Sittings · Document
Draft report (2025/2152(DEC)) 2026-01-27
Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - Committee of the Regions
Committee on Budgetary Control
Amendment 1
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Dick Erixon
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| A a. whereas the discharge procedure serves not only to assess the legality and regularity of expenditure, but also to evaluate whether the European Union's spending is managed in a way that ensures transparency, accountability and measurable results for citizens, particularly at local and regional level; |
Or. en
Amendment 2
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| E a. whereas the Committee of the Regions plays a key institutional role in relation to the EU's cohesion policy by representing regional and local authorities and by contributing to the effective implementation and monitoring of the EU's spending with a territorial impact while ensuring that nobody is left behind; |
Or. en
Amendment 3
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| G. whereas the Committee identified nine key priority areas to make its action more strategic and impactful in 2024: (1) Enlargement of the Union and support to Ukraine; (2) Democracy and better regulation; (3) Resilience; (4) Green Deal going local; (5) Competitiveness, industry, SMEs, regulatory relief & business taxation; (6) Optimising delivery and communication of Union cohesion policy; (7) Facing the triple planetary crises; (8) Employment, equality and social policies; (9) Promotion of Union support to regional innovation ecosystems; | G. whereas the Committee identified nine key priority areas to make its action more strategic and impactful in 2024: (1) Enlargement of the Union and support to Ukraine; (2) Democracy and better regulation; (3) Resilience; (4) Green Deal going local; (5) Competitiveness, industry, innovation, SMEs, regulatory relief and a predictable business environment; (6) Optimising delivery and communication of Union cohesion policy; (7) Facing the triple planetary crises; (8) Employment, equality and social policies; (9) Promotion of Union support to regional innovation ecosystems; |
Or. en
Amendment 4
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| H. whereas Regulation (EU) 2021/10602 , governing Union cohesion policy and funding between 2021 and 2027, that entered into force in July 2021, encompasses references to the partnership and multilevel governance principle, supported by the Committee and Parliament and entailing the involvement of regions of the Union; | H. whereas Regulation (EU) 2021/10602 , governing Union cohesion policy and funding between 2021 and 2027, that entered into force in July 2021, encompasses references to the partnership and multilevel governance principle, supported by the Committee and Parliament and entailing the involvement of regions of the Union and their local and regional authorities; |
| _________________ | _________________ |
| 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/2024-06-30). | 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/2024-06-30). |
Or. en
Amendment 5
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| I. whereas the over 400 national and regional programmes in place for the delivery of Union cohesion policy in the 2021-2027 programming period have made available around EUR 380 billion, under different funds, to tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges that Union regions and cities are facing; | I. whereas the over 400 national and regional programmes in place for the delivery of Union cohesion policy in the 2021-2027 programming period have made available around EUR 380 billion, under different funds, to tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges that Union regions, cities, villages and municipalities are facing; |
Or. en
Amendment 6
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 3 a. Notes that cohesion policy contributes significantly to citizens’ trust in the European Union by delivering concrete and visible results through regional and local projects, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of Union action on the ground; underlines that in this context the Committee of the Regions plays a key role in bringing the European citizens closer to European decision-making; |
Or. en
Amendment 7
Dick Erixon
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration, and recognises its need for additional resources to effectively achieve its objectives; | 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration; notes with concern the increasing cost of administrative functioning; invites the Committee to prioritize internal redeployment of staff and resources over requests for budget increases; stresses that efficiency gains from digitalisation must lead to demonstrable savings in the budget; |
Or. en
Amendment 8
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration, and recognises its need for additional resources to effectively achieve its objectives; | 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration, and recognises its need for additional resources to effectively achieve its objectives; underlines that the Committee’s high budgetary execution rates and low error levels demonstrate that decentralised implementation, close to regional and local authorities, can ensure both sound financial management and tangible results for citizens; |
Or. en
Amendment 9
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration, and recognises its need for additional resources to effectively achieve its objectives; | 4. Notes from the Committee’s annual activity report for 2024 (the ‘Annual report’) that the final adopted budget of the Committee was EUR 123 178 345 in 2024, including the Amending Budget 5/2024 (salary related), representing an increase of EUR 6 502 953 (i.e. + 5,60 %) compared to 2023; notes with satisfaction that the rate of the Committee’s budget implementation of current year commitment appropriations was 99,9 % in 2024 (the same as in 2023), and the current year payment appropriations execution rate increased from 91,20 % in 2023 to 91,90 % in 2024; welcomes further an increase in the execution rate of C8 appropriations (carried over from 2023 to 2024) from 85 % in 2023 to 92,20 % in 2024, whereas the appropriations carried over from 2023 to 2024 were EUR 12 578 853 compared to EUR 10 540 464 in the previous year; commends the Committee for its consistently high budget implementation rate over the years due to optimisation in budget planning and execution, in light of persistent budgetary pressures; acknowledges, in this context, the Committee’s structural underfinancing - particularly in light of its role as an innovative frontrunner and testing ground for practices that could benefit the wider Union’s Administration, and recognises its need for additional resources to effectively achieve its objectives, while respecting budgetary discipline; |
Or. en
Amendment 10
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 4 a. Calls on the Commission to fully involve the Committee of the Regions, within its institutional mandate, in the monitoring and evaluation of the EU's spending, including in decisions that concern the post-2027 EU budget, in order to strengthen further the accountability, transparency and performance of the cohesion projects that aim at reducing economic, social and territorial disparities; |
Or. en
Amendment 11
Dick Erixon, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 6 a. Expresses deep concern regarding the EU's growing debt burden and borrowing costs; notes that, according to the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors, outstanding loans borrowed by the EU could exceed EUR 900 billion by 2027, which is almost ten times the level from 2020 before the introduction of the NGEU recovery package; warns that rising borrowing costs pose a risk to future budgets and reduce the fiscal space for new priorities; insists, therefore, that this unprecedented fiscal pressure mandates a strict search for savings within the Committee’s own administrative budget; calls on the Secretary-General to present a plan for structural cost reductions to demonstrate institutional responsibility in times of high public debt; |
Or. en
Amendment 12
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 7. Notes in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, that the Committee continued to be affected in 2024 by rising costs of energy, transportation, accommodation and by indexation mechanisms linked to inflation rate, which have had an impact directly or indirectly, on expenditure for raw materials, external contractors, energy, travel, rents, lease and maintenance of buildings, among other; notes that from 2022 to 2025, the cumulative costs increase linked to indexation was +21,50 % for rent and building lease payments and +15 % for maintenance and security contracts, and from 2022 to 2024 the average cost for a Member traveling to and from Brussels increased from EUR 1 200 to EUR 1 620; notes in this context an increase in the number of Committee’s budgetary transfers from 31 in 2023 to 42 in 2024, in part to cover contracts impacted by high inflation and indexation; commends the common actions of the Committee and the EESC to secure better deals through digitalisation and joint procurement efforts; welcomes the Committee’s renewed energy saving-measures in 2024 which are key in mitigating effects of rising costs of energy; acknowledges, however, the need of all Union institutions to improve their budget management by also taking into account price volatility, especially in the energy sector, when concluding contracts with service providers; | 7. Notes in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, that the Committee continued to be affected in 2024 by rising costs of energy, transportation, accommodation and by indexation mechanisms linked to inflation rate, which have had an impact directly or indirectly, on expenditure for raw materials, external contractors, energy, travel, rents, lease and maintenance of buildings, among other; notes that from 2022 to 2025, the cumulative costs increase linked to indexation was +21,50 % for rent and building lease payments and +15 % for maintenance and security contracts, and from 2022 to 2024 the average cost for a Member traveling to and from Brussels increased from EUR 1 200 to EUR 1 620; notes in this context an increase in the number of Committee’s budgetary transfers from 31 in 2023 to 42 in 2024, in part to cover contracts impacted by high inflation and indexation; commends the common actions of the Committee and the EESC to secure better inter-institutional collaborations through digitalisation and joint procurement efforts; welcomes the Committee’s renewed energy saving-measures in 2024 which are key in mitigating effects of rising costs of energy; acknowledges, however, the need of all Union institutions to improve their budget management by also taking into account price volatility, especially in the energy sector, when concluding contracts with service providers; |
Or. en
Amendment 13
Dick Erixon, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 7 a. Calls on the Committee’s administration to actively identify and implement cost-saving measures, including through the increased use of hybrid meeting technologies, the optimization of building usage, the consolidation of administrative activities and the reduction of unnecessary logistical expenses; requests regular progress reports on the measures implemented and savings achieved; |
Or. en
Amendment 14
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 11. Notes that Committee’s current rules set the flat-rate remote meeting allowance at 50 % of the regular meeting allowance, with the latter being EUR 367 and the former EUR 186,50 after indexation; notes that the total amount paid for remote meeting allowances remained low compared to previous years, after a significant return to in-person meetings was registered in 2023; notes nevertheless a slight increase of the amount paid from EUR 32 632 in 2023 to EUR 38 104 in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire that only meetings of non-statutory Committee bodies can be conducted online or in hybrid format, whereas remote participation is monitored through the Interactio platform and the extraction of .csv files therefrom; considers that, although remote attendance is an important instrument for modern institutions, since it reduces meeting costs and enables broader participation, the allocation of an allowance for participating remotely in meetings, even if reduced and limited to certain types of events, is difficult for the public to understand; notes that this is especially true given that the allowance paid to members of the Committee is 20 % higher than that paid to members of the EESC for remote attendance; | 11. Notes that Committee’s current rules set the flat-rate remote meeting allowance at 50 % of the regular meeting allowance, with the latter being EUR 367 and the former EUR 186,50 after indexation; notes that the total amount paid for remote meeting allowances remained low compared to previous years, after a significant return to in-person meetings was registered in 2023; notes nevertheless a slight increase of the amount paid from EUR 32 632 in 2023 to EUR 38 104 in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire that only meetings of non-statutory Committee bodies can be conducted online or in hybrid format, whereas remote participation is monitored through the Interactio platform and the extraction of .csv files therefrom; considers that, although remote attendance is an important instrument for modern institutions, since it reduces meeting costs and enables broader participation, the allocation of an allowance for participating remotely in meetings, even if reduced and limited to certain types of events, is difficult for the public to understand; |
Or. en
Amendment 15
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 11. Notes that Committee’s current rules set the flat-rate remote meeting allowance at 50 % of the regular meeting allowance, with the latter being EUR 367 and the former EUR 186,50 after indexation; notes that the total amount paid for remote meeting allowances remained low compared to previous years, after a significant return to in-person meetings was registered in 2023; notes nevertheless a slight increase of the amount paid from EUR 32 632 in 2023 to EUR 38 104 in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire that only meetings of non-statutory Committee bodies can be conducted online or in hybrid format, whereas remote participation is monitored through the Interactio platform and the extraction of .csv files therefrom; considers that, although remote attendance is an important instrument for modern institutions, since it reduces meeting costs and enables broader participation, the allocation of an allowance for participating remotely in meetings, even if reduced and limited to certain types of events, is difficult for the public to understand; notes that this is especially true given that the allowance paid to members of the Committee is 20 % higher than that paid to members of the EESC for remote attendance; | 11. Notes that Committee’s current rules set the flat-rate remote meeting allowance at 50 % of the regular meeting allowance, with the latter being EUR 367 and the former EUR 186,50 after indexation; notes that the total amount paid for remote meeting allowances remained low compared to previous years, after a significant return to in-person meetings was registered in 2023; notes nevertheless a slight increase of the amount paid from EUR 32 632 in 2023 to EUR 38 104 in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire that only meetings of non-statutory Committee bodies can be conducted online or in hybrid format, whereas remote participation is monitored through the Interactio platform and the extraction of .csv files therefrom; considers that, although remote attendance is an important instrument for modern institutions, since it reduces meeting costs and enables broader participation, the allocation of a reduced allowance for participating remotely in meetings, limited to certain types of events, can be proportionate and fair measure reflecting members’ responsibilities and preparation requirements; notes, however, the importance of ensuring transparency and proportionality regarding the level of such allowances, mainly where differences exist between Union bodies for remote attendance; |
Or. en
Amendment 16
Ondřej Knotek, Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 11 a. Calls on the Committee of the Regions to align the level of remote meeting allowances with those applied by comparable Union institutions, in particular the European Economic and Social Committee; insists that any allowance paid for remote participation must be strictly justified; requests the Committee to carry out a comprehensive review of its system of allowances for remote participation, and to report to the discharge authority on the results of that review; |
Or. en
Amendment 17
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 11 a. Considers that the current level of the remote meeting allowance requires further justification in terms of cost-effectiveness, proportionality and public acceptability. It therefore calls on the Committee to assess the possibility of harmonising its rules with those applied by the EESC, or to provide a clear and transparent rationale for maintaining a differentiated system; |
Or. en
Amendment 18
Cristian Terheş
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 11 a. Calls for a wider and more systematic use of online and hybrid meeting formats, where appropriate, in order to reduce travel-related expenditure, enhance cost-efficiency, limit environmental impact and improve public trust in the prudent use of EU funds; |
Or. en
Amendment 19
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 13. Acknowledges that the Committee plays a fundamental role in contributing to the Union’s policy development and decision-making processes by representing the interests of local and regional authorities within the Union, thus bringing Europe closer to its citizens and increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation; notes from the Annual report that for 2024, as part of its annual operational plan, the reporting of the performance of the Committee was based on 26 objectives, the achievement of which was assessed through 87 quantitative indicators; whereas the targets of the majority of those indicators (approximately 74 %) was achieved with a level of 90 % or more, six were partially achieved with a level of less than 90 % and six were not achieved; notes from the Questionnaire that it implemented a comprehensive planning and reporting cycle, which included the creation of a central risk register and a risk assessment exercise for all objectives in the annual operational plan in 2024; | 13. Acknowledges that the Committee plays a fundamental role in contributing to the Union’s policy development and decision-making processes by representing the interests of local and regional authorities within the Union, thus bringing Europe closer to its citizens and increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation; notes from the Annual report that for 2024, as part of its annual operational plan, the reporting of the performance of the Committee was based on 26 objectives, the achievement of which was assessed through 87 quantitative indicators; calls on the Committee to further strengthen the outcome -and impact-oriented indicators to better demonstrate the impact and the added value of the Committee’s activities on the Union policies; whereas the targets of the majority of those indicators (approximately 74 %) was achieved with a level of 90 % or more, six were partially achieved with a level of less than 90 % and six were not achieved; notes from the Questionnaire that it implemented a comprehensive planning and reporting cycle, which included the creation of a central risk register and a risk assessment exercise for all objectives in the annual operational plan in 2024; encourages the Committee to continue to work on the performance improvement as well as effectiveness improvement; welcomes the Committee's efforts to introduce reformative and innovative solutions, streamline the administration and avoid overlapping roles with other bodies; |
Or. en
Amendment 20
Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 13. Acknowledges that the Committee plays a fundamental role in contributing to the Union’s policy development and decision-making processes by representing the interests of local and regional authorities within the Union, thus bringing Europe closer to its citizens and increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation; notes from the Annual report that for 2024, as part of its annual operational plan, the reporting of the performance of the Committee was based on 26 objectives, the achievement of which was assessed through 87 quantitative indicators; whereas the targets of the majority of those indicators (approximately 74 %) was achieved with a level of 90 % or more, six were partially achieved with a level of less than 90 % and six were not achieved; notes from the Questionnaire that it implemented a comprehensive planning and reporting cycle, which included the creation of a central risk register and a risk assessment exercise for all objectives in the annual operational plan in 2024; | 13. Acknowledges that the Committee plays a fundamental role in contributing to the Union’s policy development and decision-making processes by representing the interests of local and regional authorities within the Union, thus bringing Europe closer to its citizens and increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation; notes from the Annual report that for 2024, as part of its annual operational plan, the reporting of the performance of the Committee was based on 26 objectives, the achievement of which was assessed through 87 quantitative indicators; whereas the targets of the majority of those indicators (approximately 74 %) was achieved with a level of 90 % or more, six were partially achieved with a level of less than 90 % and six were not achieved; notes from the Questionnaire that it implemented a comprehensive planning and reporting cycle, which included the creation of a central risk register and a risk assessment exercise for all objectives in the annual operational plan in 2024; recalls that, notwithstanding references to performance, impact or influence, the Committee’s contribution to the Union’s legislative process remains consultative in nature; |
Or. en
Amendment 21
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 13 a. Underlines the relevance and strategic value of performance indicators and invites the Committee to further consolidate its indicator framework, ensuring the reporting of outcomes and impact rather than administrative activity alone; |
Or. en
Amendment 22
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 14. Notes that the Committee pursues its mission through opinions, which refer to legislative proposals made by the Commission (referrals), own-initiative opinions, which call on the Union institutions to take action, and through resolutions, which highlight the Committee’s positions on specific topics; notes that, in 2024, the Committee adopted 53 opinions (the same as in 2023) and four resolutions (six in 2023); | 14. Notes that the Committee pursues its mission through opinions, which refer to legislative proposals made by the Commission (referrals), own-initiative opinions, which call on the Union institutions to take action, and through resolutions, which highlight the Committee’s positions on specific topics; notes that, in 2024, the Committee adopted 53 opinions (the same as in 2023) and four resolutions (six in 2023); recognises the Committee’s political achievements in 2024 and its role in integrating local and regional perspectives into Union policymaking, thereby enhancing citizen involvement; |
Or. en
Amendment 23
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 15. Notes with satisfaction from the Committee’s 2024 annual impact report (the ‘Impact report’) the Committee’s political achievements in 2024 with respect to its three political priorities for 2020-2025, thereby reinforcing the Committee’s role in shaping Union policy at regional and local level; notes that the Committee’s input from declarations and recommendations from opinions have had an impact on key Union policy areas such as climate change, nature, energy and green economy (via, e.g., the report ‘Green deal 2.0’ which influenced Council conclusions and the Committee’s opinion on Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 ), transport (via, e.g., the Committee’s opinion on the Greening Freight Transport package which influenced relevant draft reports of Parliament), and health (via, e.g., the Committee’s opinion on Regulation (EU) 2025/327 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 which influenced the final compromise text); notes in addition that proposals made by the Committee influenced the Commission’s decisions to launch a pilot project of EUR 23 million for cofinancing regions and cities for the reintegration of the long term unemployed into the labour market and to launch the European Affordable Housing Plan addressing energy, poverty and sustainable housing; further notes that the declaration adopted at the European Summit of Regions and Cities held in March 2024 in Mons provided input to the European Council’s Strategic Agenda and the Commission’s Political Guidelines; | 15. Notes with satisfaction from the Committee’s 2024 annual impact report (the ‘Impact report’) the Committee’s political achievements in 2024 with respect to its three political priorities for 2020-2025, thereby reinforcing the Committee’s role in shaping Union policy at regional and local level; notes that the Committee’s input from declarations and recommendations from opinions have had an impact on key Union policy areas such as climate change, nature, energy and green economy (via, e.g., the report ‘Green deal 2.0’ which influenced Council conclusions and the Committee’s opinion on Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 ), transport (via, e.g., the Committee’s opinion on the Greening Freight Transport package which influenced relevant draft reports of Parliament), and health (via, e.g., the Committee’s opinion on Regulation (EU) 2025/327 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 which influenced the final compromise text); notes with satisfaction that proposals made by the Committee influenced the Commission’s decisions to launch a pilot project of EUR 23 million for cofinancing regions and cities for the reintegration of the long term unemployed into the labour market and to launch the ambitious, first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan addressing energy, poverty and sustainable housing and reaffirming that access to housing is a fundamental right; further notes that the declaration adopted at the European Summit of Regions and Cities held in March 2024 in Mons provided input to the European Council’s Strategic Agenda and the Commission’s Political Guidelines; |
| _________________ | _________________ |
| 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869 (OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj). | 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869 (OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj). |
| 5 Regulation (EU) 2025/327 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2025 on the European Health Data Space and amending Directive 2011/24/EU and Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 (OJ L, 2025/327, 5.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/327/oj). | 5 Regulation (EU) 2025/327 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2025 on the European Health Data Space and amending Directive 2011/24/EU and Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 (OJ L, 2025/327, 5.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/327/oj). |
Or. en
Amendment 24
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 16. Considering the important role of the Committee in increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation by providing an active coordination of regional and local authorities, supports the Committee in its effort to provide more territorial impact assessments; notes with satisfaction that the Committee has created a fully-fledged mechanism for stakeholder consultation to collect views before issuing its opinions, thanks to the involvement of various local and regional networks, alliances and hubs; appreciates that the voices of non-Union partners are also taken into consideration through, e.g., the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly; | 16. Considering the important role of the Committee in increasing the democratic legitimacy of Union legislation by providing an active coordination of regional and local authorities, supports the Committee in its effort to provide targeted, proportionate and evidence-based territorial impact assessments, where they add clear value to legislative process; notes with satisfaction that the Committee has created a fully-fledged mechanism for stakeholder consultation to collect views before issuing its opinions, thanks to the involvement of various local and regional networks, alliances and hubs; appreciates that the voices of non-Union partners are also taken into consideration through, e.g., the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly; |
Or. en
Amendment 25
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 16 a. Notes the Committee’s broader engagement across the Union’s political and legislative cycle, enabled by its cooperation frameworks with the Commission, Parliament and the European Investment Bank; underlines the importance of inviting members of the Committee and of the EESC to parliamentary meetings falling within their areas of competence; |
Or. en
Amendment 26
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 18. Notes with appreciation that in 2024 the Committee continued implementing measures to improve its internal management and modernise its administration, streamline its processes and enhance cost-effectiveness; notes from the Questionnaire and the Annual report the progress made in 2024 with regard to digitalisation and workflow optimisation (e.g., machine translation for routine tasks and the expansion of Microsoft 365 tools and SharePoint), cost savings in operations and facilities (e.g., remote interpretation, energy-saving measures and a hybrid working regime), the improvement of efficiencies (e.g., through contract renegotiations), the simplification of rules and procedures with 63 out of 73 projects completed and a reduction of 20 % in the number of procedures, as well as several other actions in the context of the ‘Going for IMPact!’ plan for the modernisation of the Committee’s administration; | 18. Notes with appreciation that in 2024 the Committee continued implementing measures to improve its internal management and modernise its administration, streamline its processes and enhance cost-effectiveness; welcomes the improved use of digital tools, in particular the efforts aimed at simplification, administrative efficiency and the reduction of unnecessary internal procedures; notes from the Questionnaire and the Annual report the progress made in 2024 with regard to digitalisation and workflow optimisation (e.g., machine translation for routine tasks and the expansion of Microsoft 365 tools and SharePoint), cost savings in operations and facilities (e.g., remote interpretation, energy-saving measures and a hybrid working regime), the improvement of efficiencies (e.g., through contract renegotiations), the simplification of rules and procedures with 63 out of 73 projects completed and a reduction of 20 % in the number of procedures, as well as several other actions in the context of the ‘Going for IMPact!’ plan for the modernisation of the Committee’s administration; |
Or. en
Amendment 27
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 18 a. Stresses that modernisation efforts must be accompanied by a systematic assessment of the tangible benefits achieved, including measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings and processing times; calls therefore on the Committee to establish a methodology to quantify these improvements and to report on them regularly; |
Or. en
Amendment 28
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 21 a. Stresses the importance of procurement as a tool to advance policy objectives, including social and environmental goals; calls on the Committee to strengthen the inclusion of strategic criteria on social responsibility and environmental sustainability in its procurement procedures; |
Or. en
Amendment 29
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 22. Notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee had a total of 561 members of staff (seconded national experts, interim, intra muros and trainees not included), compared to 559 in 2023; notes that 73 contract agents, compared to 74 contract agents in 2023 and 102 temporary agents, compared to 96 temporary agents in 2023, were employed by the Committee at the end of 2024, out of which 22 contract agents had an open-ended contract, 51 contract agents had a time-limited contract, 49 temporary agents were on permanent posts with time-limited contract, 50 temporary agents had an open-ended contract and 3 temporary agents held a temporary position; notes, in addition, that the Committee employed 39 external service providers working intra muros; recalls the importance of providing permanent contracts in order to maintain skills, continuity and a productive working environment; notes that in 2024 the occupation rate of the posts in the establishment plan was 96,40 % (a decrease from 98 % in 2023) and the turnover rate was 7,30 % (an increase from 6,60 % in 2023), respectively; | 22. Notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee had a total of 561 members of staff (seconded national experts, interim, intra muros and trainees not included), compared to 559 in 2023; notes that 73 contract agents, compared to 74 contract agents in 2023 and 102 temporary agents, compared to 96 temporary agents in 2023, were employed by the Committee at the end of 2024, out of which 22 contract agents had an open-ended contract, 51 contract agents had a time-limited contract, 49 temporary agents were on permanent posts with time-limited contract, 50 temporary agents had an open-ended contract and 3 temporary agents held a temporary position; notes, in addition, that the Committee employed 39 external service providers working intra muros; stresses the importance of providing permanent contracts in order to maintain skills, continuity and a productive and stable working environment and warns against an excessive reliance on external service providers; notes that in 2024 the occupation rate of the posts in the establishment plan was 96,40 % (a decrease from 98 % in 2023) and the turnover rate was 7,30 % (an increase from 6,60 % in 2023), respectively; |
Or. en
Amendment 30
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 22. Notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee had a total of 561 members of staff (seconded national experts, interim, intra muros and trainees not included), compared to 559 in 2023; notes that 73 contract agents, compared to 74 contract agents in 2023 and 102 temporary agents, compared to 96 temporary agents in 2023, were employed by the Committee at the end of 2024, out of which 22 contract agents had an open-ended contract, 51 contract agents had a time-limited contract, 49 temporary agents were on permanent posts with time-limited contract, 50 temporary agents had an open-ended contract and 3 temporary agents held a temporary position; notes, in addition, that the Committee employed 39 external service providers working intra muros; recalls the importance of providing permanent contracts in order to maintain skills, continuity and a productive working environment; notes that in 2024 the occupation rate of the posts in the establishment plan was 96,40 % (a decrease from 98 % in 2023) and the turnover rate was 7,30 % (an increase from 6,60 % in 2023), respectively; | 22. Notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee had a total of 561 members of staff (seconded national experts, interim, intra muros and trainees not included), compared to 559 in 2023; notes that 73 contract agents, compared to 74 contract agents in 2023 and 102 temporary agents, compared to 96 temporary agents in 2023, were employed by the Committee at the end of 2024, out of which 22 contract agents had an open-ended contract, 51 contract agents had a time-limited contract, 49 temporary agents were on permanent posts with time-limited contract, 50 temporary agents had an open-ended contract and 3 temporary agents held a temporary position; notes, in addition, that the Committee employed 39 external service providers working intra muros; recalls the importance of providing permanent contracts, where appropriate, in order to maintain skills, continuity and a productive working environment, while preserving flexibility and merit-based recruitment in line with operational needs; notes that in 2024 the occupation rate of the posts in the establishment plan was 96,40 % (a decrease from 98 % in 2023) and the turnover rate was 7,30 % (an increase from 6,60 % in 2023), respectively; |
Or. en
Amendment 31
Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24. Notes with regret that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes with concern that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire the measures to encourage greater female participation in management roles, including through targeted training and coaching opportunities for female staff aspiring to managerial positions, and the promotion of more flexible working arrangements; | 24. Notes that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; |
Or. en
Amendment 32
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24. Notes with regret that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes with concern that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire the measures to encourage greater female participation in management roles, including through targeted training and coaching opportunities for female staff aspiring to managerial positions, and the promotion of more flexible working arrangements; | 24. Notes that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; encourages the Committee to continue its efforts to increase female representations in leadership positions, while emphasising that merit and professional qualifications remain the primary criteria for appointments; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire the measures to encourage greater female participation in management roles, including through targeted training and coaching opportunities for female staff aspiring to managerial positions, and the promotion of more flexible working arrangements; |
Or. en
Amendment 33
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24. Notes with regret that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes with concern that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire the measures to encourage greater female participation in management roles, including through targeted training and coaching opportunities for female staff aspiring to managerial positions, and the promotion of more flexible working arrangements; | 24. Welcomes the election in 2025 of a female President of the Committee, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to advancing gender equality at the highest political level; notes with regret that the Committee has not yet achieved gender parity in leadership positions, but acknowledges the significant progress made under the Committee’s five-year diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan for 2022-2026; notes that, at the end of 2024, the Committee employed 57,1 % women and 42,78 % men, almost the same proportions as in 2023; notes with concern that the proportion of women in senior management positions decreased from 44,4 % in 2023 to 33,3 % in 2024 (it increased back to 44,4 % in 2025) and the proportion of women in middle management decreased from 32,50 % in 2023 to 29,7 % in 2024; notes from the Questionnaire the measures to encourage greater female participation in management roles, including through targeted training and coaching opportunities for female staff aspiring to managerial positions, and the promotion of more flexible working arrangements; |
Or. en
Amendment 34
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 24 a. Reiterates that achieving long-term gender balance in management positions is a core institutional objective and expects the Committee to adopt a concrete, time-bound action plan with measurable targets, intermediate milestones and annual reporting. Calls on the Committee to ensure that progress towards parity is both monitored and publicly communicated; |
Or. en
Amendment 35
Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 25. Commends the Committee for its actions to also promote gender balance among its members, specifically by sending letters to the Council concerning vacancies and by advocating with the permanent representations and national associations of local and regional authorities involved in the nomination process; notes from the Follow-up report that meanwhile the percentage of female members increased from 23,40 % in 2020 to 28,7 % in 2025; appreciates that the Committee’s new rules of procedure, which came into force in August 2024, include explicit goals to enhance gender balance, particularly in the Committee’s Bureau composition; invites the Committee to continue engaging in these types of efforts; | deleted |
Or. en
Amendment 36
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 25. Commends the Committee for its actions to also promote gender balance among its members, specifically by sending letters to the Council concerning vacancies and by advocating with the permanent representations and national associations of local and regional authorities involved in the nomination process; notes from the Follow-up report that meanwhile the percentage of female members increased from 23,40 % in 2020 to 28,7 % in 2025; appreciates that the Committee’s new rules of procedure, which came into force in August 2024, include explicit goals to enhance gender balance, particularly in the Committee’s Bureau composition; invites the Committee to continue engaging in these types of efforts; | 25. Commends the Committee for its actions to also promote gender balance among its members, specifically by sending letters to the Council concerning vacancies and by advocating with the permanent representations and national associations of local and regional authorities involved in the nomination process; notes from the Follow-up report that meanwhile the percentage of female members increased from 23,40 % in 2020 to 28,7 % in 2025; appreciates that the Committee’s new rules of procedure, which came into force in August 2024, include explicit goals to enhance gender balance, particularly in the Committee’s Bureau composition; encourages the Committee to continue promoting gender balance, while ensuring appointments are based on merit, professional experience and qualifications; |
Or. en
Amendment 37
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 29. Notes from the Questionnaire that the number of burnout cases decreased from 18 in 2023 to 6 in 2024; commends the Committee for its proactive approach to preventing burnout, by closely monitoring staff on long-term sick leave through tailored measures which entail regular contact with the respective staff and input from medical experts; notes further that the Committee managed to reintegrate three members of staff in 2023 after long-term absence as a result of burnout, thanks to a personalised follow-up of long-term sickness leave; welcomes the Committee’s preventive actions taken in 2024 to enhance health and well-being at work, such as offering staff on-site sessions with paramedical specialists (physiotherapist, osteopaths, trainers hired under a framework contract) and organising awareness-raising conferences on health; | 29. Notes from the Questionnaire that the number of burnout cases decreased from 18 in 2023 to 6 in 2024; commends the Committee for its proactive approach to preventing burnout, by closely monitoring staff on long-term sick leave through tailored measures which entail regular contact with the respective staff and input from medical experts; notes further that the Committee successfully managed to reintegrate three members of staff in 2024 after long-term absence as a result of burnout, thanks to a personalised follow-up of long-term sickness leave; welcomes the Committee’s preventive actions taken in 2024 to enhance health and well-being at work, such as offering staff on-site sessions with paramedical specialists (physiotherapist, osteopaths, trainers hired under a framework contract) and organising awareness-raising conferences on health; |
Or. en
Amendment 38
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 32 a. Welcomes the strong and structured social dialogue in organisational change processes throughout 2024; encourages the Committee to maintain and further strengthen the systematic involvement of staff representatives in reforms related, inter alia, to digitalisation, internal reorganisation and new working methods; |
Or. en
Amendment 39
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 35. Recalls that the Committee adopted Regulation n⁰ 6/2023 of 4 July 2023 laying down transparency measures that focus on office-holding members and rapporteurs; whereas such measures refer to the invitation for office-holding members and rapporteur to meet only with interest representatives who have registered in the Transparency Register and to publicly disclose any meetings with interest representatives that they hold in their capacity as Committee members; notes that in 2024 one Committee member reported a meeting with an interest representative; commends in this context the Committee for having formally joined the EU Transparency Register on 1 January 2024; | 35. Recalls that the Committee adopted Regulation n⁰ 6/2023 of 4 July 2023 laying down transparency measures that focus on office-holding members and rapporteurs; stresses the importance of transparency in contacts with interest representatives and notes that in 2024 one Committee member reported such a meeting; notes the Committee’s formal accession to the EU Transparency Register on 1 January 2024, while recognising the specific nature of its mandate and the practical constraints linked to its broad engagement across Europe’s regions; |
Or. en
Amendment 40
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 39. Notes that no cases of whistleblowing were reported to the Committee in 2024; notes that the Committee did not adopt any new measures concerning whistleblowing in 2024 and continued to rely on the measures in place since 2015 and to promote them through ethics training; | 39. Notes that no cases of whistleblowing were reported to the Committee in 2024; notes that the Committee did not adopt any new measures concerning whistleblowing in 2024 and continued to rely on the measures in place since 2015 and to promote them through ethics training and awareness raising; supports regular mandatory ethic trainings both for staff as well as for management level; |
Or. en
Amendment 41
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 40. Notes that the Committee has a range of anti-fraud measures and actions applicable to its members and its staff which have been implemented by different services; regrets that in 2024 no anti-fraud strategy was in place; notes nevertheless from the Questionnaire that the Committee adopted in 2025 a consolidated anti-fraud framework which represents an intermediate step in developing a comprehensive anti-fraud strategy, whereas the methodology used for this objective will be provided by OLAF; asks the Committee to keep the discharge authority informed on this matter; | 40. Notes that the Committee has a range of anti-fraud measures and actions applicable to its members and its staff which have been implemented by different services; regrets that in 2024 no anti-fraud strategy was in place; notes nevertheless from the Questionnaire that the Committee adopted in 2025 a consolidated anti-fraud framework which represents an intermediate step in developing a comprehensive anti-fraud strategy, whereas the methodology used for this objective will be provided by OLAF; urges the Committee to prioritize the full development and implementation of this strategy, including risk assessment, prevention, detection and follow-up measures; asks the Committee to keep the discharge authority informed on this matter; |
Or. en
Amendment 42
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 42. Notes from the Questionnaire that in 2024, the Directorate for Innovation and Information Technology implemented a new multiannual digital strategy for 2024-2026 which prioritises digital records management, electronic workflows, e-signatures and cloud-based solutions and focuses on four flagship programmes - M365 Digital Workplace, ARES, EdiT, and Cybersecurity - to enhance collaboration, automation, and institutional resilience; highlights the progress of the M365 programme, including migration planning to SharePoint Online, the deployment of Windows 11 and M365 Apps, and the development of an AI strategy with a roadmap for the M365 Copilot pilot in 2025; notes that the Committee began deploying the HAN document management system and advanced towards adopting the EdiT XML editor for legislative drafting; welcomes the shift towards cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, with new training initiatives and a multiannual plan aligned with Union standards; acknowledges improvements in records management, infrastructure, and secure communication tools, including SECABC email, SACHA data transfer, and endpoint management systems; commends the 2025–2027 ‘House of the Regions’ Working Plan for prioritising digital transformation to build a modern, agile, and digitally driven institution. | 42. Notes from the Questionnaire that in 2024, the Directorate for Innovation and Information Technology implemented a new multiannual digital strategy for 2024-2026 which prioritises digital records management, electronic workflows, e-signatures and cloud-based solutions and focuses on four flagship programmes - M365 Digital Workplace, ARES, EdiT, and Cybersecurity - to enhance collaboration, automation, and institutional resilience; highlights the progress of the M365 programme, including migration planning to SharePoint Online, the deployment of Windows 11 and M365 Apps, and the development of an AI strategy with a roadmap for the M365 Copilot pilot in 2025; notes that the Committee began deploying the HAN document management system and advanced towards adopting the EdiT XML editor for legislative drafting; welcomes the shift towards cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, with new training initiatives and a multiannual plan aligned with Union standards; acknowledges improvements in records management, infrastructure, and secure communication tools, including SECABC email, SACHA data transfer, and endpoint management systems; notes with appreciation the Committee’s continued progress in digital innovation, including the transition to a fully paperless and cyber-secured working environment; commends the 2025–2027 ‘House of the Regions’ Working Plan for prioritising digital transformation to build a modern, agile, and digitally driven institution. |
Or. en
Amendment 43
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 43. Notes that the Committee gradually introduced an artificial intelligence pilot project called ‘Panoramic AI’ that creates a central hub which streamlines access to complex content as of 2024; notes further that the Committee has been actively using the Commission’s AI tools for translation, summaries etc. and has participated as a pilot user to test the GPT@JRC AI pilot solution; notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee’s AI guidelines adopted in 2023 established a baseline for how staff could experiment with AI, for implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 which came into effect in August 2024 and for developing corporate alternatives that align with data protection and ethical standards; welcomes in this context the organisation of information sessions for staff to explain the AI guidelines, the publication of a note on AI literacy for staff and the organisation of workshops to raise awareness about AI in 2024; acknowledges the added-value of AI tools that boost personal productivity such as the M365 Copilot and of integrating AI capabilities into IT support tools; | 43. Notes that the Committee gradually introduced an artificial intelligence pilot project called ‘Panoramic AI’ that creates a central hub which streamlines access to complex content as of 2024; notes further that the Committee has been actively using the Commission’s AI tools for translation, summaries etc. and has participated as a pilot user to test the GPT@JRC AI pilot solution; notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee’s AI guidelines adopted in 2023 established a baseline for how staff could experiment with AI, for implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 which came into effect in August 2024 and for developing corporate alternatives that align with data protection and ethical standards; welcomes in this context the organisation of information sessions for staff to explain the AI guidelines, the publication of a note on AI literacy for staff and the organisation of workshops to raise awareness about AI in 2024; acknowledges the added-value of AI tools that boost personal productivity such as the M365 Copilot and of integrating AI capabilities into IT support tools; stresses that the use of artificial intelligence must be carried out by guaranteeing strict principles of ethical use, transparency, data protection, human oversight, and protection against algorithmic bias or misuse; |
| _________________ | _________________ |
| 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) (OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj). | 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) (OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj). |
Or. en
Amendment 44
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 43. Notes that the Committee gradually introduced an artificial intelligence pilot project called ‘Panoramic AI’ that creates a central hub which streamlines access to complex content as of 2024; notes further that the Committee has been actively using the Commission’s AI tools for translation, summaries etc. and has participated as a pilot user to test the GPT@JRC AI pilot solution; notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee’s AI guidelines adopted in 2023 established a baseline for how staff could experiment with AI, for implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 which came into effect in August 2024 and for developing corporate alternatives that align with data protection and ethical standards; welcomes in this context the organisation of information sessions for staff to explain the AI guidelines, the publication of a note on AI literacy for staff and the organisation of workshops to raise awareness about AI in 2024; acknowledges the added-value of AI tools that boost personal productivity such as the M365 Copilot and of integrating AI capabilities into IT support tools; | 43. Notes that the Committee gradually introduced an artificial intelligence pilot project called ‘Panoramic AI’ that creates a central hub which streamlines access to complex content as of 2024; notes further that the Committee has been actively using the Commission’s AI tools for translation, summaries etc. and has participated as a pilot user to test the GPT@JRC AI pilot solution; notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee’s AI guidelines adopted in 2023 established a baseline for how staff could experiment with AI, for implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council6 which came into effect in August 2024 and for developing corporate alternatives that align with data protection and ethical standards; welcomes in this context the organisation of information sessions for staff to explain the AI guidelines, the publication of a note on AI literacy for staff and the organisation of workshops to raise awareness about AI in 2024 and encourages continuation of this practice, including organisation of regular trainings on safe, ethical and efficient use of artificial intelligence; acknowledges the added-value of AI tools that boost personal productivity such as the M365 Copilot and of integrating AI capabilities into IT support tools; |
| _________________ | _________________ |
| 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) (OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj). | 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) (OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj). |
Or. en
Amendment 45
Michal Wiezik, Olivier Chastel, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Gilles Boyer
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 45. Notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee did not experience any successful cyberattacks in 2024, as existing detection and prevention measures effectively contained all attempted threats; notes that the Committee took several actions to strengthen its cybersecurity and data protection framework by keeping up to date with the latest developments and best practices in these areas in 2024; notes that some of those actions included the participation of relevant staff in the ‘Personal Data Breach Awareness in Cybersecurity Incident Handling’ exercise organised by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and EDPS, participation in the 2024 European Cybersecurity Month and the awareness sessions and in person induction training sessions for staff, especially for newcomers; welcomes moreover the introduction of two-factor authentication to enhance access security, the migration of the Committee’s website content management system to a new platform (Drupal) that ensures improved resilience and adaptability, and the continued close cooperation with CERT-EU for real-time threat monitoring and protection against distributed DDoS attacks; notes that the Directorate for Innovation and Information Technology initiated a digital and cybersecurity transformation programme in line with Union and international standards, including Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 , the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP), aiming to reinforce resilience, risk management, data protection and other facets of governance across the Committee; | 45. Notes from the Questionnaire that the Committee did not experience any successful cyberattacks in 2024, as existing detection and prevention measures effectively contained all attempted threats; notes that the Committee took several actions to strengthen its cybersecurity and data protection framework by keeping up to date with the latest developments and best practices in these areas in 2024; notes that some of those actions included the participation of relevant staff in the ‘Personal Data Breach Awareness in Cybersecurity Incident Handling’ exercise organised by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and EDPS, participation in the 2024 European Cybersecurity Month and the awareness sessions and in person induction training sessions for staff, especially for newcomers; encourages continuation of this practice, including organisation of regular trainings on cybersecurity; welcomes moreover the introduction of two-factor authentication to enhance access security, the migration of the Committee’s website content management system to a new platform (Drupal) that ensures improved resilience and adaptability, and the continued close cooperation with CERT-EU for real-time threat monitoring and protection against distributed DDoS attacks; notes that the Directorate for Innovation and Information Technology initiated a digital and cybersecurity transformation programme in line with Union and international standards, including Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 , the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP), aiming to reinforce resilience, risk management, data protection and other facets of governance across the Committee; |
| _________________ | _________________ |
| 7 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union (OJ L, 2023/2841, 18.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2841/oj). | 7 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union (OJ L, 2023/2841, 18.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2841/oj). |
Or. en
Amendment 46
Ondřej Knotek, Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 50. Notes that the Committee continued to implement a variety of green practices in 2024, such as investments in innovative energy-efficient lighting systems, energy meters, sensors installed in critical facilities to monitor CO2 levels, the regulation of building temperatures (air conditioning, heating) depending on the period of the year and the purchase of 100 % green electricity, among others; notes that the Committee applies environmental criteria in all tender procedures and sustainability clauses for tenders above EUR 25 000, as well as customised clauses for tenders with a high environmental impact or when above EUR 60 000; notes with satisfaction that the Committee is integrating environmental aspects into its risk management system and core business processes and has designated EMAS contact points; | 50. Notes that the Committee continued to implement a variety of green practices in 2024, such as investments in innovative energy-efficient lighting systems, energy meters, sensors installed in critical facilities to monitor CO2 levels, the regulation of building temperatures (air conditioning, heating) depending on the period of the year and the purchase of 100 % green electricity, among others; notes that the Committee applies environmental criteria in all tender procedures and sustainability clauses for tenders above EUR 25 000, as well as customised clauses for tenders with a high environmental impact or when above EUR 60 000; notes with satisfaction that the Committee is integrating environmental aspects into its risk management system and core business processes and has designated EMAS contact points; stresses that environmental initiatives within Union institutions must remain cost-effective and technology-neutral; calls on the Committee to provide a transparent cost–benefit analysis of its green investments and procurement practices and to ensure that environmental considerations do not override efficiency, or budgetary discipline; |
Or. en
Amendment 47
Dick Erixon, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 50. Notes that the Committee continued to implement a variety of green practices in 2024, such as investments in innovative energy-efficient lighting systems, energy meters, sensors installed in critical facilities to monitor CO2 levels, the regulation of building temperatures (air conditioning, heating) depending on the period of the year and the purchase of 100 % green electricity, among others; notes that the Committee applies environmental criteria in all tender procedures and sustainability clauses for tenders above EUR 25 000, as well as customised clauses for tenders with a high environmental impact or when above EUR 60 000; notes with satisfaction that the Committee is integrating environmental aspects into its risk management system and core business processes and has designated EMAS contact points; | 50. Notes that the Committee continued to implement a variety of green practices in 2024, such as investments in innovative energy-efficient lighting systems, energy meters, sensors installed in critical facilities to monitor CO2 levels, the regulation of building temperatures (air conditioning, heating) depending on the period of the year and the purchase of 100 % green electricity, among others; notes that the Committee applies environmental criteria in all tender procedures and sustainability clauses for tenders above EUR 25 000, as well as customised clauses for tenders with a high environmental impact or when above EUR 60 000; notes with satisfaction that the Committee is integrating environmental aspects into its risk management system and core business processes and has designated EMAS contact points; points out, however, that the higher standards of so-called green measures increase the operating costs of the institution, thereby not only reducing the institution’s available budget but also increasing the cost of its functioning for taxpayers; |
Or. en
Amendment 48
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 54
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 54. Welcomes the budgetary and administrative savings achieved through interinstitutional cooperation, and in particular the close cooperation established at administrative level with the EESC, with which the Committee shares premises and joint services in the areas of translation, infrastructure, medical services, catering, logistics and IT, as well as a joint data protection register, with 470 members of staff and more than EUR 68 million (EUR 140 million if salary-related costs are included) pooled together by both institutions in 2024; acknowledges that efficiency gains and budgetary savings from the collaboration of the two institutions are significant, to the tune of an estimated tens of millions of euros annually compared to if each committee operated those services independently; reiterates its call to expand as much as possible this cooperation, to the extent of setting up a single administration for the joint services, and keeping separate the services and unit in charge of their core independent mandates; | 54. Welcomes the budgetary and administrative savings achieved through interinstitutional cooperation, and in particular the close cooperation established at administrative level with the EESC, with which the Committee shares premises and joint services in the areas of translation, infrastructure, medical services, catering, logistics and IT, as well as a joint data protection register, with 470 members of staff and more than EUR 68 million (EUR 140 million if salary-related costs are included) pooled together by both institutions in 2024; welcomes the fact that these savings were reoriented towards the Committee’s core committee and political activities, thereby strengthening its capacity to fulfil its mandate; acknowledges that efficiency gains and budgetary savings from the collaboration of the two institutions are significant, to the tune of an estimated tens of millions of euros annually compared to if each committee operated those services independently; reiterates its call to expand as much as possible this cooperation, to the extent of setting up a single administration for the joint services, and keeping separate the services and unit in charge of their core independent mandates; encourages the Committee and the EESC to continue their efforts to develop further cooperation and synergies; |
Or. en
Amendment 49
Andrey Kovatchev
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 60. Acknowledges from the Impact report and the Annual report the Committee’s contribution to Parliament’s communication campaign for the 2024 European elections, by engaging a network of 750 YEPs, promoting Parliament materials, producing go-to-vote videos with Committee members, dedicating a web page on the Committee’s website and producing other visual content promoted on social media which reached almost 5 million accounts; | 60. Acknowledges from the Impact report and the Annual report the Committee’s contribution to Parliament’s communication campaign for the 2024 European elections, by engaging a network of 750 YEPs, promoting Parliament materials, producing go-to-vote videos with Committee members, dedicating a web page on the Committee’s website and producing other visual content promoted on social media which reached almost 5 million accounts; welcomes these efforts to engage a broad and diverse audience across the Union and to raise awareness of the 2024 European elections; underlines that such interinstitutional cooperation on Union policies, in particular on the work of the European Parliament, is essential for reaching citizens in all regions of the EU, strengthening democratic participation and enhancing the democratic legitimacy of the Union; |
Or. en
Amendment 50
Csaba Molnár
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 a (new)
| Motion for a resolution | Amendment |
| 62 a. Highlights that all in all the Committee’s communication strategy aims to reinforce its institutional visibility and political standing as the representative body of the Union’s regions, cities, towns and municipalities, and to showcase the role of its members in connecting Union policies with citizens at local and regional level. |
Or. en