On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2022

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SUGGESTIONS

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety calls on the Committee on Budgets, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions into its motion for a resolution:

1. Stresses that the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides sound, independent information on the environment; commends the quality of its outputs released in 2022, such as the Trends and projections in Europe 2022 Report, an overview of progress on emission reductions, renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency gains; the support to the EU biodiversity strategy for protected areas and nature restoration; the delivery of the Zero pollution monitoring assessment, which measures progress under the zero pollution action plan;

2. Recalls that, in 2022, the EEA undertook new tasks in support of the green transition and the implementation of the European Climate Law, such as the launch of the European Scientific Advisory Board for Climate Change, while linking actions to the EU adaptation strategy, growing the EEA's role in supporting the delivery of Europe's climate targets.

3. Notes that in 2021, the EEA's total budget was EUR 92 857 777, of which EUR 49 682 516 came from the general budget of the Union;

4. Notes with satisfaction that EEA achieved excellent budget implementation in 2022, with cancelled appropriations well below the 3% threshold and that a positive budgetary outturn of EUR 251 876 is to be reimbursed to the Commission.

5. Acknowledges that the delivery rates for EEA key performance indicators 2022 were high, with a budget execution rate of 95% of the annual budget, 95% delivery rate of key reports and assessments, and high engagement with key stakeholders and network partners throughout the year.

6. Notes that, 2022 being an extreme year for climate and weather events, this resulted in significant media interest and an EEA media coverage increase by 20% compared to 2021, reaching 27,818 articles; notes that EEA combined social media reach amounted to 224,000 followers across channels, growing by 8% compared with 2021.

7. Notes that the EEA has 243 posts, out of which 85% are dedicated to operational activities and 15% to support; considers that, in order to properly perform the tasks on the Union’s path to climate neutrality, this number should grow in the years to come;

8. Invites the EEA to continue promoting cooperation with other Union agencies and international organisations, and fostering dialogue with stakeholders and citizens;

9. Recommends, based on the facts available, that discharge be granted to the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency in respect of the implementation of the Agency's budget for the financial year 2022.