Sittings · Document

OPINION (2024/2051(INI)) 2025-04-09

On a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs · Rapporteur: Loucas Fourlas

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AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs submits the following to the Committee on Budgets, as the committee responsible :

Amendment 1

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’),

Amendment 2

Motion for a resolution

Citation 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the European Court of Auditors special report of 2021 on ‘Gender mainstreaming in the EU budget’,

Amendment 3

Motion for a resolution

Citation 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the UN instruments on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the recommendations and reports of the UN Universal Periodic Review, the case-law of the UN Treaty Bodies and the special procedures of the Human Rights Council,

Amendment 4

Motion for a resolution

Citation 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights of 19 December 2023 entitled ‘EU funds: Ensuring compliance with fundamental rights’,

Amendment 5

Motion for a resolution

Citation 17 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Article 9 of the Common Provisions Regulation on horizontal principles and to Article 15(1) of Annex III on horizontal enabling conditions, in particular regarding respect for fundamental rights and compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

Amendment 6

Motion for a resolution

Citation 17 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023, 30 June 2023 and 19 December 2024,

Amendment 7

Motion for a resolution

Recital -A (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

-A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (Union values); whereas the Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples; whereas the Union shall offer its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers;

Amendment 8

Motion for a resolution

Recital F a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

F a. whereas breaches of the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU undermine the cohesion of the European project, erode the rights of EU citizens and weaken mutual trust among Member States;

Amendment 9

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is every bit as challenging, with the established global and geopolitical order changing quickly and radically and the Union budget needing to change accordingly;

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is every bit as challenging, from our security at home to the rapid and radical changes to the established global and geopolitical order, amplified by the return of large-scale wars in our neighbourhood that threaten the security of the EU, its Member States and its citizens, and the Union budget needing to change accordingly;

Amendment 10

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 1

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

1. Underlines that the post-2027 long-term budget must be designed and resourced so as to enable the Union to deliver on its policy objectives, tackle the growing challenges it faces, manage and repay its debt sustainably, respond to shocks and crises and adjust to evolving spending needs;

Amendment 11

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 3

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

3. Emphasises that the post-2027 MFF must also become simpler and more transparent and be protected against misuse, fraud and breaches of the principles of the rule of law and the Union’s values;

3. Emphasises that the post-2027 MFF must also become simpler and more transparent and be protected against misuse, fraud and breaches of the principles of the rule of law and all other Union values enshrined in Article 2 TEU;

Amendment 12

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4. Underlines that a simpler, more flexible MFF requires more robust parliamentary accountability;

4. Underlines that a simpler, more flexible MFF must fully respect Parliament’s role as co-legislator for the duration of the next programming period, including through mid-term revisions of the MFF-related basic acts and requires more transparency and robust parliamentary scrutiny and accountability;

Amendment 13

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 4 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

4 a. Highlights the importance of safeguarding the progress achieved so far in key areas of EU policies, including fundamental rights; emphasises the need to ensure that the post-2027 MFF does not lead to backtracking on the progress made;

Amendment 14

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

5. Considers that, in view of the structural challenges facing the Union, the post-2027 MFF should adjust its spending focus to ensure that the Union can meet its strategic policy aims as detailed below;

5. Considers that, against the background of growing threats and structural challenges facing the Union, the post-2027 MFF should focus its spending to ensure that the Union can meet its strategic policy aims as detailed below;

Amendment 15

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6. Is convinced that boosting competitiveness, decarbonising the economy and enhancing the Union’s innovation capacity are central priorities for the post-2027 MFF and are vital to ensure long-term, sustainable and inclusive growth and a more resilient economy and society;

6. Is convinced that boosting competitiveness, decarbonising the economy and enhancing the Union’s innovation capacity are central priorities for the post-2027 MFF and are vital to ensure long-term, secure, sustainable and inclusive growth and a more resilient economy and society;

Amendment 16

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 19

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

19. Stresses that cohesion policy funding must tackle the key challenges the Union faces, such as demographic change and depopulation, and target the regions and people most in need; highlights, in particular, the importance of enhanced support to address the EU-wide housing crisis affecting millions of families and young people;

19. Stresses that cohesion policy funding must tackle key challenges the Union faces, such as demographic change and depopulation, and target the regions and people most in need; highlights, in particular, the importance of enhanced support to address the EU-wide housing crisis affecting millions of families and vulnerable young and elderly people who cannot fully enjoy their rights and often face discrimination;

Amendment 17

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Points out that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has had substantial economic and social consequences, in particular in Member States bordering Russia; insists that the next MFF provide support to these regions;

20. Points out that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, supported by Belarus, and hybrid actions have had substantial negative economic, security and social consequences, in particular in Member States bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine; insists that the next MFF provide support to these regions;

Amendment 18

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 24

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

24. Points to the profound technological shift under way, with new technologies such as artificial intelligence both creating opportunities, in terms of economic potential and improvements to the citizens’ lives, and posing reliability and ethical challenges; stresses that the next MFF must support the development and safe application of such technologies and help people to hone the skills they need to work with and use them;

24. Points to the profound technological shift under way, with new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) both creating opportunities, in terms of economic potential and improvements to the citizens’ lives, and posing reliability, ethical and legal challenges; stresses that the next MFF must significantly boost development and innovation in this sector, ensure the safe application of secure AI technologies with a human-centric approach, and help people to hone the knowledge and skills they need to work with and use them, while ensuring a high level of protection of fundamental rights, including democracy and the rule of law; highlights that investing in reskilling and upskilling tools is essential to facilitate the transition;

Amendment 19

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 25

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

25. Recalls that security is the foundation for the Union’s prosperity and social model and that the next MFF must invest significantly more in safeguarding the Union against the myriad threats it faces;

25. Recalls that security is the foundation for the Union’s prosperity and social model and that the next MFF must invest significantly more in safeguarding the Union and its citizens against the numerous internal and external threats it faces; underlines that safeguarding security is essential to preserving the Schengen area and freedom of movement;

Amendment 20

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 26

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

26. Underlines that, as the Niinistö report makes clear, the fragmenting global order, increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events, the security threat posed by Russia, growing tensions globally, hybrid campaigns, which include cyberattacks, foreign information manipulation, disinformation and interference and the instrumentalisation of migration, and health threats are combining to heighten instability and increase the Union’s vulnerability;

26. Underlines that, as the Niinistö report makes clear, the fragmenting global order, increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events, the security threat posed by terrorism, international organised crime, hostile actors such as Russia, growing tensions globally, hybrid campaigns, which include cyberattacks, foreign information manipulation, physical sabotage of critical infrastructure, disinformation, intimidation and interference – particularly in electoral processes – and the instrumentalisation of migration, as well as violent extremism and health threats are combining to heighten instability and increase the Union’s vulnerability;

Amendment 21

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 28 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

28 a. Underlines the role of the EU budget in developing critical and dual-use technologies to strengthen the EU’s autonomy, infrastructure, strategic reserves and long-term capabilities, while reducing external dependencies; calls for a comprehensive approach on investments in AI, cybersecurity, cloud systems and connectivity to ensure interoperability and support a competitive, resilient European security industry;

Amendment 22

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 29

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

29. Underscores the importance of a competitive and resilient European defence technological and industrial base and considers that joint EU-level investment in defence can generate economies of scale, and thus significant savings for Member States, and help ensure the interoperability of equipment and systems; points to the need to direct support towards the defence industry within the Union, thus creating quality high-skilled jobs;

Amendment 23

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 30 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

30 a. Highlights that hybrid threats and attacks can trigger large-scale crises, harming citizens’ safety and well-being, societal stability, and the economy, posing a major challenge to the Union’s internal security; stresses the need for a stronger EU preparedness approach, enhancing strategic foresight, early warning and coordination; underlines the importance of equipping the Union with flexible tools, including financial resources, to address new security challenges swiftly and effectively;

Amendment 24

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 31

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

31. Emphasises that the Union needs to ramp up funding for preparedness across the board; underlines that, in addition to efforts to mitigate climate change through the green transition, significant investment is required to adapt to climate change, in particular to protect against and reduce the impact of natural disasters and severe weather events; considers that support for this purpose must be significantly increased in the next MFF;

31. Emphasises that the Union needs to ramp up funding for civilian and military preparedness and readiness across the board, in particular to foster coordination and cooperation, civil protection capabilities and public-private partnerships, embracing the ‘whole of society’ approach;

Amendment 25

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 31 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

31 a. Stresses the need to strengthen the budget for EU cross-border police, judicial and inter-agency cooperation to enhance Member States’ coordinated responses to transnational crime and security threats such as terrorism; considers, in particular, that adequate funds should be allocated to fostering joint prevention measures, information sharing, joint investigations and operations, and effective prosecution; insists on proper funding and staffing for all EU JHA agencies and bodies that ensure the Union’s safety and best interests;

Amendment 26

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33. Underlines that, with technological change, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors to spread disinformation, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced cybersecurity; points to the importance of digital and media literacy and critical thinking in this regard, and to the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives in these areas;

33. Underlines that, with technological change and digitalisation, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors such as Russia to spread disinformation, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests, impacting both online and offline spheres; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced and robust cybersecurity capabilities and democratic and societal resilience, and ensure full resourcing of EU tools to counter interference and disinformation; points to the importance of digital and media literacy and critical thinking, and to the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives in these areas, such as training, online tools and awareness-raising campaigns; underlines that these initiatives should be targeted at all citizens, including marginalised and vulnerable groups;

Amendment 27

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33 a. Stresses that in light of the rapid development of information technology and the associated risks, the next MFF should support flexible and effective responses to the evolving security and crime environment; emphasises that attention should be paid to fostering cross-border measures aimed at prevention, cooperation and the fight against online crime, in particular affecting women and children, such as gender-based violence and child sexual abuse;

Amendment 28

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34. Underscores the importance of continued funding, in the next MFF, for effective protection of the EU’s external borders; underlines the need to counter trafficking networks and address hybrid attacks and the instrumentalisation of migrants, in particular by a third country or a hostile non-state actor;

34. Underscores the importance of continued funding, in the next MFF, for effective protection of the EU’s external borders; underlines the need to counter transnational criminal networks and better protect victims of trafficking networks, and to strengthen resilience and response capabilities to address hybrid attacks and the instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries or hostile non-state actors;

Amendment 29

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34 a. Highlights, in particular, the need for adequate financial support to frontline Member States, to ensure they have the resources to maintain facilities and installations necessary to secure the external borders of the EU, including electronic border security enhancements and other tools for border surveillance;

Amendment 30

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 34 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

34 b. Underlines that, in addition to efforts to mitigate climate change through the green transition, significant investment is required to adapt to climate change, in particular to protect against and reduce the impact of natural disasters and severe weather events; considers that support for this purpose must be significantly increased in the next MFF;

Amendment 31

Motion for a resolution

Subheading 5

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

External action and enlargement

Migration, external action and enlargement

Amendment 32

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37 a. Stresses that instability in neighbouring regions, poverty, underlying trends in economic development and demographic changes continue to generate migration flows towards the Union, placing significant pressure on asylum and migration systems; underlines that the post-2027 MFF must support the full and swift implementation of the Union’s Asylum and Migration Pact, as well as effective return and readmission policies, in line with fundamental rights and Union values, including the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility; underlines, moreover, that, in line with the Pact, the EU must pursue enhanced cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships with third countries on migration, with adequate parliamentary scrutiny, and that such cooperation must abide by EU and international law;

Amendment 33

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 38

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

38. Underlines that the budget must uphold the Union’s role as the world’s leading provider of development aid and climate finance in line with the Union’s global obligations and commitments; insists that the budget must continue to support the Union in its efforts to defend the rules-based international order, democracy, multilateralism, human rights and fundamental values;

Amendment 34

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

40. Emphasises that, in a context in which global actors are increasingly using trade interdependence as a means of economic coercion, the Union must bolster its capacity to protect and advance its own strategic interests, develop more robust tools to counter coercion and ensure genuine reciprocity in its partnerships;

Amendment 35

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 43

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

43. Stresses that financial support must be conditional on the implementation of reforms and adherence to Union values; emphasises, in this regard, the need for a strong governance model that ensures parliamentary accountability, oversight and control;

43. Stresses that financial support must be conditional on adherence to Union values, respect of obligations stemming from international law and the implementation of reforms, but also on the condition of having stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, respect for minorities, and their protection; emphasises, in this regard, the need for a strong governance model that ensures parliamentary accountability, oversight and control;

Amendment 36

Motion for a resolution

Subheading 6

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Fundamental rights, Union values and the rule of law

Union values: democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights

Amendment 37

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46. Emphasises the importance of the Union budget in promoting and protecting democracy and the Union’s values, fostering the Union’s common cultural heritage and European integration, enhancing citizen engagement and youth participation and promoting fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law; points to the importance of independence of justice, the sound functioning of national institutions, support for civil society and de-oligarchisation;

46. Emphasises the importance of the Union budget in promoting and protecting democracy and the Union’s values, enshrined in Article 2 TEU, fostering the Union’s common cultural heritage and European integration, enhancing citizen engagement and youth participation and protecting and promoting fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter and the rule of law; points to the importance of independence, quality and efficiency of the judiciary, in particular its independence from political interference, the sound functioning of democratic institutions, independence and pluralism of the media, the transparency and anti-corruption framework, good governance, checks and balances, promoting equality for all and efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, including racism;

Amendment 38

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

47. Stresses that instability in neighbouring regions, poverty, underlying trends in economic development and demographic changes continue to generate migration flows towards the Union, placing significant pressure on asylum and migration systems; underlines that the post-2027 MFF must support the full implementation of the Union’s Asylum and Migration Pact, in line with fundamental rights and EU values; underlines, moreover, that, in line with the Pact, cooperation with third countries on migration must abide by EU law and respect international standards;

deleted

Amendment 39

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

47 a. Stresses the importance of a well-funded, independent and diverse media landscape in fostering democracy and addressing harmful threats to and attacks against the European Union, such as disinformation and foreign interference; calls for the highest standards of media freedom and editorial independence for journalists to be upheld through enhanced direct funding and support mechanisms; urges the strengthening of existing EU actions to protect media freedom, preventing concentration of media ownership and safeguarding the independence of media regulators; calls for funds to be allocated to initiatives supporting independent journalism and media in both EU Member States and candidate countries;

Amendment 40

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 47 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

47 b. Points to the need to ensure sufficient funding for civil society organisations which promote and protect democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights at local, national and European levels; stresses that the additional funding should be made available to address the gaps created by withdrawal of international donors for organisations which are engaged in upholding the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU; emphasises that the funds should be accessible to grassroots civil society actors operating at the level of local communities while respecting the rules of sound financial management and transparency standards; underlines the essential role of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme, including its Daphne strand, in promoting European values and citizens’ rights, and stresses the need to continue at least equivalent support for civil society under the next MFF;

Amendment 41

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 48

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

48. Highlights the importance of strong links between respect for the rule of law and access to EU funds under the current MFF; believes that the protection of the Union’s financial interests depends on respect for the rule of law at national level; welcomes, in particular, the positive impact of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation in protecting the Union’s financial interests in cases of systemic and persistent breaches of the rule of law; calls on the Commission and the Council to apply the regulation strictly, consistently and without undue delay wherever necessary; emphasises that decisions to suspend or reduce Union funding over breaches of the rule of law must be based on objective criteria and not be guided by other considerations, nor be the outcome of negotiations;

48. Underlines that compliance with Union values is a fundamental pre-requisite to access EU funds; believes that the protection of the Union’s financial interests depends on respect for the rule of law at national level as it affects the sound management of EU funds, mutual recognition of judgments, mutual trust and the functioning of the single market, and on the quality, complementarity and credibility of our rule of law toolbox; welcomes, in particular, the positive impact of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation in protecting the Union’s financial interests in cases of systemic and persistent breaches of the rule of law; calls on the Commission and the Council to apply the regulation strictly, uniformly, consistently and without undue delay wherever necessary; emphasises that decisions regarding the suspension or reduction of Union funding over breaches of the rule of law must be based on objective criteria, on effective and lasting improvements observed on the ground, and not be guided by other considerations, nor be the outcome of negotiations;

Amendment 42

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 49

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

49. Points to the need for a strong link between the rule of law and the Union budget post-2027 and welcomes the Commission’s intention to bolster links between the recommendations in the annual rule of law report and access to funds through the budget; calls on the Commission to outline, in the annual rule of law report from 2025 onwards, the extent to which identified weaknesses in rule of law regimes potentially pose a risk to the Union budget; welcomes, furthermore, the link between respect for Union values and the implementation of the budget and calls on the Commission to actively monitor Member States’ compliance with this principle;

49. Points to the need for a stronger link between the rule of law and other Union values, and the Union budget post-2027 and welcomes the Commission’s intention to bolster links between the recommendations in the annual rule of law report and access to funds through the budget; calls on the Commission to outline, in the annual rule of law report and the report on the application of the Charter from 2025 onwards, the extent to which identified weaknesses potentially pose a risk to the Union budget and proper functioning of the single market; calls on the Commission to adjust its reports so that the recommendations are accompanied by clear objectives to be achieved, deadlines and sanctions in case of non-compliance; calls on the Commission to actively monitor Member States’ and accession countries’ compliance with those recommendations, and to ensure that social and economic rights are equally protected and promoted, and that marginalised groups are not excluded from benefiting from Union funds;

Amendment 43

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 50

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

50. Calls for the consolidation of a robust rule of law toolbox, building on the current conditionality provisions under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the horizontal enabling conditions in the Common Provisions Regulation; underlines the need for far greater transparency and consistency with regard to the application of tools to protect the rule of law and for Parliament’s role to be strengthened in the application and scrutiny of such measures; insists, furthermore, on the need for consistency across instruments when assessing breaches of the rule of law in Member States;

50. Calls for the improvement and consolidation of a robust rule of law toolbox, building on the current conditionality provisions under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the horizontal enabling conditions in the Common Provisions Regulation, and the relevant provisions of the Financial Regulation, which should be consistently applied across all EU funds under the new MFF; underlines the need for far greater transparency and consistency with regard to the application of tools to protect the rule of law and for Parliament’s role to be strengthened in the application and scrutiny of such measures; insists, furthermore, on the need for consistency across instruments when assessing breaches of the rule of law in Member States; against this background, acknowledges the key role that the EU JHA agencies and bodies play in ensuring the protection of the EU’s financial interests, in the framework of an effective EU anti-fraud and anti-corruption architecture;

Amendment 44

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 51

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

51. Recalls that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation provides that final recipients should not be deprived of the benefits of EU funds in the event of sanctions being applied to their government; believes that, to date, this provision has not been effective and stresses the importance of applying a smart conditionality approach so that beneficiaries are not penalised because of their government’s actions; calls on the Commission to explore additional ways of ensuring that local and regional authorities, civil society and other beneficiaries can continue to benefit from Union funding in cases of breaches of the rule of law by national governments without weakening the application of the regulation;

51. Recalls that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation provides that final recipients should not be deprived of the benefits of EU funds in the event of measures being applied to their Member State or its government entities; believes that, to date, this provision has not been effective and stresses the importance of applying a smart conditionality approach so that beneficiaries are not penalised because of their government’s actions; calls on the Commission to explore additional ways of ensuring that local and regional authorities, civil society and other beneficiaries can continue to benefit from Union funding in cases of breaches of the rule of law by Member States without weakening the application of the regulation and the proper management of EU funds;

Amendment 45

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 52

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

52. Stresses that a long-term budget that is fully aligned with the Union’s strategic aims requires that key objectives be mainstreamed across the budget through a set of horizontal principles, building on the lessons from the current MFF;

52. Stresses that a long-term budget that is fully aligned with the Union’s strategic aims and principles requires that key objectives be mainstreamed across the budget through a set of horizontal principles, building on the lessons from the current MFF;

Amendment 46

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

53. Underlines, therefore, that the next MFF must ensure that, across the board, spending programmes pursue climate and biodiversity objectives, promote and protect rights and equal opportunities for all, including gender equality, support competitiveness and bolster the Union’s preparedness against threats;

53. Underlines, therefore, that the next MFF must ensure that, across the board, spending programmes pursue the security of the Union and its citizens and climate and biodiversity objectives, promote and protect fundamental rights and equal opportunities for all, including firm commitment to advancing gender equality, support competitiveness and bolster the Union’s preparedness and readiness against threats;

Amendment 47

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

54. Points out that effective mainstreaming is best achieved through a toolbox of measures, primarily through policy design, thorough impact assessments and solid tracking of spending and, in specific cases, spending targets; stresses the importance of gender mainstreaming in EU policies, programmes and initiatives, so as to deliver equality in practice;

Amendment 48

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 58

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

58. Regrets that the Union’s ability to implement policy effectively within the current MFF has been undermined by stretched administrative resources and a dogmatic attachment to a policy of stable staffing, despite increasing demands and responsibilities; points, for example, to the failure to provide sufficient staff to properly enforce the Digital Services13 and Digital Markets Acts14 , thus undercutting the legislation’s effectiveness;

58. Regrets that the Union’s ability to implement policy effectively within the current MFF has been undermined by stretched administrative resources and a dogmatic attachment to a policy of stable staffing, despite increasing demands and responsibilities; points, for example, to the failure to provide sufficient staff to properly enforce the Digital Services13 and Digital Markets Acts14, and the increasing challenges that JHA agencies and bodies have to respond to, thus undercutting the legislation’s effectiveness;

_________________

13 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj).

14 Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act) (OJ L 265, 12.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/1925/oj).

Amendment 49

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 59

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

59. Stresses that up-front investment in interoperable IT infrastructure and data mining can also generate longer-term cost savings and hugely enhance policy delivery and tracking of spending;

59. Stresses that up-front investment in interoperable IT infrastructure and data mining capabilities can also generate longer-term cost savings and hugely enhance policy delivery and tracking of spending;

Amendment 50

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 59 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

59 a. Calls for adequate financing for EU institutions, agencies and bodies, ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their tasks and effectively address evolving challenges; stresses that, where the mandates of any JHA agencies or bodies are revised and expanded, their funding should be increased accordingly;

Amendment 51

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 60

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

60. Stresses that the next MFF must be designed so as to simplify the lives of beneficiaries, harmonise rules wherever possible and cut unnecessary red tape and must be implemented as close to people as possible;

Amendment 52

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 62

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

62. Insists that a simpler budget must also be a more transparent budget, enabling better control of spending and reducing the risks of double funding; underlines that any reduction in programmes must be offset by a far more detailed breakdown of the budget by budget line, in contrast to some programme mergers in the current MFF, such as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI – Global Europe), which is an example not to follow; calls, therefore, for a sufficiently detailed breakdown by budget line to enable proper accountability and ensure that decision-making in the annual budgetary procedure is meaningful;

62. Insists that a simpler budget must also be a more transparent budget, enabling better accountability and scrutiny as well as control of spending and reducing the risks of double funding, misuse and fraud; underlines that any reduction in programmes must be offset by a far more detailed breakdown of the budget by budget line, in contrast to some programme mergers in the current MFF, such as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI – Global Europe), which is an example not to follow; calls, therefore, for a sufficiently detailed breakdown by budget line to enable proper accountability and transparency and ensure that decision-making in the annual budgetary procedure is meaningful;

Amendment 53

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 66

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

66. Believes that, while allocating a significant portion of funding to objectives up-front, spending programmes should retain a substantial in-built flexibility reserve, with allocation to specific policy objectives to be decided by the budgetary authority; notes that the NDICI – Global Europe’s emerging challenges and priorities cushion provides a model for such a flexibility reserve, but that the decision-making process for its mobilisation must not be replicated in the future MFF; points to the need for a detailed budgetary breakdown to ensure decisions by the budgetary authority are meaningful;

66. Believes that, while allocating a significant portion of funding to objectives up-front, spending programmes should retain a substantial in-built flexibility reserve, with allocation to specific policy objectives to be decided by the co-legislators and the budgetary authority, as applicable; notes that the NDICI – Global Europe’s emerging challenges and priorities cushion provides a model for such a flexibility reserve, but that the decision-making process for its mobilisation must not be replicated in the future MFF; points to the need for stronger and effective scrutiny powers of the co-legislators over the setting of policy priorities and objectives and for a detailed budgetary breakdown to ensure decisions by the budgetary authority are meaningful;

Amendment 54

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 73

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

73. Considers that the RRF, with its focus on performance and links between reforms and investments and budgetary support, has helped to drive national investments and reforms that would not otherwise have taken place; highlights the example set by the RRF in establishing a reversed conditionality, making the allocation of funds contingent upon certain reforms being carried out beforehand, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and calls for this approach to be continued in the future;

Amendment 55

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 83

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

83. Considers that all instruments and tools should be explored in order to provide the Union with those resources, in line with its priorities and identified needs;

83. Considers that all instruments and tools should be explored in order to provide the Union with those resources, in line with its priorities and identified needs, and aligned with Union values and principles;

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR OPINION HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for opinion declares that he received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Constantinos Hadjisavvas

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for opinion declares that he has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Date adopted

8.4.2025

Result of final vote

+ : 46

- : 18

0 : 6

Members present for the final vote

Abir Al-Sahlani, Giuseppe Antoci, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Pernando Barrena Arza, Nikola Bartůšek, François-Xavier Bellamy, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Krzysztof Brejza, Saskia Bricmont, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Jaroslav Bžoch, Mélissa Camara, Damien Carême, Caterina Chinnici, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Paulo Cunha, Lena Düpont, Marieke Ehlers, Estrella Galán, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Branko Grims, Evin Incir, Paolo Inselvini, Marina Kaljurand, Assita Kanko, Fabienne Keller, Mary Khan, Moritz Körner, Alice Kuhnke, András László, Murielle Laurent, Fabrice Leggeri, Jeroen Lenaers, Lukas Mandl, Erik Marquardt, Michael McNamara, Ana Catarina Mendes, Verena Mertens, Nadine Morano, Matjaž Nemec, Ana Miguel Pedro, Emil Radev, Chloé Ridel, Ilaria Salis, Birgit Sippel, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Cecilia Strada, Georgiana Teodorescu, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Tomas Tobé, Milan Uhrík, Tom Vandendriessche, Kristian Vigenin, Charlie Weimers, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Alessandro Zan, Javier Zarzalejos

Substitutes present for the final vote

Fredis Beleris, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Pekka Toveri, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Roberto Vannacci, Ana Vasconcelos, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Mireia Borrás Pabón, Siegbert Frank Droese, Martine Kemp

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

PPE

Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Bogdan Ioan-Rares, Chinnici Caterina, Cunha Paulo, Düpont Lena, Grims Branko, Kemp Martine, Lenaers Jeroen, Mandl Lukas, Mertens Verena, Morano Nadine, Pedro Ana Miguel, Radev Emil, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Tobé Tomas, Toveri Pekka, Wawrykiewicz Michal, Zarzalejos Javier, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio

Renew

Al-Sahlani Abir, Cifrová Ostrihonová Veronika, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Keller Fabienne, Körner Moritz, McNamara Michael, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Vasconcelos Ana

S&D

Incir Evin, Kaljurand Marina, Laurent Murielle, Mendes Ana Catarina, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Nemec Matjaz, Ridel Chloé, Sippel Birgit, Smiszek Krzysztof, Strada Cecilia, Vigenin Kristian, Zan Alessandro

Verts/ALE

Asens Llodrà Jaume, Bricmont Saskia, Camara Mélissa, Kuhnke Alice, Marquardt Erik

ECR

Weimers Charlie

ESN

Droese Siegbert Frank, Khan Mary, Uhrík Milan

PfE

Bartusek Nikola, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bzoch Jaroslav, Ehlers Marieke, László András, Leggeri Fabrice, Vandendriessche Tom, Vannacci Roberto

The Left

Antoci Giuseppe, Barrena Arza Pernando, Carême Damien, Galán Estrella, Salis Ilaria

ECR

Inselvini Paolo, Kanko Assita, Teodorescu Georgiana, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Wisniewska Jadwiga

PPE

Brejza Krzysztof

Key:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstentions