Sittings · Document

Draft report (2025/2150(DEC)) 2026-01-30

Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - European External Action Service

Committee on Budgetary Control

Amendment 1

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Recital H a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	H a. wereas the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the European Union’s external action depend on the close coordination with the diplomatic establishments and networks of the Member States, in particular in third countries where both the EEAS and the Member States maintain a permanent presence, in order to avoid duplication of structures and expenditure;

Or. en

Amendment 2

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
1. Notes that the budget of the EEAS falls under MFF Heading 7, ‘European public administration’, which amounted to EUR 13,3 billion in 2024 (representing 6,9 % of the total Union budget); notes that the budget of approximately EUR 1,293 billion managed by the EEAS represents approximately 9,54 % of the total administrative expenditure of the Union in 2024;	1. Notes that the budget of the EEAS falls under MFF Heading 7, ‘European public administration’, which amounted to EUR 13,3 billion in 2024 (representing 6,9 % of the total Union budget); notes that the budget of approximately EUR 1,239 billion managed by the EEAS represents approximately 9,54 % of the total administrative expenditure of the Union in 2024;

Or. en

Amendment 3

Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	5 a. Recalls that Union citizens continue to face increasing fiscal pressure; stresses therefore that Union institutions must demonstrate the highest level of budgetary restraint and efficiency; calls on the EEAS to prioritise cost control, avoid unnecessary bureaucratic growth and ensure that any increase in administrative spending delivers clear added value for citizens;

Or. en

Amendment 4

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
6. Notes that, in 2024, the budgetary implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations (after transfers) stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 88,4 % compared to 91,9 % in 2023; notes that the average time for payment was 13,43 days but 10,69 % of the total number of payments made in 2024 (corresponding to a total of EU 57 357 324, 68) represented late payments, which led to an amount of EUR 37 862,61 in late interest payments in 2024; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular with regard to electronic invoices in Union delegations;	6. Notes that, in 2024, the budgetary implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations (after transfers) stood at 100 %, whereas the implementation rate for payments was 88,4 % compared to 91,9 % in 2023; notes that the average time for payment was 13,43 days but 10,69 % of the total number of payments made in 2024 (corresponding to a total of EU 57 357 324, 68) represented late payments, which led to an amount of EUR 37 862,61 in late interest payments in 2024; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts in improving the number of electronic payments and the digitalisation of workflows, in particular with regard to electronic invoices in Union delegations; invites the EEAS to set annual targets to reduce late payments and late-interest costs, and to standardise end-to-end e-invoicing and e-procurement workflows across delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 5

Dick Erixon

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 7 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	7 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 EEAS administrative budget; calls on the EEAS to present a plan for structural cost reductions to demonstrate institutional responsibility in times of high public debt;

Or. en

Amendment 6

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
8. Notes that the EEAS faced several challenges with regard to the implementation of its budget in 2024 due to a heavy impact by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, inflationary pressures, unfavourable currency exchange rates and the 2 % cap on non-salary related expenditure leading to a deficit of EUR 33 million for the Uniondelegations; notes that the EEAS addressed these challenges through a mix of strategic savings and reallocations/budgetary transfers; notes that reductions affected mainly the budgets for mission and representation, infrastructure and security; acknowledges 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;	8. Notes that the EEAS faced several challenges with regard to the implementation of its budget in 2024 due to a heavy impact by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, inflationary pressures, unfavourable currency exchange rates and the 2 % cap on non-salary related expenditure leading to a deficit of EUR 33 million for the Union delegations; notes with satisfaction that the EEAS addressed these challenges through a mix of strategic savings and reallocations/budgetary transfers; notes that reductions affected mainly the budgets for mission and representation, infrastructure and security; is concerned that budgetary constraints may have an impact on the EEAS's duty of care towards its staff, particularly with regards to infrastructure maintenance and security standards in delegations; welcomes the package of corrective measures but reiterates its call for a budget consistent with the EEAS's needs and objectives; acknowledges 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 7

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 8

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
8. Notes that the EEAS faced several challenges with regard to the implementation of its budget in 2024 due to a heavy impact by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, inflationary pressures, unfavourable currency exchange rates and the 2 % cap on non-salary related expenditure leading to a deficit of EUR 33 million for the Uniondelegations; notes that the EEAS addressed these challenges through a mix of strategic savings and reallocations/budgetary transfers; notes that reductions affected mainly the budgets for mission and representation, infrastructure and security; acknowledges 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;	8. Notes that the EEAS faced several challenges with regard to the implementation of its budget in 2024 due to a heavy impact by the illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, inflationary pressures, unfavourable currency exchange rates and the 2 % cap on non-salary related expenditure leading to a deficit of EUR 33 million for the Union delegations, which significantly constrained the operational capacity of Union delegations; notes that the EEAS addressed these challenges through a mix of strategic savings and reallocations/budgetary transfers; notes that reductions affected mainly the budgets for mission and representation, infrastructure and security; acknowledges 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 8

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda;	9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda; calls on the EEAS to align its strategic ambitions more closely with the financial resources available, prioritising actions that deliver clear added value for the Union and its citizens, while avoiding activities and projects that risk undermining effectiveness and staff well-being;

Or. en

Amendment 9

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda;	9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda; invites the EEAS to urgently remedy staffing shortages in EU Delegations, particularly in postings facing complex security or geopolitical challenges, and to strengthen transparency and accountability in recruitment procedures.

Or. en

Amendment 10

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda;	9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda, undermining the Union’s credibility as a global actor;

Or. en

Amendment 11

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; notes the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda;	9. Notes from the hearing of the Vice-President/High Representativeat the meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) on 17 November 2025 (the ‘Hearing’) that the EEAS has faced significant budgetary constraints in the last few years, while the institution has been tasked with an increasingly expansive mandate and has incurred increased costs and needs for the 145 delegation-network; supports the EEAS view that there is a disparity between tasks and resources which pose a significant challenge for the EEAS’ ability to fully deliver on its objectives and effectively support the Union’s foreign and security policy agenda;

Or. en

Amendment 12

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	9 a. Highlights that the current international situation have brought Union foreign policy at the forefront of concerns among EU citizens, Member States, and institutions; underlines the central role played by the EEAS and its delegations in conducting the Union´s external policy and in fighting foreign information manipulation and interference; stresses the importance of the EEAS for the 25 to 30 million Union´s citizens living outside the EU; laments that the underfunding of the EEAS is not structurally addressed, and has to be dealt with recurring to the annual EU budget; is concerned of the negative consequences for the EEAS and the performance of the Union´s foreign policy with relations to third countries, particularly in the Global South, in a moment of rapid geopolitical change;

Or. en

Amendment 13

Dick Erixon

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	9 a. Calls on the European Court of Auditors to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the EEAS to evaluate the efficiency of its activities compared to the diplomatic services of OECD countries; requests that this audit identify areas where the EEAS provides unique, irreplaceable added value and areas where its activities overlap with those of Member States; simultaneously calls on the EEAS to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of its global network and to prioritise resources towards delegations in countries that clearly contribute to the EU's immediate interests, such as economic prosperity, energy security, border protection, and the prevention of irregular migration flows; insists on the establishment of clear, measurable performance indicators to demonstrate the 'value for money' delivered to Union citizens and demands that the EEAS discontinue any activities or missions that are evaluated as ineffective or redundant following these assessments;

Or. en

Amendment 14

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
10. Notes further that investments in real estate and IT projects were postponed and the number of trainees was reduced in 2024; notes the EEAS view that these limitations could ultimately impact the Union’s global presence and staff safety; expects that the additional EUR 10 million allocated to the EEAS for the 2025 budget will contribute to improving the EEAS budget implementation towards the achievements of its objectives and avoiding situations in which the duty of care of the EEAS with regard to staff posted in Union delegations would be compromised;	10. Notes further that investments in real estate and IT projects were postponed and the number of trainees was reduced in 2024; notes the EEAS view that these limitations could ultimately impact the Union’s global presence and staff safety; expects that the additional EUR 10 million allocated to the EEAS for the 2025 budget will contribute to improving the EEAS budget implementation towards the achievements of its objectives and avoiding situations in which the duty of care of the EEAS with regard to staff posted in Union delegations would be compromised; invites the EEAS to present a prioritised investment pipeline for critical IT, cybersecurity and duty-of-care infrastructure, including cost-benefit analysis and expected operational impact, in order to avoid repeated postponements that undermine efficiency and staff safety.

Or. en

Amendment 15

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
10. Notes further that investments in real estate and IT projects were postponed and the number of trainees was reduced in 2024; notes the EEAS view that these limitations could ultimately impact the Union’s global presence and staff safety; expects that the additional EUR 10 million allocated to the EEAS for the 2025 budget will contribute to improving the EEAS budget implementation towards the achievements of its objectives and avoiding situations in which the duty of care of the EEAS with regard to staff posted in Union delegations would be compromised;	10. Notes further that investments in real estate and IT projects were postponed and the number of trainees was reduced in 2024; warns that continued postponement of investments and staff reductions risk undermining the EEAS’ duty of care, particularly with regard to staff safety, mental health and security in high-risk postings; expects that future budgetary decisions prioritise these obligations; expects that the additional EUR 10 million allocated to the EEAS for the 2025 budget will contribute to improving the EEAS budget implementation towards the achievements of its objectives;

Or. en

Amendment 16

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
11. Notes that the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility managed under the authority of the Vice-President/High Representativeincreased from 12 billion in 2023 to EUR 17 billion in 2024, whereas the additional EUR 5 billion are dedicated to military support for Ukraine; calls on the EEAS to collaborate with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) to ensure effective oversight and monitoring of the projects funded by the European Peace Facility;	11. Notes that the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility managed under the authority of the Vice-President/High Representativeincreased from 12 billion in 2023 to EUR 17 billion in 2024, whereas the additional EUR 5 billion are dedicated to military support for Ukraine; calls on the EEAS to collaborate with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) to ensure effective oversight and monitoring of the projects funded by the European Peace Facility; recognises the European Peace Facility as a necessary tool in an era of geopolitical competition to enhance the EU’s role as a security provider, while simultaneously pushing for more robust, unified European defence cooperation;

Or. en

Amendment 17

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	11 a. Stresses that the significant increase in the European Peace Facility requires strengthened transparency and parliamentary oversight; calls for regular, structured reporting to the discharge authority on risk management, monitoring arrangements and compliance with Union values and international humanitarian law; urges to introduce binding human rights assessments for all security and military assistance provided under the EPF;

Or. en

Amendment 18

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

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

Or. en

Amendment 19

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
12. Notes from the replies of the EEAS to the CONT questionnaire for 2024 discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’) that the EEAS, both at its headquarters and in Union delegations, launched a total of 71 procurement procedures for high-value contracts, i.e. above Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1 threshold of EUR 143 000 for supplies and services in 2024; notes that 63 of those procedures were successful with 63 contracts being signed, while 8 procedures failed; notes that, with the entry into force of the new Financial Regulation on 29 September 2024, the management of procurement procedures for Union delegations in third countries has been simplified by introducing a separate set of ceilings for very low-, low- and medium-value contracts, thereby addressing a longstanding issue related to the limited capacity of local operators to meet the complex requirements of the Union’s procurement rules; expects those simplifications to better meet the needs of both host countries and Union delegations with regard to procurement procedures; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority informed of the outcomes of the implementation of the new provisions of the Financial Regulation;	12. Notes from the replies of the EEAS to the CONT questionnaire for 2024 discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’) that the EEAS, both at its headquarters and in Union delegations, launched a total of 71 procurement procedures for high-value contracts, i.e. above Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1 threshold of EUR 143 000 for supplies and services in 2024; notes that 63 of those procedures were successful with 63 contracts being signed, while 8 procedures failed; notes that, with the entry into force of the new Financial Regulation on 29 September 2024, the management of procurement procedures for Union delegations in third countries has been simplified by introducing a separate set of ceilings for very low-, low- and medium-value contracts, thereby addressing a longstanding issue related to the limited capacity of local operators to meet the complex requirements of the Union’s procurement rules; expects those simplifications to better meet the needs of both host countries and Union delegations with regard to procurement procedures; stresses that the simplification of procurement procedures in third countries must never result in a lowering of the EU’s procurement standards, nor be used as a justification for reduced scrutiny, and that the highest standards of transparency, competition and fraud prevention must always be upheld; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority informed of the outcomes of the implementation of the new provisions of the Financial Regulation;
_________________	_________________
1 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj).	1 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj).

Or. en

Amendment 20

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
12. Notes from the replies of the EEAS to the CONT questionnaire for 2024 discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’) that the EEAS, both at its headquarters and in Union delegations, launched a total of 71 procurement procedures for high-value contracts, i.e. above Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1 threshold of EUR 143 000 for supplies and services in 2024; notes that 63 of those procedures were successful with 63 contracts being signed, while 8 procedures failed; notes that, with the entry into force of the new Financial Regulation on 29 September 2024, the management of procurement procedures for Union delegations in third countries has been simplified by introducing a separate set of ceilings for very low-, low- and medium-value contracts, thereby addressing a longstanding issue related to the limited capacity of local operators to meet the complex requirements of the Union’s procurement rules; expects those simplifications to better meet the needs of both host countries and Union delegations with regard to procurement procedures; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority informed of the outcomes of the implementation of the new provisions of the Financial Regulation;	12. Notes from the replies of the EEAS to the CONT questionnaire for 2024 discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’) that the EEAS, both at its headquarters and in Union delegations, launched a total of 71 procurement procedures for high-value contracts, i.e. above Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1 threshold of EUR 143 000 for supplies and services in 2024; notes that 63 of those procedures were successful with 63 contracts being signed, while 8 procedures failed; notes that, with the entry into force of the new Financial Regulation on 29 September 2024, the management of procurement procedures for Union delegations in third countries has been simplified by introducing a separate set of ceilings for very low-, low- and medium-value contracts, thereby addressing a longstanding issue related to the limited capacity of local operators to meet the complex requirements of the Union’s procurement rules; expects those simplifications to better meet the needs of both host countries and Union delegations with regard to procurement procedures; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority informed of the outcomes of the implementation of the new provisions of the Financial Regulation; underlines that simplified procurement rules in third countries must not lead to weaker transparency, competition or anti-fraud safeguards; invites the EEAS to assess and report on the impact of these changes on error rates and integrity risks;
_________________	_________________
1 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj).	1 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj).

Or. en

Amendment 21

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	12 a. Takes notes that a dedicated Task Force was established in 2024 to improve EEAS procurement procedures both at headquarters and in delegations; is aware that the Internal Audit Division conducted an advisory engagement in 2024, with the aim to provide an independent review of the procurement process, whose results are currently discussed with the responsible services; calls on the EEAS to make the conclusions of this review public as well as the list of measures adopted to respond to the challenges identified;

Or. en

Amendment 22

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
14. Notes from the Questionnaire that the budget for missions was EUR 21 582 843 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 2,33 % compared to EUR 21 091 935 (updated figure) in 2023; notes that the EEAS does not have a separate budget line for missions and travel for the Vice-President/High Representative and that the missions and travel costs for the Vice-President/High Representative are shared between the EEAS and the Commission depending on the purpose of the mission; notes nevertheless from the Follow-up report of the EEAS to the Parliament’s observations in the discharge resolution for 2023 (the ‘Follow-up report’) that the EEAS’ internal management system separates Vice-President/High Representative missions and the travel of colleagues accompanying her within a special allocation on the main mission budget line; notes further from the Questionnaire that in 2024 neither the outgoing Vice-President/High Representative nor the newly appointed Vice-President/High Representative undertook any missions financed by the EEAS; understands from the Follow-up report that the Vice-President/High Representative’s competing engagements and a very tight schedule, often dictated by the geopolitical situation, make it sometimes impossible for her to travel using regular flights or other means of transports to meet her professional obligations; underlines nevertheless that the leaders of the Union’s institutions should act as good examples to the public and citizens, especially when using Union resources in the performance of their duties; stresses that the flight options should be chosen on the basis of sound financial management criteria, provided that such alternatives are available and in line with the agenda and venue of meetings; stresses that transparency and sound financial management in using the Union’s public funds must remain a core principle for all Union institutions;	14. Notes from the Questionnaire that the budget for missions was EUR 21 582 843 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 2,33 % compared to EUR 21 091 935 (updated figure) in 2023; notes that the EEAS does not have a separate budget line for missions and travel for the Vice-President/High Representative and that the missions and travel costs for the Vice-President/High Representative are shared between the EEAS and the Commission depending on the purpose of the mission; notes nevertheless from the Follow-up report of the EEAS to the Parliament’s observations in the discharge resolution for 2023 (the ‘Follow-up report’) that the EEAS’ internal management system separates Vice-President/High Representative missions and the travel of colleagues accompanying her within a special allocation on the main mission budget line; notes further from the Questionnaire that in 2024 neither the outgoing Vice-President/High Representative nor the newly appointed Vice-President/High Representative undertook any missions financed by the EEAS; understands from the Follow-up report that the Vice-President/High Representative’s competing engagements and a very tight schedule, often dictated by the geopolitical situation, make it sometimes impossible for her to travel using regular flights or other means of transports to meet her professional obligations; underlines nevertheless that the leaders of the Union’s institutions should act as good examples to the public and citizens, especially when using Union resources in the performance of their duties; stresses that the flight options should be chosen on the basis of sound financial management criteria, provided that such alternatives are available and in line with the agenda and venue of meetings; stresses that transparency and sound financial management in using the Union’s public funds must remain a core principle for all Union institutions; calls on the EEAS to systematically integrate environmental considerations into travel planning, including by prioritising rail and economy-class flights where feasible, and to report to the discharge authority on progress achieved;

Or. en

Amendment 23

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
15. Notes that, in 2024, the EEAS continued to face growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to human rights and the rule of law; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2024; highlights in this regards the importance and need for the EEAS to play a key role in building Union’s strategic autonomy, which should be safeguarded also via the fight against foreign information, manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation campaigns; notes that in 2024 the EEAS published its second report on FIMI threats, detailing 750 incidents and exposing the Operation False Façade (an information-laundering scheme by pro-Kremlin entities), utilized the Rapid Alert System as a central coordination mechanism on FIMI in the context of protecting the integrity of the European elections, released a toolkit for detecting identity-based FIMI, organized the annual high-level FIMI conference, developed the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) handbook on FIMI to strengthen the capability of CSDP missions to detect and respond to FIMI attacks and contributed to strengthening media resilience at the Connecting Media Communities event in Kosovo, which was attended by 130 journalists and fact-checkers; commends the EEAS for its EUvsDisinfo campaign that has analysed and exposed Russia’s FIMI efforts in 2024; notes with concern that pro-Kremlin disinformation cases exceeded 18 000 entries; notes that some Union delegations have a Strategic Communication Officer tasked with analysing and addressing FIMI, but intelligence collection capability remains Member States’ responsibility; commends the EEAS for launching the FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre to enhance cooperation and shared situational awareness; acknowledges that these efforts, supported by a reinforced budget for Strategic communication capacity of EUR 6,12 million in 2024, ensured a more robust, coordinated and comprehensive Union-wide response to FIMI threats; encourages the continued development and expansion of the network of ‘FIMI defenders’ through capacity-building initiatives;	15. Notes that, in 2024, the EEAS continued to face growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to human rights and the rule of law in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment marked by intensified hybrid threats to democratic systems; notes that the illegal Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2024; highlights in this regards the importance and need for the EEAS to play a central and reinforced key role in building Union’s strategic autonomy, resilience and security, which should be safeguarded also via the systematic and robust fight against foreign information, manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation campaigns; notes that in 2024 the EEAS published its second report on FIMI threats, detailing 750 incidents and exposing the Operation False Façade (an information-laundering scheme by pro-Kremlin entities), thereby contributing to public attribution and strategic awareness of hostile state-sponsored interference; utilized the Rapid Alert System as a central coordination mechanism on FIMI in the context of protecting the integrity of the European elections;welcomes the release of a toolkit for detecting identity-based FIMI, the organisation of the annual high-level FIMI conference, the development the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) handbook on FIMI to strengthen the capability of CSDP missions to detect and respond to FIMI attacks and the contribution to strengthening media resilience at the Connecting Media Communities event in Kosovo, which was attended by 130 journalists and fact-checkers; strongly commends the EEAS for its EUvsDisinfo campaign that has analysed and exposed Russia’s FIMI efforts in 2024; notes with concern that pro-Kremlin disinformation cases exceeded 18 000 entries, confirming the scale, persistance and strategic nature of the threat posed in particular by Russia, alongside other hostile actors; notes that some Union delegations have a Strategic Communication Officer tasked with analysing and addressing FIMI, but intelligence collection capability remains Member States’ responsibility; stresses therefore the need for reinforced coordination, structured information-sharing and closer cooperation with Member States and trusted partners, commends the EEAS for launching the FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre to enhance cooperation and shared situational awareness; acknowledges that these efforts, supported by a reinforced budget for Strategic communication capacity of EUR 6,12 million in 2024, ensured a more robust, coordinated and comprehensive Union-wide response to FIMI threats; underlines that sustained and predictable funding is essential to ensure continuity and effectiveness in countering hybrid threats; encourages the continued development and expansion of the network of ‘FIMI defenders’ through capacity-building initiatives;

Or. en

Amendment 24

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
15. Notes that, in 2024, the EEAS continued to face growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to human rights and the rule of law; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2024; highlights in this regards the importance and need for the EEAS to play a key role in building Union’s strategic autonomy, which should be safeguarded also via the fight against foreign information, manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation campaigns; notes that in 2024 the EEAS published its second report on FIMI threats, detailing 750 incidents and exposing the Operation False Façade (an information-laundering scheme by pro-Kremlin entities), utilized the Rapid Alert System as a central coordination mechanism on FIMI in the context of protecting the integrity of the European elections, released a toolkit for detecting identity-based FIMI, organized the annual high-level FIMI conference, developed the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) handbook on FIMI to strengthen the capability of CSDP missions to detect and respond to FIMI attacks and contributed to strengthening media resilience at the Connecting Media Communities event in Kosovo, which was attended by 130 journalists and fact-checkers; commends the EEAS for its EUvsDisinfo campaign that has analysed and exposed Russia’s FIMI efforts in 2024; notes with concern that pro-Kremlin disinformation cases exceeded 18 000 entries; notes that some Union delegations have a Strategic Communication Officer tasked with analysing and addressing FIMI, but intelligence collection capability remains Member States’ responsibility; commends the EEAS for launching the FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre to enhance cooperation and shared situational awareness; acknowledges that these efforts, supported by a reinforced budget for Strategic communication capacity of EUR 6,12 million in 2024, ensured a more robust, coordinated and comprehensive Union-wide response to FIMI threats; encourages the continued development and expansion of the network of ‘FIMI defenders’ through capacity-building initiatives;	15. Notes that, in 2024, the EEAS continued to face growing political and financial challenges, as well as challenges with respect to human rights and the rule of law; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences continued to be a key issue in 2024; highlights in this regards the importance and need for the EEAS to play a key role in building Union’s strategic autonomy, which should be safeguarded also via the fight against foreign information, manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation campaigns; notes that in 2024 the EEAS published its second report on FIMI threats, detailing 750 incidents and exposing the Operation False Façade (an information-laundering scheme by pro-Kremlin entities), utilized the Rapid Alert System as a central coordination mechanism on FIMI in the context of protecting the integrity of the European elections, released a toolkit for detecting identity-based FIMI, organized the annual high-level FIMI conference, developed the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) handbook on FIMI to strengthen the capability of CSDP missions to detect and respond to FIMI attacks and contributed to strengthening media resilience at the Connecting Media Communities event in Kosovo, which was attended by 130 journalists and fact-checkers; commends the EEAS for its EUvsDisinfo campaign that has analysed and exposed Russia’s FIMI efforts in 2024; notes with concern that pro-Kremlin disinformation cases exceeded 18 000 entries; notes that some Union delegations have a Strategic Communication Officer tasked with analysing and addressing FIMI, but intelligence collection capability remains Member States’ responsibility; commends the EEAS for launching the FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre to enhance cooperation and shared situational awareness; acknowledges that these efforts, supported by a reinforced budget for Strategic communication capacity of EUR 6,12 million in 2024, ensured a more robust, coordinated and comprehensive Union-wide response to FIMI threats; encourages the continued development and expansion of the network of ‘FIMI defenders’ through capacity-building initiatives; underlines, therefore, the need to provide adequate resources to the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the EEAS to effectively combat anti-EU disinformation campaigns and narratives deployed strategically by authoritarian and illiberal regimes that seek to undermine EU external action in third countries;

Or. en

Amendment 25

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 a. Recalls the calls of the Strategic Compass and of the European Parliament to strengthen the Union’s intelligence and situational awareness capabilities; underlines that the Union’s growing analytical and crisis-management needs call for a reinforcement of the resources allocated to the European Union Intelligence and Situation Centre (EU INTCEN) and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre, so as to ensure that they are adequately equipped to fulfil their mandates in an increasingly complex and demanding geopolitical environment; underlines the central role of EU INTCEN in delivering integrated, all-source analytical assessments in support of CFSP and CSDP decision-making and stresses the potential of the EU Delegation network, without prejudice to Member States’ competences, as a key contributor to situational awareness through the integration of relevant information already available at field level; considers that the establishment of a clearer and more visible budgetary allocation for EU INTCEN could facilitate enhanced transparency, democratic scrutiny and accountability within the discharge procedure;

Or. en

Amendment 26

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 a. Welcomes the establishment of the EU Democracy Shield and the creation of a Centre for Democratic Resilience as important steps to strengthen the EU’s capacity to counter FIMI; welcomes the intention to expand the proposed European Democracy Shield to the accession countries, thereby reinforcing their capacity to respond to threats such as FIMI and disinformation campaigns; calls on the Commission and EEAS to deepen cooperation with vulnerable enlargement countries, on information resilience, cybersecurity and hybrid threats; calls on the EEAS and EU Delegations in third countries to strengthen further their respective capacities in fighting and countering disinformation and propaganda against the EU’s CFSP, including by investing in communication campaigns to fight foreign influence;

Or. en

Amendment 27

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 a. Underlines the need to adequately resource the Strategic Communication and Foresight Division of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to counter disinformation used by authoritarian regimes, notably the Kremlin; recalls that in Moldova and Ukraine, Russian-linked actors have instrumentalised religion, including the Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchy, to undermine democratic resilience; stresses the importance of strengthening the EU’s faith-based diplomacy within its external action and calls for a dedicated EEAS budget line to support dialogue, promote interfaith tolerance and counter the geopolitical misuse of religion.

Or. en

Amendment 28

Bert-Jan Ruissen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 – point a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	(a) reminds the Commission of Parliament's call to equip EEAS staff adequately to engage in dialogue on religious freedom and to make this an important priority in its external action1 a calls on the EEAS to respond resolutely to this call and to bring its resources up to the required level.
	_________________
	1 a resolution P10_TA(2025)0086, paragraph 83

Or. nl

Amendment 29

Tamás Deutsch, Virginie Joron

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 a. Calls on the institution to assess how the European External Service’s regulatory framework to avoid corruption and fraud has failed, allowing active involvement of officials of the institutions even in the highest levels of the institutions’s administration in engaging in corruption, money laundering for several years without detection;

Or. en

Amendment 30

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 a. Calls on the EEAS to ensure that capacities to counter foreign information manipulation and interference are structurally embedded and sustainably financed, including through dedicated staff, training and long-term planning beyond annual budget cycles;

Or. en

Amendment 31

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 b. Calls on the HRVP to reinforce EU CSDP missions and operations with adequate personnel, resources and flexible mandates to respond effectively to security challenges;

Or. en

Amendment 32

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 c (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 c. Highlights the importance of maintaining the EUMM mission in Georgia to monitor the situation in the occupied territories and ensure early warning and reporting;

Or. en

Amendment 33

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 e (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 e. Calls on the EEAS to maintain, especially considering the current geopolitical situation, its engagement with Georgia in support of democratic reforms and the country’s European perspective;

Or. en

Amendment 34

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 d (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	15 d. Stresses that an important instrument to counter FIMI is the establishment of a dedicated Faith-Based Diplomacy Unit within the EEAS, tasked with engaging religious and faith communities, promoting intercultural understanding, and strengthening resilience against identity-based disinformation; underlines that such a unit could support early detection of FIMI targeting religious or cultural narratives, enhance dialogue with faith actors, and complement existing EEAS tools such as the Rapid Alert System and the EUvsDisinfo campaign, thereby contributing to a more robust, Union-wide response to disinformation campaigns; recalls that the AFET opinion for the Committee on Budgetary Control on the discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X – European External Action Service 1a, emphasises that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental value of the Union and urges the EEAS to systematically incorporate faith diplomacy into its actions, recognising religion as a constructive element in addressing global challenges and promoting peace, resilience, and social cohesion;
	_________________
	1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-AD-765237_EN.pdf

Or. en

Amendment 35

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	16 a. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU’s and its institutions, aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples, to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security;

Or. en

Amendment 36

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	16 b. Calls on the institution to take full devotion and maximise its efforts with all its available measures and assets to promote peace and to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, and to preserve peace and strengthen European security;

Or. en

Amendment 37

Dick Erixon

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action;	deleted

Or. en

Amendment 38

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action;	17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition, in particular to counter digital authoritarianism, foreign interference and the misuse of emerging technologies; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action, while ensuring coherence with competitiveness, energy security and economic resilience of partner countries, and avoiding disproportionate burdens that could undermine strategic partnerships;

Or. en

Amendment 39

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action;	17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action; insists that green diplomacy and the green transition be backed by adequate financial and human resources in the EEAS and Union delegations, and be consistently integrated into political dialogues, partnerships and external spending, including in third countries;

Or. en

Amendment 40

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 17

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action;	17. Recalls that is crucial to further strengthen our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries through the NDICI – Global Europe financial framework; highlight that maintaining specific funding for human rights and democracy, as well as a human rights-based approach and mainstreaming of human rights in our third-country support and partnerships, can serve to strengthen the Union’s standing globally and back up Union values; invites the EEAS to systematically conduct risk assessments on civic-space restrictions in partner and third countries, ensuring that funding reaches independent civil society actors; underlines that resources to the Union’s Digital Diplomacy should be further increased given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that ‘green diplomacy’ and the green transition, as one of the Union’s priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the Union’s External Action;

Or. en

Amendment 41

Bert-Jan Ruissen

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;	18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles;

Or. nl

Amendment 42

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;	18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; notes that since the onset of the crisis in Gaza, the Union has deployed all available humanitarian instruments to ease the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, providing EUR 450 million in humanitarian aid since October 2023, including an initial aid package of EUR 120 million for 2025 and in the specific case of Union support in Palestine, mechanisms in place “are solid and work effectively” and “no evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes, as reaffirmed during the financial review of EU assistance in Palestine that took place in November 2023 ’; notes further that in April 2025, the Commission adopted a comprehensive multi-annual programme for Palestine worth up to EUR 1,6 billion for 2025-2027 to support economic recovery, resilience and governance in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, with up to EUR 620 million of that funding in direct financial support to the Palestinian Authority; notes that in May 2024, the Commission announced a financial assistance package of EUR 1 billion to help Lebanon face domestic and regional challenges; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;

Or. en

Amendment 43

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;	18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible; underscores the importance of robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including independent verification of damages and needs as soon as access is allowed; invites EEAS to continue using all available instruments, including humanitarian, diplomatic, financial and restrictive measures where appropriate to uphold the rules-based international order and promote lasting peace and security in the region.

Or. en

Amendment 44

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;	18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; underlines that humanitarian assistance must be delivered in a safe, effective and depolitised manner, and must not be diverted or misused by terrorist or armed groups; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, accountability for damages should be addressed in line with international law and established legal frameworks; notes that any comprehensive assessment of damages remains premature as long as access to Gaza is not possible; stresses the importance of reliable, independent and verifiable information as a basis for any future evaluation;

Or. en

Amendment 45

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible;	18. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ central role and actions in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by calling for the unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale, in line with international humanitarian principles; welcomes in this context the Vice-President/High Representative’s view expressed at the Hearing, whereby as a fundamental principle, whoever causes damages should also pay for it; notes that an estimation of damages is not feasible as long as access to Gaza is not possible; expresses strong concern about the EEAS’s continued support for UNRWA, despite allegations of resource misuse and affiliations of UNRWA staff with Hamas;

Or. en

Amendment 46

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 a. Recalls its position on the EU Budget for 2026 and the importance of supporting political, economic and social reforms in the Southern Neighbourhood region, including addressing rising humanitarian needs; recalls that the European External Action Service is responsible for providing political guidance and strategic oversight on the Union’s external action, while the Commission retains full responsibility for the management, contracting and disbursement of EU budgetary resources provided to implementing partners and international organisations; acknowledges the United Nations’ response to allegations concerning 19 of UNRWA’s 13,000 employees in the Gaza Strip for their possible involvement in the 7 October 2023 terrorists attacks against Israel, including the OIOS investigation conducted with Israel’s cooperation, which led to the dismissal of 9 staff members in the interest of the service, and the recommendations issued through the Colonna Review; takes note of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion of 22 October 2025, which concludes that the available information is insufficient to establish a lack of neutrality on the part of UNRWA as an organisation; welcomes the Commission’s assessment that UNRWA remains fully committed to implementing the Colonna recommendations and notes the fulfilment of all conditions agreed with the EU for continued funding in 2024, including the completion of an audit by EU-appointed experts; encourages, in this regard, the Commission’s continued engagement and close monitoring to ensure continued funding with guarantees on neutrality, transparency and accountability; takes note that, in line with international practice for UN agencies operating in education, UNRWA uses the host-country curricula and the locally issued textbooks in its schools which, nevertheless, are systematically reviewed to address any problematic content; notes that the Union does not fund the Palestinian textbooks; welcomes the Commission’s engagement with the Palestinian Authority on curriculum reform, takes note of progress made in aligning learning materials with UNESCO standards; recalls the necessity for the Palestinian Authority to remove all educational materials and content that fail to adhere to UNESCO standards;

Or. en

Amendment 47

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 b. Acknowledges that the Union does not fund the Palestinian textbooks and that, in line with international practice for UN agencies operating in education, UNRWA uses the host-country curricula and the locally issued textbooks in its schools; welcomes, nevertheless, the Commission’s engagement with the Palestinian Authority on curriculum reform based on UNESCO standards;

Or. en

Amendment 48

Dick Erixon

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 a. Calls on the EEAS to work closely with the Commission to ensure that the Palestinian Authority promptly removes any educational materials that do not comply with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance; insists that EU funding must be conditional upon the removal of hate speech and incitement to violence from school curricula;

Or. en

Amendment 49

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 a. Expresses deep concern over allegations that UNRWA employees in Gaza were involved in the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that no Union funds are allocated to individuals or organisations linked to any kind of terrorist movements or any other movement expressing extremist views, that are directly in opposition to the European Union’s fundamental values; recalls the importance for the Commission and the EEAS to guarantee independent controls of UNRWA by external experts, the Court and experienced international partners; calls on the EEAS, where necessary, to work with other reliable partners in Gaza and the Palestinian territories to ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population; welcomes recent commitments aimed at ending the war in Gaza and takes note of the 20-point peace plan proposed by the US administration; calls on the EEAS to work with the Board for Peace to advance a fair, lasting and sustainable peace in Gaza and across the Middle East; welcomes the appointment of a High Representative for Gaza as a step towards enhanced dialogue, and confidence-building among all relevant stakeholders;

Or. en

Amendment 50

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 a. Recalls that the European External Action Service is responsible for providing political guidance and strategic oversight on the Union’s external action, while the Commission retains full responsibility for the management, contracting and disbursement of EU budgetary resources provided to implementing partners and international organisations; welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s assessment that UNRWA fulfilled all conditions agreed with the EU for continued funding in 2024, including the completion of an audit by EU-appointed experts; encourages, in this regard, the Commission’s continued engagement and close monitoring to ensure continued funding with guarantees on neutrality, transparency and accountability; stresses the central role UNRWA plays in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, in line with the Union’s goal of supporting political, economic and social reforms in the Southern Neighbourhood region, and reiterates its call in its resolution of 20 January 2026 on humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis;

Or. en

Amendment 51

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 b. Recalls the necessity for the Palestinian Authority to remove all educational materials and content that fail to adhere to UNESCO standards, in particular those that contain antisemitism as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance classification endorsed by the Union, incitement to violence, hate speech, and glorification of terrorism; stresses that financial support from the Union for the Palestinian Authority in the area of education should be provided on the condition that textbook content is aligned with UNESCO standards, that all anti-Semitic references are deleted, and that examples which incite to hatred and violence are removed, as repeatedly requested in the resolutions accompanying the discharge decisions; recalls the findings of the Georg Eckert Institute's report funded by the Union, which revealed a complex picture on the textbooks; calls on the EEAS, together with the Commission to ensure that no Union funds are allocated, directly or indirectly, to the drafting, teaching, or exposure of such educational materials to Palestinian children, including those provided by UN organisations;

Or. en

Amendment 52

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 b. Expresses concerns over the report, on suspected internal Hamas documents dated between 2018 and 2022, originally found by IDF in the Gaza strip and later declassified and disseminated through NGO Monitor, which allegedly indicate attempts of infiltration and monitoring within EU-funded humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip; take notes that both the organisations mentioned in the report and the Commission have strongly rejected the claims and considered them to lack substantiated evidence; reminds that in line with the Financial Regulation, the EU has a solid control system including its due diligence, anti-terrorism screening, and staff-verification systems imposed on all implementing partners; recalls that, largely in response to the demands of the European Parliament, verification mechanisms have been further reinforced since 2023, including specific audits, risk analyses and additional external monitoring; stresses that any claim on any misuse of EU taxpayer funds should be carefully verified and urges the Commission to investigate all allegations of any type of undue infiltration and influence within EU-funded humanitarian projects in any high risk areas and to suspend or recover EU funding where breaches are confirmed; warns that in armed conflicts, disinformation and information warfare pursued for strategic purposes are common practices;

Or. en

Amendment 53

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 c (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 c. Expresses deep concern over recent reports, based on declassified internal Hamas documents, indicating systematic infiltration and monitoring often through Hamas-affiliated so-called ‘guarantors’ of international NGOs operating in the Gaza Strip, including organisations receiving direct EU funding; stresses that these revelations raise serious risks that EU taxpayer funds may have been indirectly diverted to the benefit of a designated terrorist organisation, thereby undermining the integrity of EU assistance; urges the Commission to urgently and thoroughly investigate all allegations of Hamas infiltration and undue influence within EU-funded humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip and to suspend or recover EU funding where breaches are confirmed; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to introduce strengthened vetting, due-diligence and monitoring mechanisms for NGOs operating in high-risk areas such as Gaza, in order to prevent infiltration by terrorist groups and to guarantee that EU funds are used exclusively for legitimate humanitarian purposes;

Or. en

Amendment 54

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 c (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	18 c. Notes with concerns that suspected internal Hamas documents indicating attempts of infiltration within EU-funded humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip were allegedly found by IDF in the area and disseminated through NGO Monitor; notes that the claims have been rejected as unfounded by the Commission and the concerned organisations; recalls that the EU has a solid control system further reinforced since 2023; warns of the risks of information warfare pursued for strategic purposes and urges the Commission to corroborate the evidence through independent verification, and then assess the allegations before taking any appropriate follow-up measures;

Or. en

Amendment 55

Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
19. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ ongoing efforts to support dialogue on the political, economic, and social situation, the rule of law and anti-corruption fight and strengthen democracy and human rights in various countries; welcomes the fact that the EEAS and Union delegations continue to engage with representatives of national administrations and institutions, civil society organisations, stakeholders specialised in democratic governance, human rights, media, social partners and international and regional organisations; notes that support for human rights and women defenders, including indigenous ones, is among the key priorities of the EEAS in line with the Union’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2027, and is advanced through a range of activities such as political dialogues, political reporting, public diplomacy, multilateral fora and annual reports on the implementation of human rights;	19. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ ongoing efforts to support dialogue on the political, economic, and social situation, the rule of law and anti-corruption fight and strengthen democracy and human rights in various countries; welcomes the fact that the EEAS and Union delegations continue to engage with representatives of national administrations and institutions, civil society organisations, stakeholders specialised in democratic governance, human rights, media, social partners and international and regional organisations; stresses, however, that cooperation by third countries on migration, including on preventing irregular migration, effective border management, and the readmission of their own nationals, must be a core objective of the Union’s external action; underlines that this cooperation should be an important element in the development and implementation of partnerships, political dialogue and the allocation of EU funding and incentives; notes that support for human rights and women defenders, including indigenous ones, is among the key priorities of the EEAS in line with the Union’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2027, and is advanced through a range of activities such as political dialogues, political reporting, public diplomacy, multilateral fora and annual reports on the implementation of human rights;

Or. en

Amendment 56

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
19. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ ongoing efforts to support dialogue on the political, economic, and social situation, the rule of law and anti-corruption fight and strengthen democracy and human rights in various countries; welcomes the fact that the EEAS and Union delegations continue to engage with representatives of national administrations and institutions, civil society organisations, stakeholders specialised in democratic governance, human rights, media, social partners and international and regional organisations; notes that support for human rights and women defenders, including indigenous ones, is among the key priorities of the EEAS in line with the Union’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2027, and is advanced through a range of activities such as political dialogues, political reporting, public diplomacy, multilateral fora and annual reports on the implementation of human rights;	19. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS’ ongoing efforts to support dialogue on the political, economic, and social situation, the rule of law and anti-corruption fight and strengthen democracy and human rights in various countries; welcomes the fact that the EEAS and Union delegations continue to engage with representatives of national administrations and institutions, civil society organisations, stakeholders specialised in democratic governance, human rights, media, social partners and international and regional organisations; notes that support for human rights and women defenders, including indigenous ones, is among the key priorities of the EEAS in line with the Union’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2027, and is advanced through a range of activities such as political dialogues, political reporting, public diplomacy, multilateral fora and annual reports on the implementation of human rights; calls on EEAs and Union delegations to enhance their excellent work providing assistance and logistical and technological support to, and engagement with, human rights defenders, in line with EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders with a particular focus on women;

Or. en

Amendment 57

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	19 a. Deplores the continued absence of aN European coordinator tasked with combating Christianophobia, despite the existence of dedicated coordinators for combating antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred; notes that this institutional imbalance undermines the coherence and credibility of the EU’s approach to the protection of freedom of religion or belief; recalls that more than 380 million Christians worldwide are subject to discrimination, persecution or violent attacks because of their faith; calls on the Commission and the EEAS, within their respective competences, to ensure equal policy attention, coordination and accountability in addressing all forms of religious hatred, including anti-Christian hatred, and to report to Parliament on the measures taken and resources allocated in this regard;

Or. en

Amendment 58

Ondřej Knotek, Julien Sanchez, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	19 a. Regrets that, while the Union has appointed coordinators for combating antisemitism and Islamophobia, there is currently no equivalent coordinator to combat discrimination and hatred against Christians; considers this absence to be discriminatory and calls for equal attention to be given to all forms of religious intolerance;

Or. en

Amendment 59

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
20. Notes from the Questionnaire that the Corporate Governance Service (CGS), established in 2023, plays an important role in improving EEAS management by supporting the preparation of the EEAS annual management plans and annual activity reports, strengthening risk management processes, addressing systemic corporate issues in Union delegations, and implementing the ‘One Delegation’ concept, which aims to reduce management and reporting fragmentation and to document recurring issues and best practices at both Headquarters and Union delegation;	20. Notes from the Questionnaire that the Corporate Governance Service (CGS), established in 2023, plays an important role in improving EEAS management by supporting the preparation of the EEAS annual management plans and annual activity reports, strengthening risk management processes, addressing systemic corporate issues in Union delegations, and implementing the ‘One Delegation’ concept, which aims to reduce management and reporting fragmentation and to document recurring issues and best practices at both Headquarters and Union delegation; calls on the EEAS to swiftly address the weaknesses in internal controls and document management highlighted by the European Court of Auditors, with a view to improving the integrity of information management and ensuring consistent reporting across EU Delegations.

Or. en

Amendment 60

Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
21. Notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report and the Questionnaire the efforts taken by the EEAS toward a feminist diplomacy, despite Member States having the main role in setting the Union external actions guidelines; in particular welcomes the action taken to accelerate the implementation of the Union’s commitments under the Gender Action Plan (GAP) III; notes that the Union’s Ambassador for Gender and Diversity engaged in efforts to integrate a gender perspective in human rights dialogues and key multilateral statements and resolutions; notes further that gender-responsive leadership continued being a key element in the institutionalisation of gender mainstreaming; welcomes in this context the appointment of gender focal points in November 2024; notes that GAP III will expire in 2027 and urges the EEAS, to this end, to develop a more ambitious GAP IV that will ensure a stronger connection between women’s rights and empowerment and the Union’s foreign and security policy, ready for implementation as of 2028;	deleted

Or. en

Amendment 61

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	21 a. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU and its institutions, shall promote solidarity and equality between women and men; calls on the institution to refrain from promoting, spreading and supporting gender and woke ideology and respect the Treaty and its provisions as well as to respect the Member States’ national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, history, religion and traditions.

Or. en

Amendment 62

Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
22. Underlines that the Union must increase funding to reinforce the dedicated budget line within the Union’s foreign policy actions specifically for gender equality and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, in order to ensure consistent financing for initiatives that promote gender-responsive leadership, protect women’s rights, and combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in conflict and post-conflict settings; stresses that such funding is essential to support local civil society organisations, provide survivor-centred support, and integrate gender perspectives into Union diplomatic and security efforts;	deleted

Or. en

Amendment 63

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
23. Sees election observation mission as a practical and effective foreign policy instrument that remains central to the Union’s democracy support policies and strategies; notes from the Follow-up report that the EEAS has no prospect to extend observation work towards candidate and neighbouring countries, because observation missions adequately cover these countries led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights which used a methodology similar to the Union’s and often sources experts from the same pool of professionals; reiterates nevertheless its call on the Union to ensure adequate resources to the Union’s election observation missions;	23. Sees election observation mission as a practical and effective foreign policy instrument that remains central to the Union’s democracy support policies and strategies; notes from the Follow-up report that the EEAS has no prospect to extend observation work towards candidate and neighbouring countries, because observation missions adequately cover these countries led by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights which used a methodology similar to the Union’s and often sources experts from the same pool of professionals; reiterates nevertheless its call on the Union to ensure adequate resources, including expertise on online information integrity and interference risks in election observation methodologies to the Union’s election observation missions

Or. en

Amendment 64

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 25

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
25. Recalls that in 2021 Parliament proposed a pilot project ‘Towards the creation of the European Diplomatic Academy’ (EUDA) with the objective to create a critical mass of European diplomats trained on Union’s foreign relations and security and a European diplomatic culture that aims at enhancing the Union’s role as an effective foreign policy actors; notes that in the first phase of that pilot project, which covered the academic year 2022-2023, 42 young diplomats participated, while in the second phase, which covered the academic year 2023-2024, there were 50 participants; notes that the second phase ran over two identical 4-month course editions, followed by 1-month training assignment at EEAS Headquarters in Brussels; notes that courses and training programme were implemented by an academic consortium formed by the College of Europe in Belgium (Bruges) and Poland (Natolin); notes from the Questionnaire that, in line with the service contract EEAS/2022/OP/0168-2023, the College of Europe produced a final report containing the assessment of the second phase of the pilot project; calls on the EEAS to provide the discharge authority with that report; notes from the EEAS report on the annual accounts for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, with regard to budget implementation for the pilot phases of the EUDA, that the EEAS paid EUR 831 000 in 2022, EUR 120 000 in 2023 and EUR 862 000 in 2024; asks the EEAS to provide Parliament in the context of discharge procedure with copies of all documentation with regard to procurement procedures carried out, contracts signed and payments made in connection with phase 1 and phase 2 of the EUDA pilot project;	25. Recalls that Parliament launched the pilot project ‘Towards the creation of the European Diplomatic Academy’ (EUDA) in 2021 to foster a truly European diplomatic culture and strengthen the Union’s strategic presence worldwide; notes the successful participation in both pilot phases and urges the EEAS to provide the discharge authority with the full evaluation report and all related procurement and contractual documentation, ensuring full transparency over the EUR 1.8 million spent across 2022–2024.

Or. en

Amendment 65

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 26

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
26. Notes further that on 21 May 2024, building on the experience and structure developed in the pilot phases, the Council adopted a decision to establish a fully-fledged EUDA for four academic years starting with 2024-2025, whereas the course and training activities have been assigned to the College of Europe, while EUDA will operate under the responsibility of the Vice-President/High Representative who will receive guidance from a steering committee composed of a representative designated by each Member State, as well as representative of Parliament, the Council and the Commission; notes from that decision that an intended amount of EUR 1,72 million shall cover the period 1 July 2024-30 June 2025, whereas the management of the expenditure in connection with EUDA is supervised by the Commission through the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments;	26. Notes further that on 21 May 2024, building on the experience and structure developed during the pilot phases, the Council adopted a decision to establish a fully-fledged EUDA for four academic years starting in 2024–2025; underlines that the creation of the EUDA represents a strategic step towards strengthening the Union’s diplomatic capacity and developing a genuinely European diplomatic culture; notes that the College of Europe has been entrusted with delivering the training programme, while overall governance will be ensured by a steering committee composed of representatives from all Member States, Parliament, the Council and the Commission; notes that EUR 1.72 million has been allocated for the first academic year (1 July 2024–30 June 2025), with expenditure managed by the Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments;

Or. en

Amendment 66

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 27

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
27. Notes that, following the creation of the CGS in 2023, the EEAS updated its Internal Control Framework (ICF) in 2024 to reflect the role of the Chief Governance Officer and introduce a monitoring mechanism on internal controls; notes from the Questionnaire that the ICF of the EEAS is aligned with that of the Commission; notes that, in addition to the standard annual assessment of its internal control system, the EEAS carried out in 2024 a survey among 167 respondents/staff, all with Authorising Officers by Sub-Delegation (AOSD) responsibilities, whereas the results of that survey are discussed at senior management level in the EEAS’ Internal Control Committee; notes that that survey highlighted 185 areas that need attention, especially with regard to challenges that Union delegations are facing such as awareness on internal controls and risk management, recruiting and retaining qualified staff and IT services; welcomes the fact that the EEAS devised an action plan to rectify existing concerns and pro-actively address potential risks; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority updated on these matters;	27. Notes that, following the creation of the CGS in 2023, the EEAS updated its Internal Control Framework (ICF) in 2024 to reflect the role of the Chief Governance Officer and introduce a monitoring mechanism on internal controls; notes from the Questionnaire that the ICF of the EEAS is aligned with that of the Commission; notes that, in addition to the standard annual assessment of its internal control system, the EEAS carried out in 2024 a survey among 167 respondents/staff, all with Authorising Officers by Sub-Delegation (AOSD) responsibilities, whereas the results of that survey are discussed at senior management level in the EEAS’ Internal Control Committee; notes that that survey highlighted 183 areas that need attention, especially with regard to challenges that Union delegations are facing such as awareness on internal controls and risk management, recruiting and retaining qualified staff and IT services; welcomes the fact that the EEAS devised an action plan to rectify existing concerns and pro-actively address potential risks; invites the EEAS to keep the discharge authority updated on these matters;

Or. en

Amendment 67

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 35

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
35. Notes that the EEAS was employing a total of 2 902 members of staff, including 1 268 officials, 442 temporary agents, 619 contract agents and 573 seconded national experts (SNEs), compared to 2 812 members of staff, including 1 245 officials, 450 temporary agents, 603 contract agents and 514 SNEs in 2023; reminds the importance of providing permanent contracts in order to maintain skills, continuity and productive working environment;	35. Notes that the EEAS was employing, excluding local staff, a total of 2 902 members of staff, including 1 268 officials, 442 temporary agents, 619 contract agents and 573 seconded national experts (SNEs), compared to 2 812 members of staff, including 1 245 officials, 450 temporary agents, 603 contract agents and 514 SNEs in 2023; reminds the importance of providing permanent contracts in order to maintain skills, continuity and productive working environment;

Or. en

Amendment 68

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 36

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
36. Notes from the EEAS 2024 report that, of a total of 5 355 people working in the EEAS, 47 % were working in the EEAS headquarters and 53 % in Union delegations at the end of 2024, with 1 622 as Local Agents in Union delegations; notes that, during the Hearing, Members raised concerns regarding the alleged dismissal of local staff in certain Union delegations without due respect for local labour law; notes that, following that hearing, CONT Members submitted additional written questions; notes from the EEAS replies to those questions (the ‘Second questionnaire’), that on 14 May 2025 the Commissioners’ Project Group on External Action endorsed a project for the modernisation of the Union delegations network; notes that the implementation of this project entails, inter alia, the centralisation of finance, contracts and audit functions for the six Western Balkans Union delegations at DG ENEST headquarters, as well as a reduction in the number of staff working on finance and contracts in those Union delegations, based on assessments carried out in consultation with legal advisers; notes that, in relation to the redundancy package, the EEAS claims that all rights under the local law and the Union’s internal rules have been respected, with financial packages for economic redundancy being the most favourable between the ones mandated by the local law and the Union ones, and this despite the concerns expressed by the local agents in the relevant Union delegations; notes further that the EEAS in collaboration with the Commission is patterning closely with local law firm who provide guidance on any local legal requirements, thus ensuring the implementation of the redundancy process in full compliance with the applicable local labour laws; call on the EEAS to fully consult the local staff representative when designing the dismissal plan for local staff; notes with concerns from the answers from the Questionnaire that if a Union delegation is relocated to a different country, such as in the event of an evacuation (e.g. Sudan sub-office moving to Egypt), local agents employed in the origin country are made redundant, leaving them behind without security; call on the EEAS to find viable solutions for the security and safety of local staff who have been working loyally in Union delegations;	36. Notes from the EEAS 2024 report that, of a total of 5 355 people working in the EEAS, 47 % were working in the EEAS headquarters and 53 % in Union delegations at the end of 2024, with 1 622 as Local Agents in Union delegations; notes that, during the Hearing, Members raised concerns regarding the alleged dismissal of local staff in certain Union delegations without due respect for local labour law; notes that, following that hearing, CONT Members submitted additional written questions; notes from the EEAS replies to those questions (the ‘Second questionnaire’), that on 14 May 2025 the Commissioners’ Project Group on External Action endorsed a project for the modernisation of the Union delegations network; notes that the implementation of this project entails, inter alia, the centralisation of finance, contracts and audit functions for the six Western Balkans Union delegations at DG ENEST headquarters, as well as a reduction in the number of staff working on finance and contracts in those Union delegations, based on assessments carried out in consultation with legal advisers; notes that, in relation to the redundancy package, the EEAS claims that all rights under the local law and the Union’s internal rules have been respected, with financial packages for economic redundancy being the most favourable between the ones mandated by the local law and the Union ones, and this despite the concerns expressed by the local agents in the relevant Union delegations; notes further that the EEAS in collaboration with the Commission is partnering closely with local law firm who provide guidance on any local legal requirements, thus ensuring the implementation of the redundancy process in full compliance with the applicable local labour laws; call on the EEAS to fully consult the local staff representative when designing the dismissal plan for local staff; notes with concerns from the answers from the Questionnaire that if a Union delegation is relocated to a different country, such as in the event of an evacuation (e.g. Sudan sub-office moving to Egypt), local agents employed in the origin country are made redundant, leaving them behind without security; call on the EEAS to find viable solutions for the security and safety of local staff who have been working loyally in Union delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 69

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 36 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	36 a. Expresses serious concern regarding reports of insufficient social dialogue and the inclusion of protected staff representatives among local agents affected by redundancies in certain Union delegations; recalls that respect for local labour law, social dialogue obligations and the protection of staff representatives are essential elements of sound administration and the Union’s credibility as an employer;

Or. en

Amendment 70

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 36 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	36 b. Stresses that any restructuring, relocation or redundancy affecting local staff must be preceded by meaningful consultation with staff representatives and accompanied by concrete measures to safeguard the rights, security and dignity of local agents, in particular in crisis or evacuation contexts; calls on the EEAS to assess and report to the discharge authority on the cost-effectiveness of staff reductions compared to alternative organisational solutions, including the long-term financial, operational and reputational impacts of redundancies affecting local staff;

Or. en

Amendment 71

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
37. Notes that 46,60 % of all EEAS staff were women in 2024 (compared to 46,80 % in 2023); notes with regard to women representation and the posts they occupied in the EEAS in 2024, that 40 % were Administrators , 63,78 % were Assistants, 73,25 % were Assistant-Secretaries, 56,70 % were Contractual Agents and 26,87 % Seconded National Experts; notes with satisfaction from the EEAS 2024 report the institution’s efforts to achieve greater representation of women in management positions; notes in this context an upward trend with regard to senior management positions, with 37,30 % of women in 2024 (compared to 31 % in 2023), but a slight decrease with regard to middle management positions with 38,70 % of women in 2024 (compared to 40,40 % in 2023); welcomes an increase from 35,50 % in 2023 to 36,10 % in 2024 with regard to representation of women in Head of Delegation positions;	37. Notes that 46,60 % of all EEAS staff were women in 2024 (compared to 46,80 % in 2023); notes with regard to women representation and the posts they occupied in the EEAS in 2024, that 40 % were Administrators , 63,78 % were Assistants, 73,25 % were Assistant-Secretaries, 56,70 % were Contractual Agents and 26,87 % Seconded National Experts; notes with satisfaction from the EEAS 2024 report the institution’s efforts to achieve greater representation of women in management positions; notes in this context an upward trend with regard to senior management positions, with 37,30 % of women in 2024 (compared to 31 % in 2023), but a slight decrease with regard to middle management positions with 38,70 % of women in 2024 (compared to 40,40 % in 2023); welcomes an increase from 35,50 % in 2023 to 36,10 % in 2024 with regard to representation of women in Head of Delegation positions; welcomes the gradual increase in the number of women in management positions within the EEAS, while noting that women continue to be underrepresented at AD level and overrepresented at AST level, and that gender balance in middle and senior management positions, both at headquarters and in Union delegations, has yet to be fully achieved; stresses that while equal opportunities must be ensured for staff within the institutions's bodies, excellence and professionalism within the EEAS must be preserved;

Or. en

Amendment 72

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 38

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
38. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS efforts to mobilise additional applications from underrepresented gender; welcomes in this context the organisation of four executive trainings on gender-responsive leadership (GRL) which reached 80 % of EEAS senior managers and a full four-month programme on GRL for 18 managers from Union delegations in 2024; notes further that the EEAS established its new Gender Focal Point network and created a Task Force on Istanbul Convention which presented in 2024 a mid-term report with an action plan; notes the work of the EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity to integrate a gender perspective in human rights dialogues and key multilateral statements and resolutions; invites on the EEAS to continue providing updates on the latest developments of the GAP for 2021-2025, and the actions taken to further promote the participation of women in all diplomatic and political dialogues;	38. Notes from the Follow-up report the EEAS efforts to mobilise additional applications from underrepresented gender; welcomes in this context the organisation of four executive trainings on gender-responsive leadership (GRL) which reached 80 % of EEAS senior managers and a full 29 hours over four-month programme on GRL for 13managers, including 4 from Union delegations in 2024; notes further that the EEAS established its new Gender Focal Point network and created a Task Force on Istanbul Convention which presented in 2024 a mid-term report with an action plan; notes the work of the EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity to integrate a gender perspective in human rights dialogues and key multilateral statements and resolutions; invites on the EEAS to continue providing updates on the latest developments of the GAP for 2021-2025, and the actions taken to further promote the participation of women in all diplomatic and political dialogues;

Or. en

Amendment 73

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 39

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
39. Notes the efforts made by the EEAS to create a diverse and representative workforce; appreciates that all Member States are represented among the EEAS staff; regrets however that certain imbalances persist, with some Member State being over-represented; notes that at the end of 2024 three Member States (one Member State in 2025) continued having no Union Ambassador, while Ambassadors from five Member States occupied 56 % of all Union’s Ambassadors posts (144), up from 54 % in 2023; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue ensuring a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels; encourages the search for employees and the promotion of recruitment processes among under-represented countries;	39. Notes with concern the persistent lack of geographical balance and regional diversity in the EEAS, including in management posts and in key headquarters functions; stresses that an EU diplomatic service must reflect the Union’s diversity to strengthen legitimacy, local knowledge and effectiveness; calls on the EEAS to adopt a time-bound Geographical Balance and Diversity Action Plan. Calls on the EEAS, in cooperation with EPSO and the Commission services responsible for selection policy, to step up targeted outreach in under-represented Member States (including “focus country” information and recruitment events), to widen the pipeline through traineeships, junior professional schemes and structured secondments, and to improve fairness in internal selection through diverse selection panels, transparent criteria and mentoring/sponsorship for under-represented groups; recalls that recruitment must remain merit-based and in line with EU law.

Or. en

Amendment 74

Cristian Terheş

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 39

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
39. Notes the efforts made by the EEAS to create a diverse and representative workforce; appreciates that all Member States are represented among the EEAS staff; regrets however that certain imbalances persist, with some Member State being over-represented; notes that at the end of 2024 three Member States (one Member State in 2025) continued having no Union Ambassador, while Ambassadors from five Member States occupied 56 % of all Union’s Ambassadors posts (144), up from 54 % in 2023; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue ensuring a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels; encourages the search for employees and the promotion of recruitment processes among under-represented countries;	39. Notes the efforts made by the EEAS to create a diverse and representative workforce; appreciates that all Member States are represented among the EEAS staff; regrets however that certain imbalances persist, with some Member State being over-represented;
	Notes with regret that analyses of the nationality composition of the EEAS indicate a persistent under-representation of several Member States, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, in AD management positions and Head of Delegation posts, despite their substantial share of the EU population;
	notes that at the end of 2024 three Member States (one Member State in 2025) continued having no Union Ambassador, while Ambassadors from five Member States occupied 56 % of all Union’s Ambassadors posts (144), up from 54 % in 2023; reiterates its call on the EEAS to continue ensuring a sound geographical balance throughout its organisation and on all levels; encourages the search for employees and the promotion of recruitment processes among under-represented countries;

Or. en

Amendment 75

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 43

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
43. Notes with satisfaction the actions taken by the EEAS in 2024 in the framework of its Diversity and Inclusion Agenda for 2023-2025, in particular targeted actions for gender, ethnicity, disability, age, and LGBTIQ+ groups; notes in this context the EEAS incorporated Diversity and Inclusion topics into training, provided information to LGBTIQ+ staff on legal and cultural situations in posting countries and reinforced its diversity recruitment efforts; commends further the EEAS for updating its Roadmap for Action on Disability, doing a survey on disability matters, producing accessibility factsheets for Union delegations conducting an accessibility assessment of its website and providing financial aid for non-medical costs to 26 staff members with children with disabilities;	43. Notes with satisfaction the actions taken by the EEAS in 2024 in the framework of its Diversity and Inclusion Agenda for 2023-2025, in particular targeted actions for gender, ethnicity, disability, age, and LGBTIQ+ groups; notes in this context the EEAS incorporated Diversity and Inclusion topics into training, provided information to LGBTIQ+ staff on legal and cultural situations in posting countries and reinforced its diversity recruitment efforts; commends further the EEAS for updating its Roadmap for Action on Disability, doing a survey on disability matters, producing accessibility factsheets for Union delegations conducting an accessibility assessment of its website and providing financial aid for non-medical costs to 26 staff members with children with disabilities; calls on the EEAS to continue to regularly train managerial and non-managerial staff on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;

Or. en

Amendment 76

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 45

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
45. Notes from the Questionnaire that, according to the definition applied by the Commission Medical Service, long-term sick leave refers to absences exceeding 20 consecutive days; notes that in 2023, 323 staff members were on long-term sick leave with an average duration of 83 days, while in 2024 this increased to 338 staff members, with a reduced average duration of 77 days; notes further that, while the exact number of burnout cases is unknown, a significant proportion of sick leave was linked to mental health concerns such as depression and burnout in 2024; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to develop a Mental Health Strategy in order to provide a structured and sustainable framework to address workplace mental health challenges, including the prevention of burnout and reintegration to work; encourages the EEAS to also establish a formal workload assessment mechanism;	45. Notes from the Questionnaire that, according to the definition applied by the Commission Medical Service, long-term sick leave refers to absences exceeding 20 consecutive days; notes that in 2023, 323 staff members were on long-term sick leave with an average duration of 83 days, while in 2024 this increased to 338 staff members, with a reduced average duration of 77 days; notes further that, while the exact number of burnout cases is unknown, a significant proportion of sick leave was linked to mental health concerns such as depression and burnout in 2024; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to develop a Mental Health Strategy in order to provide a structured and sustainable framework to address workplace mental health challenges, including the prevention of burnout and reintegration to work; encourages the EEAS to also establish a formal workload assessment mechanism; calls on the EEAS to implement a periodic workload assessment and staffing-need methodology for delegations, linked to risk level and mandate expansion, to prevent burnout and improve retention.

Or. en

Amendment 77

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce its anti-fraud framework in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;	47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; notes with concern that the Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA resigned in the context of the ongoing investigation linked to procurement irregularities and the EU Diplomatic Academy; emphasises that no conclusions should be drawn before the judicial process is concluded; underlines that Parliamentary oversight must remain vigilant to ensure procurement integrity, adherence to ethical standards, and protection of EU resources and reputation; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce its anti-fraud framework in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;

Or. en

Amendment 78

Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Julien Sanchez, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce its anti-fraud framework in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;	47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; underlines that this case constitutes a serious scandal affecting the credibility of the Union’s external action and budgetary governance; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce its anti-fraud framework in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;

Or. en

Amendment 79

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce its anti-fraud framework in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;	47. Notes with concern about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s (EPPO) investigation launched in 2025 into a potential procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interests and violation of professional secrecy case, involving strong suspicions of breaches of competition rules in connection with the award by the EEAS to the College of Europe, in the period 2021-2022, of a tender procedure for a nine-month training programme related to the implementation of a pilot project for the creation of EUDA; notes that the investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or their representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria of the tender procedure and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication by the EEAS of the tender notice; further notes that following raids within the EEAS and the College of Europe, the Belgian police detained and then released three suspects in December 2025, i.e. a former Vice-President/High Representative, currently Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EUDA, as well as the current Director General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, and a former Secretary-General of the EEAS; requests that any suspicion of fraud be duly investigated, with the full cooperation by the EEAS, and demands the EEAS to reinforce governance and ethical framework, including by strengthening its its anti-fraud framework and revolving doors policy in order to provide serious guarantees that such cases will not be repeated in the future; asks that the discharge authority be kept informed on the subsequent developments;

Or. en

Amendment 80

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Deplores that an investigation is ongoing into allegations that the public tender awarded by the European External Action Service in 2021–22 to a higher education institution to host the EU Diplomatic Academy may have been rigged in favour of the College of Europe.

Or. en

Amendment 81

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 b. Notes that such a situation risks undermining trust in EU institutions, as allegations of irregularities in public procurement can cast doubt on transparency, fairness, and equal treatment of candidates.

Or. en

Amendment 82

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 c (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 c. Remarks that even when unproven, investigations of this kind may damage the credibility of EU governance, weaken public confidence in the proper use of EU funds.

Or. en

Amendment 83

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 e (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 e. Believes that the EPPO investigations should provide for an opportunity to improve the internal governance of the EEAS, and should not be used to undermine the role of the EUDA, whose added value is to be fully recognised, in particular in views of the consistently positive feedback received from participants and Member States;

Or. en

Amendment 84

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Believes, that the case revealed by the recent criminal case and the investigations concerning the EEAS, has been proven that the European Union’s financial interests were not well protected in the European External Action Service; therefore suggest postponing the decision on granting the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy the discharge for financial year 2024;

Or. en

Amendment 85

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Understands from the follow up questions that facts related to the EPPO investigations are under strict confidentiality rules and cannot be disclosed in the context of the discharge procedure, but welcomes that the EEAS committed to make the relevant documents available once the judicial investigations are closed;

Or. en

Amendment 86

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 c (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 c. Notes that under the grant agreement entrusting the EUDA to the College of Europe, the College has an obligation to provide an expenditure verification report with its final report, prepared by an external auditor and to be submitted shortly for 2024; call on the EEAS to share this evaluation with the discharge authority to ensure accountability and transparency;

Or. en

Amendment 87

Dick Erixon, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 b. Calls on the EEAS to provide Parliament with detailed information on the implementation of the Internal Audit Service's procurement-related recommendations; requests that the EEAS publish the findings and recommendations of the Task Force established in 2024 to strengthen procurement processes, in order to allow public scrutiny of their implementation and to enable other EU institutions to benefit from the lessons learned by the EEAS in improving procurement procedures;

Or. en

Amendment 88

Dick Erixon, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Calls on the EEAS to conduct a thorough review of all past and ongoing procurement procedures and contracts with the College of Europe, particularly those related to the EU Diplomatic Academy financed through the Union budget; urges the EEAS to rigorously enforce conflict of interest rules and mandatory cooling-off periods for officials transitioning to entities holding EEAS contracts, ensuring that no such transitions compromise the integrity of public procurement procedures;

Or. en

Amendment 89

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Calls on the EEAS, without prejudice to ongoing investigations, to draw systemic lessons from this case, including by reviewing procurement governance, conflict-of-interest prevention and internal controls for training and academic partnerships, and to inform the discharge authority accordingly;

Or. en

Amendment 90

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 b (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 b. Takes note that at the end of December 2025, the EEAS initiated the review process of Council Decision establishing the EUDA by launching an independent external evaluation of the EU Diplomatic Academy and of the performance of the College of Europe in implementing the education and training activities of the EUDA; expects this evaluation to be thorough in view of the weaknesses identified and to be made available to the discharge authority;

Or. en

Amendment 91

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 d (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 d. Takes notes of the decision of the Steering Committee of the EUDA in its 18 December 2025 meeting to request the College of Europe to ensure a transparent and competitive recruitment process, based on the publication of a vacancy notice, for the appointment of a new Director of the EUDA; welcomes that the Committee further requested that the function of Director of the EUDA be separated from that of Rector of the College of Europe; calls on the Steering Committee to make this separate as legally binding for any future appointment;

Or. en

Amendment 92

Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 d (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 d. Highlights that there is an urgent need for robust safeguards, clear procedures, and effective oversight in order to uphold the highest standards of integrity at the EU level.

Or. en

Amendment 93

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	47 a. Reiterates that transparency and sound financial management in the use of EU public funds must remain a core principle for all EU institutions and bodies, including the EEAS, and that this principle is a cornerstone to maintaining citizens’ trust in the Union’s external action;

Or. en

Amendment 94

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 49

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
49. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EEAS registered two whistleblowing cases in 2024; notes that both cases were examined by OLAF and closed without recommendations, either following investigation or at the selection stage; notes with satisfaction from the EEAS 2024 report that the EEAS started working on developing its own whistleblower policy; asks that Parliament is updated on the progress made in this matter;	49. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EEAS registered two whistleblowing cases in 2024; notes that both cases were examined by OLAF and closed without recommendations, either following investigation or at the selection stage; notes with satisfaction from the EEAS 2024 report that the EEAS started working on developing its own whistleblower policy; asks that Parliament is updated on the progress made in this matter; insists that the EEAS whistleblower framework include confidential reporting, protection against retaliation for all categories of staff including local agents, and annual anonymised reporting on cases and outcomes.

Or. en

Amendment 95

Mariusz Kamiński, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 52 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	52 a. Deplores the fact that the EEAS has failed to carry out proper reviews of the implementation of cooperation agreements with third countries, including the assessment of compliance with their conditions and human rights clauses; stresses that this failure is particularly evident in the case of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba, which, ten years after its signature, has failed across all areas, from respect for human rights, including the imprisonment of over one thousand political prisoners by the end of 2025, to Havana's harmful impact on European security, including close political and military cooperation with the regimes in Moscow and Minsk, as manifested in particular by the fact that Cubans have become the largest group of mercenaries supporting Russian forces in their aggression against Ukraine and by their involvement in acts of sabotage on EU territory, as recently demonstrated in Lithuania; notes that, despite blatant violations of numerous provisions of the Agreement, neither the suspension nor the termination clauses have been activated, while EU financial resources have continued to flow to Cuba, where the communist regime controls the entire economy, misuses those funds, and derives political legitimacy from the ongoing cooperation under the PDCA; considers that such regimes must not continue to benefit from privileged cooperation with the European Union and that EU taxpayers’ money must not serve such regimes; therefore calls for the activation of Article 86 of the Agreement and for its termination; calls on the European Court of Auditors to urgently examine all EU support granted to Cuba since 2016;

Or. en

Amendment 96

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
53. Notes that, in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission, the Vice-President/High Representative is bound by the rules of the Transparency Register; stresses that while the EEAS is not an Institution within the meaning of Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union and does not have a direct role in Union law, it does, however, have an important role in Union law with regard to decisions concerning sanctions and the negotiation of international trade agreements, which have a considerable regulatory impact; notes that it would be of great relevance for the EEAS to adopt transparency measures and notify them to the management board of the Transparency Register; notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report that the Vice-President/High Representative initiated a broader discussion on addressing the matter in external dimension with recommendations expected by the end of 2025; invites the EEAS to keep Parliament updated on the progress made in this matter;	53. Notes that, in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission, the Vice-President/High Representative is bound by the rules of the Transparency Register; stresses that while the EEAS is not an Institution within the meaning of Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union and does not have a direct role in Union law, it does, however, have an important role in Union law with regard to decisions concerning sanctions and the negotiation of international trade agreements, which have a considerable regulatory impact; calls on the EEAS to adopt internal transparency measures aligned with the Transparency Register’s standards, including proactive publication of high-level meetings of relevant top management where this does not compromise security-sensitive diplomacy for the EEAS; notes with satisfaction from the Follow-up report that the Vice-President/High Representative initiated a broader discussion on addressing the matter in external dimension with recommendations expected by the end of 2025; invites the EEAS to keep Parliament updated on the progress made in this matter;

Or. en

Amendment 97

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	53 a. Recalls the Treaty on the European Union, that the EU and its institutions, shall respect the equality of Member States before the Treaties as well as their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government;

Or. en

Amendment 98

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
54. Notes that during the Hearing, CONT Members expressed concerns with regard to the use of a Signal chat by the Vice-President/High Representative to communicate with Foreign Ministers of Members States; notes that such concerns were linked to the lack of transparency and risks of possible spying activities; notes from the EEAS replies to the Second questionnaire that the Signal chat in question is open to Member States’ Ministers for Foreign Affairs only, solely for informal exchanges, coordinating meetings or sharing updates and never as decision-making tool, whereas substantive discussions and the formulation of political positions occur within the relevant structures of the Council;	54. Notes that during the Hearing, CONT Members expressed concerns with regard to the use of a Signal chat by the Vice-President/High Representative to communicate with Foreign Ministers of Members States; notes that such concerns were linked to the lack of transparency and risks of possible spying activities; notes from the EEAS replies to the Second questionnaire that the Signal chat in question is open to Member States’ Ministers for Foreign Affairs only, solely for informal exchanges, coordinating meetings or sharing updates and never as decision-making tool, whereas substantive discussions and the formulation of political positions occur within the relevant structures of the Council; recalls that even informal digital communication tools used at political level should be accompanied by clear guidance on cybersecurity, record-keeping and institutional memory, in order to safeguard transparency, accountability and the integrity of Union decision-making;

Or. en

Amendment 99

Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	54 a. Calls on the EEAS to draw lessons learned and conclusions on its own internal rules and procedures taking into account the revision of the Parliament’s Rules of procedure and Code of conduct in September 2023, however recommends the institution to come up with further and stronger ways to step up against fraud and to fully protect the EU’s financial interests;

Or. en

Amendment 100

Damian Boeselager

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 56 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	56 a. Stresses that the deployment of artificial intelligence tools in external action must be accompanied by strict safeguards on data protection, fundamental rights, transparency and human oversight, including in Union delegations and cooperation with third-country partners; calls for regular reporting to Parliament on implementation of the EEAS Artificial Intelligence Strategy;

Or. en

Amendment 101

Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Olivier Chastel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Gilles Boyer, Michal Wiezik

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 57

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
57. Commends the EEAS for its actions to enhance cybersecurity preparedness, through regular security briefings covering a broad range of staff and affiliates, along with training sessions organised upon request from different user groups, including Regional Security Officers (RSOs) and Union Delegation Security Coordinators (DSCs) and phishing exercises; looks forward to the introduction of mandatory cybersecurity training for all EEAS’ members of staff; notes with satisfaction from the Questionnaire the tools - such as the EEAS’ Security Operations Centre - with which the EEAS is equipped to monitor cyber threats and identify security vulnerabilities in real-time;	57. Commends the EEAS for its actions to enhance cybersecurity preparedness, through regular security briefings covering a broad range of staff and affiliates, along with training sessions organised upon request from different user groups, including Regional Security Officers (RSOs) and Union Delegation Security Coordinators (DSCs) and phishing exercises; calls on the EEAS to provide regular mandatory cybersecurity training for all EEAS’ members of staff; notes with satisfaction from the Questionnaire the tools - such as the EEAS’ Security Operations Centre - with which the EEAS is equipped to monitor cyber threats and identify security vulnerabilities in real-time;

Or. en

Amendment 102

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 58

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
58. Commends the EEAS for the digital tools and systems it uses in the fight against FIMI, such as FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre or the Rapid Alert System; notes further from the Questionnaire the launch of an e-learning course on countering disinformation, accessible to all Union institutions, and the completion of a CSDP handbook on disinformation designed to support field staff in Union military and civilian missions; observes the ongoing development of the EUvsDisinfo awareness-raising initiative;	58. Commends the EEAS for the digital tools and systems it uses in the fight against FIMI, such as FIMI Information Sharing and Analysis Centre or the Rapid Alert System; notes further from the Questionnaire the launch of an e-learning course on countering disinformation, accessible to all Union institutions, and the completion of a CSDP handbook on disinformation designed to support field staff in Union military and civilian missions; welcomes the ongoing development of the EUvsDisinfo awareness-raising initiative and stresses the importance of further collaborations with EU Member States in order to tackle more efficiently hybrid threats on the ground;

Or. en

Amendment 103

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 59

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
59. Notes from the Questionnaire and the EEAS 2024 report that the EEAS detected approximately 27 000 alerts, of which 348 required further investigation; observes that 57 of the latter were confirmed as attacks, and 5 had a significant impact on the EEAS operations; notes with satisfaction that the EEAS identified the attackers’ tactics, techniques, and procedures and used this analysis to strengthen its countermeasures; asks for clarification regarding the extent to which these attacks affected the institution’s activities;	59. Notes from the Questionnaire and the EEAS 2024 report that the EEAS detected approximately 27 000 alerts, of which 348 required further investigation; observes that 57 of the latter were confirmed as cyberattacks, and 5 had a significant impact on the EEAS operations; notes with satisfaction that the EEAS identified the attackers’ tactics, techniques, and procedures and used this analysis to strengthen its countermeasures; asks for clarification regarding the extent to which these attacks affected the institution’s activities;

Or. en

Amendment 104

Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 60 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	60 a. Notes that the EEAS manages nearly 328 diplomatic missions and offices worldwide and that more than EUR 61 million was committed in 2024 for buildings and related costs; regrets that progress in accelerating the policy of co-location with other Union services and Member States has been slow; recalls that co-location is a proven instrument to pool resources, reduce operational costs and generate short-term budgetary savings, while strengthening coordination on the ground; calls on the EEAS to make more systematic use of co-location wherever feasible;

Or. en

Amendment 105

Dick Erixon

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 61

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
61. Notes that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations and reinforcing the One Delegation principle; observes that ongoing modernisation seeks to enhance efficiency and align the network with Union’s priorities while addressing budgetary constraints; underlines that, until financial conditions improve, strict savings measures, cost-sharing discussions with the Commission, and targeted reinforcement of key Union delegations will continue; expresses some concerns about the plan to reduce the dimension of some Union delegations and to cut staff in a shift from its original focus on development aid and economic cooperation to some strategic interests, which seems to penalise the Southern Neighbourhood; call on the EEAS to maintain its pivotal role and strategic priority in the Mediterranean region based on a comprehensive assessment of the Union’s geopolitical challenges;	61. Regrets that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations;

Or. en

Amendment 106

José Cepeda, Nacho Sánchez Amor

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 61

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
61. Notes that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations and reinforcing the One Delegation principle; observes that ongoing modernisation seeks to enhance efficiency and align the network with Union’s priorities while addressing budgetary constraints; underlines that, until financial conditions improve, strict savings measures, cost-sharing discussions with the Commission, and targeted reinforcement of key Union delegations will continue; expresses some concerns about the plan to reduce the dimension of some Union delegations and to cut staff in a shift from its original focus on development aid and economic cooperation to some strategic interests, which seems to penalise the Southern Neighbourhood; call on the EEAS to maintain its pivotal role and strategic priority in the Mediterranean region based on a comprehensive assessment of the Union’s geopolitical challenges;	61. Welcomes that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations and reinforcing the One Delegation principle; observes that ongoing modernisation seeks to enhance efficiency and align the network with Union’s priorities while addressing budgetary constraints; underlines that, until financial conditions improve, strict savings measures, cost-sharing discussions with the Commission, and targeted reinforcement of key Union delegations will continue; expresses concerns about the plan to implement new distinctions in terms of categories and resourcing among delegations; deplores that reducing the dimension of some Union delegations and cutting staff, in a shift from its original focus on development aid and economic cooperation to some strategic interests, risks undermining the operational activities and presence of the EU in third countries, and hampering the EEAS´ ability to fulfil its mandate and defend Union values, with particular incidence to EU relations with the Global South and the Southern Neighbourhood; call on the EEAS to maintain its pivotal role and strategic priority in the Mediterranean region based on a comprehensive assessment of the Union’s geopolitical challenges;

Or. en

Amendment 107

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 61

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
61. Notes that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations and reinforcing the One Delegation principle; observes that ongoing modernisation seeks to enhance efficiency and align the network with Union’s priorities while addressing budgetary constraints; underlines that, until financial conditions improve, strict savings measures, cost-sharing discussions with the Commission, and targeted reinforcement of key Union delegations will continue; expresses some concerns about the plan to reduce the dimension of some Union delegations and to cut staff in a shift from its original focus on development aid and economic cooperation to some strategic interests, which seems to penalise the Southern Neighbourhood; call on the EEAS to maintain its pivotal role and strategic priority in the Mediterranean region based on a comprehensive assessment of the Union’s geopolitical challenges;	61. Notes that the EEAS reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the network of 145 Union delegations and reinforcing the One Delegation principle; observes that ongoing modernisation seeks to enhance efficiency and align the network with Union’s priorities while addressing budgetary constraints; underlines that, until financial conditions improve, strict savings measures, cost-sharing discussions with the Commission, and targeted reinforcement of key Union delegations will continue; expresses some concerns about the plan to reduce the dimension of some Union delegations and to cut staff in a shift from its original focus on development aid and economic cooperation to some strategic interests, which seems to penalise the Southern Neighbourhood; call on the EEAS to maintain its pivotal role and strategic priority in the Mediterranean region based on a comprehensive assessment of the Union’s geopolitical challenges; stresses that the EEAS must sustain a high level of engagement with the Eastern neighbouring countries, which are key strategic partners for the EU’s security, stability and resilience;

Or. en

Amendment 108

Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 62 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	62 a. Calls on the EEAS to strengthen practical coordination mechanisms with the Member States’ diplomatic missions in third countries, including through shared services, joint logistical arrangements and enhanced information-sharing, in order to maximise efficiency and ensure optimal use of the EU and national resources;

Or. en

Amendment 109

Ondřej Knotek, Virginie Joron, Tamás Deutsch

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 73 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	73 a. Recalls that, in accordance with the Treaties, the Union’s external action and the European External Action Service are intended to support, coordinate and complement the diplomatic action of the Member States; underlines the importance of close cooperation in order to avoid inefficiencies;

Or. en

Amendment 110

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 74

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
74. Welcomes the fact that EEAS communication actions are coordinated and harmonised with other institutions through the EU Communication Directors’ network, interinstitutional platforms with Parliament and the Commission and the RELEX subgroup on Protection of Cultural Heritage and Internal Cultural Relations;	74. Welcomes the fact that EEAS communication actions are coordinated and harmonised with other institutions through the EU Communication Directors’ network, interinstitutional platforms with Parliament and the Commission and the RELEX subgroup on Protection of Cultural Heritage and International Cultural Relations;

Or. en

Amendment 111

Andrey Kovatchev

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 77

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
77. Encourages the continuation of the process of increasing communication with third-country nationals on Union policy, as well as increased coordination efforts to raise the profile of Union-funded projects, particularly in candidate countries, in order to counter attempts by actors acting in bad faith to undermine the Union’s efforts;	77. Encourages the continuation of the process of increasing communication with third-country nationals on Union policy, as well as increased coordination efforts to raise the profile of Union-funded projects, particularly in candidate countries, in order to counter attempts by actors acting in bad faith to undermine the Union’s efforts; reiterates, furthermore, its call on the Commission to ensure full visibility and public awareness of the EU’s support and investments in third countries with a clear signposting and the flag of the EU;

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Amendment 112

Pasquale Tridico

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 78 a (new)

Motion for a resolution	Amendment
	78 a. Notes that the EEAS reached, through its EUvsDisinfo campaign, over 38 million users and documented more than 18,000 cases, demonstrating the scale and systemic nature of pro-Kremlin disinformation in 2024;

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