its annual accounts relating to its former London premises and the uncertainties created by the fact that the subtenant´s parent company has filed for bankruptcy; notes with concern that EMA could be held liable for the entire amount remaining payable under the head lease; is extremely concerned that the maximum amount, including a council tax liability, that will be payable by EMA if the premises remain vacant for the remainder of the lease, is EUR 550 million; regrets that clauses that could have anticipated this kind of situation were not considered at the time the lease was concluded; calls on all European entities to learn the lessons and to incorporate such clauses into all their contracts, whether they are new or when they are renewed, so as to avoid squandering European citizens’ money in this way; notes that EMA is currently renegotiating the sublease conditions with the group’s UK branch and as part of these renegotiations, EMA has agreed to a deferral of rental payments for the first two quarters of 2024 and a reduction in the subtenant’s rent from 1 January 2024; notes that in this connection EMA has made a provision for onerous contract in the amount of EUR 131,4 million; takes note that the Agency´s subtenant has met its contractual obligations for the year 2023, with rental payments covering the period up to 31 December 2023;

Or. fr

Amendment 88

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 89

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 59 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

59a. Recommends that the Agencies take action to meet outstanding or delayed indicators and regularly adjust their KPIs to enhance performance;

Or. en

Amendment 90

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 61 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

61a. Calls for an independent performance review of all agencies to assess whether their activities effectively align with EU policy priorities and deliver tangible results; insists on the introduction of performance-based budgeting and efficiency benchmarks to ensure optimal resource allocation and impact-driven governance;

Or. en

Amendment 91

Dick Erixon, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 62 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

62a. Calls into question the fact there are zero mentions of annual activity reports of the Agencies; questions what the Agencies achieved in concrete terms in 2023;

Or. en

Amendment 92

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 63

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

63. Notes that budget monitoring efforts during the financial year 2023 resulted in a budget implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations averaging above 97 %, with the exceptions of CdT and ELA, which had rates of 89,55 % and 93,72 % respectively; notes that the agencies exhibiting the lowest execution rate of current year payment appropriations are as follows, listed in ascending order along with their respective percentages: ESA at 47,61 %, Frontex at 55,37 %, EU-OSHA at 68,83 %, ACER at 70,69 % and ECDC at 71,79 %;

Or. en

Amendment 93

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 63 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

63a. Deplores the fact that the FRA’s budget in 2023 is roughly the same than in 2022 as well as its staffing levels; repeats its concern that the FRA continues to suffer from financial and staff resources constraints and that this can affect the quality of work that the Agency provides which has proved to be extremely valuable for EU policy; finds the significant and increasing difference of resources allocated to JHA Agencies a worrying trend;

Or. en

Amendment 94

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 63 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

63b. Notes the increase in the EUAA’s budget in 2023 from EUR 168 million to EUR 170 million (+0,77 %) and its staff from 519 to 529 (+2 %); reiterates the important role of the European Union Asylum Agency in supporting Member States with the implementation of the Common European Asylum System and monitoring its correct implementation; recalls that in its 2022 European Union Agency for Asylum discharge report, the discharge authority highlighted concerns about the internal management and procedures of the Agency, noting that OLAF had initiated an investigation, which has now been concluded, allegedly involving nepotism and other issues affecting its financial management; regrets that the Agency's executive director avoided to provide answers during the discharge preparatory hearing in CONT Committee; is alarmed that the Board of the Agency refuses to disclose the contents and recommendation of the said OLAF report to the discharge authority; calls on the Agency to make findings of the report available immediately;

Or. en

Amendment 95

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 63 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

63c. Takes note of the new Interoperability roadmap; acknowledges that the new timeline for the roll-out and interoperability of EU information systems was necessary due to delays in development of the Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and European Criminal Records Information System on third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN); underlines that swift, effective, and reliable information exchange in accordance with the applicable legislation, is critical for sustaining and strengthening the Union’s area of freedom, security, and justice; in this regard acknowledges the work and improvements achieved by eu-LISA;

Or. en

Amendment 96

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 64

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

64. Notes with concern that public procurement weaknesses remain the largest source of irregular payments; highlights that the Court made 38 observations on public procurement weaknesses in 2023 (compared to 41 in 2022 and 28 in 2021)28; urges agencies to introduce measures to ensure strict adherence to procurement regulations and the principles of transparency, competition, and cost-effectiveness; reminds the need for regular training programs for staff on financial management, procurement rules, and fraud prevention; calls for stricter accountability measures ensuring that any persistent deficiencies lead to targeted corrective actions and consequences for repeated non-compliance;

_________________

28 ECA report, p. 37. Only observations that refer to the agencies part of this resolution.

Or. en

Amendment 97

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 69

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

69. Recalls the importance for all procurement procedures to ensure fair competition between tenderers and to procure goods and services at the best price, respecting the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination;

69. Recalls the importance for all procurement procedures to ensure quality goods and services, fair competition between tenderers and to procure the most economically advantageous goods and services, respecting the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination;

Or. en

Amendment 98

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 69

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

69. Recalls the importance for all procurement procedures to ensure fair competition between tenderers and to procure goods and services at the best price, giving preference to European companies over non-European companies and respecting the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination;

Or. fr

Amendment 99

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 69 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

69a. Highlights that, in the context of best price-quality ratio, contracting authorities should be encouraged to choose award criteria that allow them to obtain high-quality works, supplies and services that are optimally suited to their needs through possible award criteria, which include environmental and social aspects;

Or. en

Amendment 100

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 70 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

70a. Emphasizes the importance of enhancing digitalisation within the agencies, both for internal operations and management, as well as for accelerating procedural digitalisation; highlights the need to remain proactive to prevent a digital gap between agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 101

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 71

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

71. Notes that, in 2023, the 33 decentralised agencies reported that they employ a total of 10 580 members of staff (compared to 10 146 in 2022), comprising officials, temporary agents, contract agents and seconded national experts (SNEs), representing an increase of 4,27 % compared to 2022; regrets this significant increase, entailing additional staff costs, in a context where Europeans are bearing the full brunt of inflation and the high cost of living;

Or. fr

Amendment 102

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 71 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

71a. Recalls the importance of developing a long-term human resources policy that ensures a comprehensive approach to work-life balance, including provisions for teleworking, the right to disconnect, and career development; calls for further efforts to enhance geographical balance to ensure appropriate representation from all Member States, and to strengthen the recruitment, integration, and equal treatment of persons with disabilities, promoting their full participation and professional growth within the agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 103

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 72

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

72. Notes that cases of burnout (in total 25) were registered in 6 agencies, namely EASA (five cases), EEA (four cases), EFCA (one case), EFSA (two cases), EMA (ten cases) and Europol (three cases); notes however, that not all agencies, including such as ECDC, ECHA, EMSA, ENISA, ERA, FRA, Frontex, collect data related to cases of burnout due to data protection; expresses its concern about medical data not being collected as these are important to follow the mental wellbeing of the agencies’ staff; urges the agencies to take further measures to prevent cases of burnout; notes that overtime was taken by several employees in 19 agencies in 2022 (13 in 2021); notes in particular that a high number of employees have taken overtime in EFSA (81 % of staff) and Eurofound (97 % of staff);

72. Notes that cases of burnout (in total 25) were registered in 6 agencies, namely EASA (five cases), EEA (four cases), EFCA (one case), EFSA (two cases), EMA (ten cases) and Europol (three cases); urges decentralised agencies to take immediate action to address the rising number of burnout cases among staff; notes however, that not all agencies, including such as ECDC, ECHA, EMSA, ENISA, ERA, FRA, Frontex, collect data related to cases of burnout due to data protection; expresses its concern about medical data not being collected as these are important to follow the mental wellbeing of the agencies’ staff; stresses that the right to disconnect is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding the mental health and well-being of staff and follows up the Commission proposal on the right to disconnect; calls decentralised agencies to implement mandatory mental health support structures; notes that overtime was taken by several employees in 19 agencies in 2022 (13 in 2021); notes in particular that a high number of employees have taken overtime in EFSA (81 % of staff) and Eurofound (97 % of staff);

Or. en

Amendment 104

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 72

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

72. Notes that cases of burnout (in total 25) were registered in 6 agencies, namely EASA (five cases), EEA (four cases), EFCA (one case), EFSA (two cases), EMA (ten cases) and Europol (three cases); notes however, that not all agencies collect data related to cases of burnout due to data protection; expresses its concern about medical data not being collected as these are important to follow the mental wellbeing of the agencies’ staff; urges the agencies to take further measures to prevent cases of burnout; notes that overtime was taken by several employees in 19 agencies in 2022 (13 in 2021); notes in particular that a high number of employees have taken overtime in EFSA (81 % of staff) and Eurofound (97 % of staff);

Or. en

Amendment 105

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 72

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 106

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 73

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

73. Notes with concern that, in 2023, the staff turnover rate was more than 5 % in 18 out of 33 agencies (namely Cedefop, CEPOL, EBA, EFCA, EIGE, EIOPA, EIT, ELA, EUDA, ETF, EUAA, eu-LISA, Eurofound, Eurojust, Europol, EUSPA), and that three of them exceeded the 10 % rate (namely BEREC, CdT, Eurojust); commends the agencies that have taken targeted measures to prevent high staff turnover rates; highlights the importance for all agencies to implement measures with a view to improving talent management and retention; counts on EUAN to be a forum for its member agencies with regard to exchanging good practices and, where possible, joining forces in this regard;

73. Notes that, in 2023, the staff turnover rate was more than 5 % in 18 out of 33 agencies (namely Cedefop, CEPOL, EBA, EFCA, EIGE, EIOPA, EIT, ELA, EUDA, ETF, EUAA, eu-LISA, Eurofound, Eurojust, Europol, EUSPA), and that three of them exceeded the 10 % rate (namely BEREC, CdT, Eurojust); commends the agencies that have taken targeted measures to prevent high staff turnover rates; highlights the importance for all agencies to implement measures with a view to improving talent management and retention; counts on EUAN to be a forum for its member agencies with regard to exchanging good practices and, where possible, joining forces in this regard;

Or. en

Amendment 107

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 73

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 108

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 74

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

74. Highlights that geographical balance is still a challenge for several agencies for which considerable percentages of their overall staff are nationals of the Member State where the agencies are located; considers, however, that this balance should not be blindly sought at the expense of the quality of applications, which should prevail in the staff selection procedure;

Or. fr

Amendment 109

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 75

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

75. Recalls that the Agencies located in countries with relatively low correction coefficient are facing continuous challenges in attracting skilled and geographically diverse staff;

75. Recalls that the Agencies located in countries with relatively low correction coefficient are facing continuous challenges in attracting skilled and geographically diverse staff; calls for systemic economic incentives from geographically underrepresented regions;

Or. en

Amendment 110

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 75

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

75. Recalls that the Agencies located in countries with relatively low correction coefficient are facing continuous challenges in attracting skilled and geographically diverse staff;

75. Recalls that the Agencies located in countries with relatively low correction coefficient are facing continuous challenges in attracting skilled and geographically diverse staff and calls on the Commission to address as a matter of urgency this situation;

Or. en

Amendment 111

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 75 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

75a. Calls on the agencies 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 112

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 76 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

76a. Notes that based on the written replies to the discharge authority, the Agencies make use of external consultants mainly in the ICT area; further notes that some Agencies use heavily external consultants and are very dependent on them, also in the areas of their core competences, making up to significant parts of their operational budget (e.g. ACER, ETF, ELA, etc.);

Or. en

Amendment 113

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 76 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

76a. 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 114

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 77

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

77. Calls on all the agencies to prioritise permanent staff over external consultants and contractual staff, prioritising long-term employment, while taking into account inflation in order to guarantee high quality working conditions and to prevent knowledge and experience from being lost; recalls that the tasks of agencies evolve in line with policy priorities and stresses that new responsibilities must be accompanied by corresponding resources; calls for flexibility for agencies to convert seconded national experts posts into temporary agent posts with the aim of ensuring better expertise retention, operational functionality and business continuity;

Or. en

Amendment 115

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 77

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

77. Calls on all the agencies to prioritise permanent staff over external consultants and contractual staff, in order to guarantee high quality working conditions and to prevent knowledge and experience from being lost; calls in this regard to allow for flexibility for agencies with a high proportion of seconded national experts in the establishment plan to convert SNE posts into temporary agent posts with the aim of ensuring better expertise retention, operational functionality and business continuity; further insists on avoiding the externalisation of tasks to consultancies when available know-how can be found in-house;

Or. en

Amendment 116

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 77

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 117

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 78

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

78. Notes a slightly improved gender distribution in 2023 compared to 2022 at the level of senior and middle management, with 64 % men and 36 % women (67 % and 33 %, respectively in 2022) and within the management board members, with 58 % men and 42 % women (60 % and 40 %, respectively in 2022); notes that the gender balance reported for staff overall did not change, with 54 % men and 46 % women (54 % and 46 %, respectively in 2022); calls on the agencies to work towards the furtherimprovement of the gender balance in senior management; especially calls on the following agencies to encourage and support women in applying for management positions as their gender distribution is not balanced: ACER, BEREC Office, Cedefop, ECDC, ECHA, EFSA, EIOPA, EMCDDA, EMSA, ENISA, ERA, eu-LISA, ELA, Europol, EUAA, EUSPA, Frontex; reiterates its calls on the Commission and Member States to observe gender balance when nominating and appointing members of the management or administrative boards; recalls the ambition of the agencies to align with the Commission to reach a gender balance of 50 % at all levels of its management by the end of 2025;

78. Notes a slightly improved gender distribution in 2023 compared to 2022 at the level of senior and middle management and within the management board members; notes that the gender balance reported for staff overall did not change; calls on the agencies to work towards the furtherimprovement of the gender balance in senior management, taking also into account the specific activity of each Agency; reiterates its calls on the Commission and Member States to observe gender balance when nominating and appointing members of the management or administrative boards; recalls the ambition of the agencies to align with the Commission to reach a gender balance of 50 % at all levels of its management by the end of 2025;

Or. en

Amendment 118

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 78

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 119

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda, José Cepeda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 78 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

78a. Urges decentralised agencies to strengthen gender equality policies at all levels, ensuring equal opportunities in recruitment, career progression, and working conditions for all staff; calls on agencies to develop comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies that promote fairness and balance in assessing progress and areas for improvement; stresses that by the end of 2025, agencies must address the gender pay gap to align with the EU’s gender equality objectives;

Or. en

Amendment 120

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 78 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

78a. Encourages all agencies to adopt and implement robust diversity and inclusion strategies, ensuring equal opportunities and representation of women and minorities in leadership positions; calls for agencies to publish an annual gender pay gap report and to adopt concrete measures to close any identified gaps; urges the Commission to assess compliance with these principles in the annual discharge process;

Or. en

Amendment 121

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 79

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

79. Notes that all agencies have put in place measures to improve staff’s well-being at work and work-life balance; notes that the number and impact of such measures varies significantly from one agency to another and that no common framework of reference across agencies appears to exist; calls on the EUAN to coordinate efforts for the development of a common framework of reference in this this regard; notes with satisfaction that a large majority of agencies have put measures for integration of persons with disabilities in place; encourages the Agencies to maintain good practices of inclusion and staff well-being and more generally to pursue the development of a long term human resources policy framework which continues to address work-life balance, as well as lifelong learning and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; underlines the useful role that exchanges of best practice can play in this field; invites the Agencies to provide relevant and regular trainings to their staff;

Or. en

Amendment 122

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 79

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

79. Notes that all agencies have put in place measures to improve staff’s well-being at work and work-life balance; notes that the number and impact of such measures varies significantly from one agency to another and that no common framework of reference across agencies appears to exist; calls on the EUAN to coordinate efforts for the development of a common framework of reference in this this regard; notes with satisfaction that a large majority of agencies have put measures for integration of persons with disabilities in place; encourages those Agencies that do not follow suit to put such measures in place; encourages the Agencies to maintain good practices of inclusion and staff well-being; invites the Agencies to provide relevant and regular trainings to their staff; stresses the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve gender and geographical balance among institutional staff and in senior management positions, reminds the agencies in this regard of the importance of protecting the work-life balance;

Or. en

Amendment 123

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 79 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

79a. Encourages all agencies to implement a policy for safeguarding personal dignity and preventing psychological and sexual harassment, and to participate in the interagency task force of confidential counsellors; calls for regular reporting on their actions and progress in this area;

Or. en

Amendment 124

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 80

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

80. Underlines that perceived conflict of interest can constitute a reputational risk to the agency, even if it turns out to be unsubstantiated; believes, therefore, while giving due consideration to proportionality, that a risk of perceived conflict of interest should be treated as if it were an actual conflict;

80. Notes that perceived conflict of interest can constitute a reputational risk to the agency, even if it turns out to be unsubstantiated;

Or. en

Amendment 125

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 80

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 126

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 80 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

80a. Stresses that it has been proven that the European Union’s financial interests were not well protected in the European Parliament and in the European Commission, noting the unprecedented number of high scale scandals in those institutions, stipulates the need to further strengthen and revise the anti-corruption and transparency rules of the agencies and to apply the lessons learned;

Or. en

Amendment 127

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 81

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

81. Notes that, for 2023, no major cases of conflict of interest were reported by the Court with the exception of Frontex and EMCDDA;

81. Notes that, for 2023, no major cases of conflict of interest were reported by the Court;

Or. en

Amendment 128

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 82 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

82a. Highlights that the European Commission's rules to protect the financial interests of the EU and to ensure transparency and avoid misconduct have failed to function, as it has been revealed that former members of the Commission are currently being questioned and investigated for misuse of EU funds, misconduct, money laundering, asks the agencies to draw conclusions from the ongoing cases to strengthen their own anti-fraud architecture;

Or. en

Amendment 129

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 82 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

82a. Urges the EU Agencies Network to conduct, without delay, a study on the employment contracts of cleaning personnel in decentralised agencies, including the proportion of long-term and short-term contracts;

Or. en

Amendment 130

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 82 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

82b. Calls for the introduction of mandatory training on harassment prevention for all employees in agencies in the first six months after signing their contract which should be refreshed every five years;

Or. en

Amendment 131

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 82 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

82c. Supports Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, noting the employment of 46 Fundamental Rights Monitors (FRM) in 2023; stresses the importance of ensuring that all FRMs are recruited in AD grade, to further enhance their capacity and independence; recognises that Frontex has taken significant steps in responding to the opinions of the FRO, particularly on issues such as gender mainstreaming and human trafficking;

Or. en

Amendment 132

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 87

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

87. Is concerned that the Court's second observation on the EIT refers to the agency's move to a multi-annual grant agreement structure, but procedures and guidelines for ex post checks of grant payments have not been updated to account for the implications; notes that EIT is already in the process of updating its ex-post control mechanism to address these implications;

87. Is concerned that the Court's second observation on the EIT refers to the agency's move to a multi-annual grant agreement structure, but procedures and guidelines for ex post checks of grant payments have not been updated to account for the implications; welcomes that EIT is already in the process of updating its ex-post control mechanism to address these implications;

Or. en

Amendment 133

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 90

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

90. Notes that, in 2023, Eurojust observed an increase in non-standard transactions classified as exceptions or non-compliance events, with the number growing from 43 to 71 and the total amount concerned rising from EUR 294 000 to EUR 566 400 compared with 2022; acknowledges the Eurojust response to the observation attributing the majority of the total non-compliance events in 2023 to a single event for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) grant; takes note that according to Agency, the increase is primarily due to insufficient human resources and internal process inefficiencies that Eurojust has addressed by revising the current procedure for registering and reporting non-compliance events in 2024;

90. Notes that, in 2023, Eurojust observed an increase in non-standard transactions classified as exceptions or non-compliance events, with the number growing from 43 to 71 and the total amount concerned rising from EUR 294 000 to EUR 566 400 compared with 2022; acknowledges the Eurojust response to the observation attributing the majority of the total non-compliance events in 2023 to a single event for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) grant; takes note that according to Agency, the increase is primarily due to insufficient human resources and internal process inefficiencies and welcomes that Eurojust has addressed the issue by revising the current procedure for registering and reporting non-compliance events in 2024;

Or. en

Amendment 134

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 91

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

91. Notes that EUSPA's executive director had confirmed an early start to monitoring activities before the signing of a grant agreement, resulting in activities carried out without a budgetary commitment; highlights that this was not reported in the exceptions register or annual activity report, which contravenes the Financial Regulation; notes that EUSPA argue that there was no need to register the early start of activities without a budgetary commitment in the Exceptions Register but they acknowledge that the case was not reported in the annual activity report as required;

91. Notes that EUSPA's executive director had confirmed an early start to monitoring activities before the signing of a grant agreement, resulting in activities carried out without a budgetary commitment; notes that this was not reported in the exceptions register or annual activity report, which contravenes the Financial Regulation; notes that EUSPA argue that there was no need to register the early start of activities without a budgetary commitment in the Exceptions Register but they acknowledge that the case was not reported in the annual activity report as required;

Or. en

Amendment 135

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 91 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

91a. Calls on EUSPA to continue its efforts as a key contributor to the implementation of the EU Space Programme, reinforcing the EU industrial base, competitiveness, and innovation; encourages prioritisation of European procurement, particularly in areas critical to EU resilience, strategic autonomy, and sovereignty; highlights the vital role of Galileo and its Public Regulated Service in Union security and defence, alongside the short-term benefits of GOVSATCOM and the long-term strategic value of IRIS2; stresses that EU defence and security capability initiatives should leverage the expertise and infrastructure of the EU space sector to avoid unnecessary duplication;

Or. en

Amendment 136

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 93

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

93. Notes that in September 2023, ENISA’s Executive Director allowed 15 interim staff to assume roles in the financial circuit without prior approval, contravening regulations; is aware that according to the agency reply, ENISA has been using interim agents and SNEs due to business needs and resource shortages, and will seek to derogate from financial rules if the resource shortage persists;

93. Regrets that in September 2023, ENISA’s Executive Director allowed 15 interim staff to assume roles in the financial circuit without prior approval, contravening regulations; is aware that according to the agency reply, ENISA has been using interim agents and SNEs due to business needs and resource shortages, and will seek to derogate from financial rules if the resource shortage persists;

Or. en

Amendment 137

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 94

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

94. Notes furthermore that ENISA’s Accounting Officer was also appointed as the Internal Control Coordinator, contrary to regulations stipulating segregation of duties; takes note of ENISA’s acknowledgement of the observation, but considers the roles of Internal Control Coordinator and Accounting Officer not necessarily incompatible since the Authorising Officer had not delegated any powers to the Internal Control Coordinator; welcomes that ENISA will clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Internal Control Coordinator in its internal processes;

Or. en

Amendment 138

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97. Calls on the agencies to diligently implement the Court’s observations and further improve their internal control frameworks;

97. Calls on the agencies to promptly and systematically implement the Court’s observations and take concrete corrective measures to address identified weaknesses in internal control framework; urges the establishment of stricter accountability measures, ensuring that any persistent deficiencies lead to targeted corrective actions and consequences for repeated non-compliance;

Or. en

Amendment 139

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97. Calls on the agencies to diligently implement the Court’s observations and further improve their internal control frameworks;

97. Calls on all the agencies to diligently implement the Court’s observations and further improve their internal control frameworks;

Or. en

Amendment 140

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97a. Notes the need for agencies to improve financial reporting and internal control mechanisms; calls on agencies to provide on an annual basis a detailed breakdown of expenditures, including disaggregated data on external contracts, consultancy services, and subcontractors; insists on the need for real-time digital reporting tools that improve financial oversight and accountability to the European Parliament and the public; encourages further progress in audit recommendations;

Or. en

Amendment 141

Marit Maij, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97a. Welcomes the fact that the ECHA, in cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has taken steps to promote the 'one substance - one assessment' principle to ensure greater consistency in the hazard and risk assessment of active substances; calls on the agencies to continue promoting cooperation with other Union agencies and international organisations, and fostering dialogue with stakeholders and citizens;

Or. en

Amendment 142

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97b. Recalls the Unions ‘zero tolerance’ approach to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) vital contribution in the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), in particular of fisheries control and the fight against IUU fishing;

Or. en

Amendment 143

Marit Maij

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97c. Stresses the primarily responsibility of Member States for the control of fishing activities, while the Agency’s tasks are limited to support, coordination, as well as to providing assistance in this area to them; calls on the Agency to support Member States' monitoring and identifying serious infringements concerning forced labour, and providing adequate training for inspectors on these serious infringements;

Or. en

Amendment 144

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 97 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

97d. Notes with appreciation the Agency’s continued cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in the coastguard functions; considers appropriate increase the cooperation between EFCA with other agencies, in particular the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Space Agency (ESA);

Or. en

Amendment 145

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 98

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

98. Notes that decentralised agencies of the European Union have established various mechanisms to address transparency and lobbying activities in their respective policy fields; underlines, however, that, according to the Court, agencies are not always successful in achieving the satisfactory levels of transparency and value for money in tenders with complex procurement rules and procedures31 ;

_________________

31 Example: European Banking Authority (EBA) - ECA, p. 97; European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) - ECA, p. 122; European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) - ECA, p. 287.

Or. en

Amendment 146

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 98 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

98a. Highlights the importance for the agencies to enhance their presence in the media, on the internet, and across social media to increase public awareness of their work;

Or. en

Amendment 147

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 99 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

99a. Acknowledges the growing importance of digital transformation for agencies and supports further investments in digital tools and innovation; stresses the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures across all agencies, given the increasing risks of cyber threats and data breaches; calls for additional investments in secure IT infrastructure and cybersecurity training for agency personnel; urges agencies to submit an annual cybersecurity risk assessment report to the European Parliament and the European Court of Auditors;

Or. en

Amendment 148

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 100

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

100. Recalls that, in 2022 the Ombudsman opened an own-initiative inquiry CASE OI/4/2022/PB to look into how Frontex deals with requests for public access to documents (PAD), the Ombudsman found issues with two practices used by Frontex: deferring the registration of requests to prevent statutory time-limits from starting, and suspending time-limits due to imprecise requests; the Ombudsman considered that this amounts to maladministration and made a recommendation to Frontex that it discontinue the practices; Frontex failed to accept the recommendation, and the Ombudsman closed the inquiry in 2024, confirming her finding of maladministration; recalls that the Parliament in 2022 discharge made a call to the agency to deal with PAD more swiftly and transparently as a matter of priority;

deleted

Or. en

Amendment 149

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 100

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

100. Recalls that, in 2022 the Ombudsman opened an own-initiative inquiry CASE OI/4/2022/PB to look into how Frontex deals with requests for public access to documents (PAD), the Ombudsman found issues with two practices used by Frontex: deferring the registration of requests to prevent statutory time-limits from starting, and suspending time-limits due to imprecise requests; the Ombudsman considered that this amounts to maladministration and made a recommendation to Frontex that it discontinue the practices; Frontex failed to accept the recommendation, and the Ombudsman closed the inquiry in 2024, confirming her finding of maladministration; reiterates its call made in 2022 discharge to the agency to deal with PAD more swiftly and transparently as a matter of priority;

Or. en

Amendment 150

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 101

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

101. Notes, furthermore, that in 2023 Frontex refused to grant public access to a report by its Fundamental Rights Officer concerning a Frontex operation in Albania (case 652/2023/VB), leading to an Ombudsman inquiry; the Ombudsman considered that Frontex should have given access to some parts of the report and Frontex accepted the Ombudsman’s proposal for a solution;

101. Notes, furthermore, that in 2023 Frontex refused to grant public access to a report by its Fundamental Rights Officer concerning a Frontex operation in Albania (case 652/2023/VB), leading to an Ombudsman inquiry; the Ombudsman considered that Frontex should have given access to some parts of the report and welcomes that Frontex accepted the Ombudsman’s proposal for a solution;

Or. en

Amendment 151

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 103

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

103. Highlights that the use of the Transparency Register is promoted and encouraged by the signatories of the Interinstitutional Agreement;

103. Highlights that the use of the Transparency Register is promoted and encouraged by the signatories of the Interinstitutional Agreement; recalls the strong call for all decentralised agencies to make full use of the register;

Or. en

Amendment 152

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 104

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

104. Notes that currently only two agencies are requiring outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register, namely eu-LISA and Frontex;

104. Encourages all Agencies to follow the example of eu-LISA and Frontex which are the only two agencies that are requiring third-parties outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register;

Or. en

Amendment 153

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 104

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

104. Notes that currently only two agencies are requiring outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register, namely eu-LISA and Frontex;

104. Notes that currently only two agencies are requiring outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register, namely eu-LISA and Frontex; encourages other agencies to make use of this voluntary possibility of using the Transparency Register;

Or. en

Amendment 154

Jonas Sjöstedt

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 104

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

104. Notes that currently only two agencies are requiring outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register, namely eu-LISA and Frontex;

104. Notes with concern that currently only two agencies are requiring outside contacts to register in the Transparency Register, namely eu-LISA and Frontex;

Or. en

Amendment 155

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 105

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

105. Notes that eu-LISA focused on cybersecurity and combating threats in the cyber domain, in particular, making necessary preparations for obligations stemming from the new Union Regulations on information security and cybersecurity; highlights that eu-LISA operates and maintains a security monitoring platform, cybersecurity incident plan, response playbooks, and 24/7 stand-by duty arrangements to ensure timely identification of and response to cyber threats; welcomes the role of eu-LISA in supporting inter-agency cybersecurity exercises in cooperation with the JHA Agencies Network (JHAAN)33 ;

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33 Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies‘ network - the network includes nine agencies: CEPOL, EASO, EIGE, EMCDDA, eu-LISA, Eurojust, Europol, FRA and Frontex.

Or. en

Amendment 156

Marit Maij, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 105

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

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33 Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies‘ network - the network includes nine agencies: CEPOL, EASO, EIGE, EMCDDA, eu-LISA, Eurojust, Europol, FRA and Frontex.

Or. en

Amendment 157

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 105 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

105a. Draws attention to the need to take all necessary security measures to safeguard the online integrity of processed information, insists on increasing agencies’ resilience to cyberattacks or infiltration attempts particularly originating from Russia or any other third countries; underlines that joint procurement in this field between agencies could result in reduced financial costs and improved results;

Or. en

Amendment 158

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 105 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

105a. Notes that all agencies have a whistle-blower policy in place; calls on all the agencies to ensure they have specific, safe and effective reporting channels in place in line with the relevant requirements of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council on whistleblowing;

Or. en

Amendment 159

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

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 105 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

105b. Advocates for the systematic inclusion of AI-specific risk assessments in internal audits of agencies, ensuring compliance with the EU’s ethical guidelines and cybersecurity standards; calls for an expended mandate of ENISA to include specific oversight of risks related to the use of artificial intelligence within EU agencies;

Or. en

Amendment 160

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Subheading 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Sustainability, environmental impact and social inclusion

Sustainability, environmental impact and social issues

Or. fr

Amendment 161

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 106

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

106. Notes that overall 1134 of the 33 EU agencies (33 %) have already implemented the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS); takes positive note of the proactive steps being undertaken by several agencies in their pursuit of obtaining EMAS certification in the near future35 ; notes that some of the agencies36 with larger budget have not communicated their plans to implement EMAS in the short term; takes note that EASA is currently assessing instruments for systematic and continuous environmental performance improvements, including EMAS, and will provide an update to the discharge authority later this year;

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34 EBA, ECDC, ECHA, EEA, EFSA, EOIPA, EMSA, Europol, Eurofound, ETF and ESMA.

35 BEREC, Cedefop, eu-LISA, EUSPA and EMA.

36 EIT, Frontex, EUAA and EASA.

Or. en

Amendment 162

Erik Marquardt

on behalf of the Greens/EFA Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 106 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

106a. Calls on all agencies to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency measures into their operational strategies in line with the European Green Deal; urges agencies to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing green procurement policies, prioritising renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable mobility options for staff; calls for an annual environmental impact report from each agency, including clear indicators on energy consumption, waste reduction, and greenhouse gas emissions;

Or. en

Amendment 163

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, José Cepeda, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 107

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

107. Recalls that the 2022 discharge (horizontal) report pointed to 14 agencies still not having the corporate sustainability plans in place; notes that for the 2023 financial year Court’s report did not provide updated figures on the issue; reiterates the importance of all agencies having the corporate sustainability plans in place;

Or. en

Amendment 164

Marit Maij, Csaba Molnár, Claudiu Manda

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 109

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

109. Notes that in the financial year 2023 the agencies demonstrated a growing commitment to environmental and sustainability goals; notes that the European Environment Agency (EEA) played a pivotal role in monitoring and reporting on climate change and environmental performance across the Union; notes that agencies such as CINEA, EEA and ECHA spearheaded the implementation of sustainability-related programs, contributing to EU-wide initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy and protecting the human health and the environment; invites the European Chemicals Agency, in respect of scientific excellence, to conduct its work in line with the Precautionary Principle, which underlines the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) and the need to protect, as a priority, human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals;

Or. en

Amendment 165

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 109

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Or. en

Amendment 166

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 112

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

112. Notes that out of a total of 115 observations made by the Court corresponding to previous years of the agencies that are part of this resolution, a total of 57 have been closed during 2023, with a total of 53 still open and five partially closed; observes that the number of ongoing observations varies among the agencies, with some having none open observations, as is the case for BEREC, EBA, ECHA, EEA,EMSA, ENISA, EU-OSHA, EUSPA and Eurofound, while the highest number of open observations is for eu-LISA, Frontex , and ELA with eight, seven, and five respectively; requests these agencies to take proactive measures to resolve these open issues;

112. Notes that out of a total of 115 observations made by the Court corresponding to previous years of the agencies that are part of this resolution, a total of 57 have been closed during 2023, with a total of 53 still open and five partially closed; observes that the number of ongoing observations varies among the agencies, with some having none open observations, as is the case for BEREC, EBA, ECHA, EEA,EMSA, ENISA, EU-OSHA, EUSPA and Eurofound; requests all agencies to take proactive measures to resolve the open issues;

Or. en

Amendment 167

Tomáš Zdechovský

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 113

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

113. Takes note that six out of the 53 open observations refer to high level of carryovers (ACER, ELA, EFCA, eu-LISA, FRA, Frontex); is especially concerned that in the case of Frontex this observation remains open since 2018;

113. Takes note that six out of the 53 open observations refer to high level of carryovers (ACER, ELA, EFCA, eu-LISA, FRA, Frontex);

Or. en

Amendment 168

Dirk Gotink

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 113

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

113. Takes note that six out of the 53 open observations refer to high level of carryovers (ACER, ELA, EFCA, eu-LISA, FRA, Frontex);

Or. en

Amendment 169

Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 116

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

116. Notes that ACER had been using interim workers performing long-term tasks to make up for a lack of directly employed staff members since 2019; calls on the Commission to provide additional statutorily staff posts;

116. Notes that ACER had been using interim workers performing long-term tasks to make up for a lack of directly employed staff members since 2019;

Or. fr