Discharge 2023: Agencies

Amendments tabled for the plenary sitting on this text, in their own numbering series. This is a different set from the committee amendments tracked elsewhere on AmendEU, and is not counted in any of the site’s amendment totals.

1. Amendment 1ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital A
   Current text

   A. whereas all Union decentralised agencies must be transparent and fully accountable to the citizens of the Union for the funds entrusted to them as Union bodies;

   Amendment

   A. whereas all Union decentralised agencies must be transparent and fully accountable to the citizens of the Union for the funds entrusted to them as Union bodies; whereas the constant creation of new EU agencies has led to administrative inflation and overlapping mandates; whereas the Union should prioritise agencies delivering tangible results in protecting borders, security and competitiveness rather than expanding bureaucratic structures;

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2. Amendment 2ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 6 a (new)
   Amendment

   6 a. Stresses that repeated irregularities in recruitment procedures, the use of temporary appointments and the promotion of a ‘friendly circle’ within the Agency’s management, as identified by OLAF, constitute serious breaches of the EU Staff Regulations and a misuse of EU taxpayers’ money; calls for strict corrective measures to prevent the repetition of such practices;

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3. Amendment 3ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 10 a (new)
   Amendment

   10 a. Regrets that the Management Board’s refusal to follow the disciplinary recommendations of OLAF, despite documented findings in recruitment and management practices, sends a message of impunity; underlines that no Union body can demand citizens’ trust while tolerating misconduct within its ranks; calls on the Commission to assess whether the Agency’s current governance model still ensures accountability and transparency;

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4. Amendment 4ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 15 a (new)
   Amendment

   15 a. Notes that certain communications and activities of the Agency have gone beyond its mandate by promoting political narratives on asylum and migration; recalls that EU agencies must operate with full ideological neutrality and avoid advocacy or activism;

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5. Amendment 5PfEMotion for a resolution · Recital A
   Current text

   A. whereas EU agencies1 are distinct legal entities set up to carry out specific technical, scientific or managerial tasks that help Union institutions to design and implement policies; whereas they are located in different member states and have significant influence in areas of vital importance to European citizens’ daily lives, such as health, safety, security, freedom and justice; _________________ 1 There are three types of EU Agencies: decentralised agencies, executive agencies and other bodies.

   Amendment

   A. whereas EU agencies1 are distinct legal entities set up to carry out specific technical, scientific or managerial tasks that help Union institutions to design and implement policies; whereas they are located in different member states and have significant influence in areas of vital importance to European citizens’ daily lives, such as health (which is not, in accordance with Article 168 TFEU, an area strictly falling within the competence of the Union), safety, security, freedom and justice; _________________ 1 There are three types of EU Agencies: decentralised agencies, executive agencies and other bodies.

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6. Amendment 6PfEMotion for a resolution · Recital B
   Current text

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

   Amendment

   B. whereas this resolution contains, for each body within the meaning of Article 70 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, and for the Euratom Supply Agency, cross-cutting observations accompanying the discharge decisions, in accordance with Article 268 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and Article 3 of Annex V to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure; no longer allowing, as was the case in previous years, for each discharge to be examined individually, to identify and address their specific issues, or to take informed decisions on each of them; underlines that this practice undermines transparency and distorts the final vote on the resolution; calls for a return to the examination of individu…

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7. Amendment 7PfEMotion for a resolution · Recital C
   Current text

   C. whereas Union decentralised agencies and the Euratom Supply Agency should focus on missions with clear European added value and the organisation of such missions should be optimised to avoid overlaps in the best interests of the Union taxpayer;

   Amendment

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

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8. Amendment 8PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 3
   Current text

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

   Amendment

   3. Highlights the importance of the discharge procedure as it is not only a treaty-based obligation, but also promotes and aims to ensure transparency, accountability and open dialogue on the finances of the Union; to this end, deplores the fact that, unlike in previous years, the agencies’ discharges are no longer the subject of individual resolutions, which made it possible to better deepen and identify the areas of operation and failure by entity and to take a decision on each of them, as this resolution is in fact biased; notes that it also grants the agencies a possibility to showcase their work and demonstrate their added value to the Union and its citizens; stresses, furthermore, that…

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9. Amendment 9PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4
   Current text

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

   Amendment

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

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10. Amendment 10PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 7
    Current text

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

    Amendment

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

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11. Amendment 11PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 7 a (new)
    Amendment

    7 a. Regrets that the general budget of the agencies (Union decentralised agencies, executive agencies and bodies) more than doubled in 10 years to reach 4.7 billion in 2023 (compared to 4.5 billion in 2022); is concerned that for four of the agencies – EIT, eu-LISA, ELA and ENISA – the error rate is between 3.2 and 4.1 %, representing more than EUR 28 million, which is problematic in terms of honesty in the use of public funds, but also in view of the large number of agencies; notes that ineligible costs have been identified for the EIT and calls for such situations not to be repeated; notes that the budget of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) increased by more than EUR 8 million be…

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12. Amendment 12PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 8 a (new)
    Amendment

    8 a. In accordance with the principles of proportionality, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, all Union Agencies established with a defined mandate shall be subject to automatic dissolution upon the completion of their original mission, unless a formal extension is explicitly justified and approved by both the European Parliament and the Council. The continuation of any agency beyond its founding objectives shall be considered an unjustified burden on Union resources, a contributor to institutional redundancy, and a deviation from sound governance practices. Agencies that no longer serve a unique and essential function within the Union framework shall be disbanded without delay. The Comm…

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13. Amendment 13PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 9 a (new)
    Amendment

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

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14. Amendment 14PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18
    Current text

    18. Stresses that a balanced approach, combining effective border control with robust fundamental rights safeguards, is key to maintaining a secure Schengen area and a credible migration management framework for the Union; reiterates, therefore, the importance of structural and continuous fundamental rights training for Standing Corps officers (Frontex), ensuring their awareness of and compliance with relevant fundamental rights obligations and standards and with international human rights and humanitarian law8 ; stresses, moreover, the importance of reporting fundamental rights violations, when witnessing such violations, via the issuance of Serious Incident Reports (SIRs); ________________…

    Amendment

    18. Regrets and denounces the intrusion of the ideology of politically left-wing NGOs, supported by the Commission, which have imposed themselves in recent years, increasing the number of staff mandated to monitor fundamental rights and providing training in this area to Standing Corps officers (Frontex), thus diverting the Frontex agency from – and sometimes even hindering – its core mission; regrets that expenditure on remuneration in 2023 for the Fundamental Rights Office (headquarters and monitors) amounted to as much as EUR 4 367 527 (+78 % in one year) and that expenditure related to fundamental rights activities amounted to EUR 105 083 in 2023 (up 21 % in one year);

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15. Amendment 15PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18 a (new)
    Amendment

    18 a. reiterates that Frontex must focus on border surveillance of the Schengen area, fighting cross-border crime and assisting return operations, thus contributing to the protection of the people of Europe; calls for the redeployment of resources and the continued recruitment of the necessary frontline staff at the Union’s external borders and in hot spots, and for the number of administrative posts to be streamlined; deplores the fact that the overall return rate in the Union remains below 30 %, indicating that current initiatives remain insufficient in light of the scale of illegal migration flows; stresses the need for Frontex to further prioritise its return operations and to work close…

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16. Amendment 16PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18 b (new)
    Amendment

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

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17. Amendment 17PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18 c (new)
    Amendment

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

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18. Amendment 18PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 21
    Current text

    21. Notes that in ESA the increase is mainly due to the continued development of the Nuclear Observatory and ESA Management of Information (NOEMI) IT system and the provision of accounting services to the agency; in Eurojust the increase is mainly due to the additional resources necessary to perform tasks added by three Commission proposals for regulations and the particularly severe impact of inflation12 ; in Frontex the budget increase aims to continue building the Standing Corps of border guards, including equipment13 ; in the case of ACER, the increase is mainly due to the additional tasks delegated in planned revised regulations on energy infrastructure and methane emissions reduction14…

    Amendment

    21. Notes that in ESA the increase is mainly due to the continued development of the Nuclear Observatory and ESA Management of Information (NOEMI) IT system and the provision of accounting services to the agency; in Eurojust the increase is mainly due to the additional resources necessary to perform tasks added by three Commission proposals for regulations and the particularly severe impact of inflation12 ; in Frontex the budget increase aims to continue building the Standing Corps of border guards, including equipment13 ; in the case of ACER, the increase is mainly due to the additional tasks delegated in planned revised regulations on energy infrastructure and methane emissions reduction14…

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19. Amendment 19PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 22
    Current text

    22. Acknowledges the response to the written question indicating that Frontex’s carryovers (45 % in 2023) are linked to its operational cycle, which does not align with the calendar year and cannot be easily adjusted as it involves all Member States; is aware that the Commission’s political priorities and the expectations of Union citizens for security are the explanations applied to increase the Frontex budget; insists that it is essential to ensure adequate resources for the effective functioning of Frontex, while continuously assessing whether its budget is fit for purpose and delivers results; recalls the need to monitor progress on the agency’s absorption capacity, emphasising the impor…

    Amendment

    22. Acknowledges the response to the written question indicating that Frontex’s carryovers (45 % in 2023) are linked to its operational cycle, which does not align with the calendar year and cannot be easily adjusted as it involves all Member States; is aware that the Commission’s political priorities and the expectations of Union citizens for security are the explanations applied to increase the Frontex budget; insists that it is essential to ensure adequate resources for the effective functioning of Frontex, while continuously assessing whether its budget is fit for purpose and delivers results; recalls the need to monitor progress on the agency’s absorption capacity, in particular through…

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20. Amendment 20PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 30
    Current text

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

    Amendment

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

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21. Amendment 21PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 32
    Current text

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

    Amendment

    32. Notes the conclusion of the Court in its annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2023 (the ‘Court’s report’), that the Court’s audit had similar results as in the previous year (2022), with weaknesses in public procurement procedures having remained the main source of irregular payments; expresses concern over the recurrence of these serious weaknesses, particularly in certain agencies which, as a result, do not appear to be taking the necessary steps or showing the willingness to put an end to a situation that entails significant legal risks;

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22. Amendment 22PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 40
    Current text

    40. Observes that, for the EIT, the qualification concerns irregular grant payments, where EIT conducted ex post verification on a sample of 174 cost items; notes that EIT rejected costs related to 27 cost items and that the Court identified three additional cost items for which EIT could not provide evidence that beneficiaries met essential grant agreement conditions, resulting in an estimated total of EUR 12,2 million in irregular grant payments, corresponding to an estimated error rate of 3,4 %; notes that the EIT disputes one of the errors reported by the Court, affecting three cost items, which, in its opinion are eligible; notes furthermore that according to EIT, without this case, the…

    Amendment

    40. Observes that, for the EIT, the qualification concerns irregular grant payments, where EIT conducted ex post verification on a sample of 174 cost items; notes that EIT rejected costs related to 27 cost items and that the Court identified three additional cost items for which EIT could not provide evidence that beneficiaries met essential grant agreement conditions, resulting in an estimated total of EUR 12,2 million in irregular grant payments, corresponding to an estimated error rate of 3,4 %; notes that the EIT disputes one of the errors reported by the Court, affecting three cost items, which, in its opinion are eligible; notes furthermore that according to EIT, without this case, the…

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23. Amendment 23PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 52
    Current text

    52. Draws attention to disclosures in the annual accounts of ERA and Eurojust regarding the implementation of SUMMA16 ; notes that, throughout 2023, technical issues continued to contribute to a rise in late payments (50 % in 2023) and instances of non-compliance in Eurojust; notes that ERA experienced technical issues during the first trimester, though substantial improvements were made in comparison with 2022; _________________ 16 New budgetary, accounting and financial system started as a pilot in 2022.

    Amendment

    52. Draws attention to disclosures in the annual accounts of ERA and Eurojust regarding the implementation of SUMMA16 as the Commission’s financial platform seems to be badly malfunctioning; deplores the fact that, throughout 2023, technical issues continued to contribute to a rise in late payments (50 % in 2023) and instances of non-compliance in Eurojust; notes that ERA experienced technical issues during the first trimester, though substantial improvements were made in comparison with 2022; _________________ 16 New budgetary, accounting and financial system started as a pilot in 2022.

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24. Amendment 24PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 54
    Current text

    54. Is concerned that the applicant is seeking annulment of a tender decision and monetary compensation ranging from EUR 400 000 to EUR 3,5 million; notes that due to the early stage of the proceedings, the management of both ESMA and EBA are unable to provide a reliable estimate of potential costs resulting from the case18 ; _________________ 18 EBA Annual accounts p. 26, and ECA on ESMA p. 139.

    Amendment

    54. Is concerned that the applicant is seeking annulment of a tender decision and monetary compensation ranging from EUR 400 000 to EUR 3,5 million; notes that due to the early stage of the proceedings, the management of both ESMA and EBA are unable to provide a reliable estimate of potential costs resulting from the case18 ; calls for Parliament and its Committee on Budgetary Control to be informed in real time of developments on this particularly serious file; _________________ 18 EBA Annual accounts p. 26, and ECA on ESMA p. 139.

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25. Amendment 25PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 58
    Current text

    58. Notes that EMA provides significant disclosures in its annual accounts relating to its former London premises and the uncertainties created by the fact that the subtenant´s parent company has filed for bankruptcy; notes with concern that EMA could be held liable for the entire amount remaining payable under the head lease; is aware that the maximum amount, including a council tax liability, that will be payable by EMA if the premises remain vacant for the remainder of the lease, is EUR 550 million; notes that EMA is currently renegotiating the sublease conditions with the group’s UK branch and as part of these renegotiations, EMA has agreed to a deferral of rental payments for the first…

    Amendment

    58. Notes that EMA provides significant disclosures in its annual accounts relating to its former London premises and the uncertainties created by the fact that the subtenant´s parent company has filed for bankruptcy; notes with concern that EMA could be held liable for the entire amount remaining payable under the head lease; is extremely concerned that the maximum amount, including a council tax liability, that will be payable by EMA if the premises remain vacant for the remainder of the lease, is EUR 550 million; regrets that clauses that could have anticipated this kind of situation were not considered at the time the lease was concluded; calls on all European entities to learn the lesso…

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26. Amendment 26PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 97
    Current text

    97. Notes with concern that public procurement weaknesses remain the largest source of irregular payments; highlights that the Court made 38 observations on public procurement weaknesses in 2023 (compared to 41 in 2022 and 28 in 2021)27 ; urges agencies to introduce measures to ensure strict adherence to procurement regulations and the principles of transparency, competition and cost-effectiveness; reminds the need for regular training programs for staff on financial management, procurement rules and fraud prevention; calls for stricter accountability measures ensuring that any persistent deficiencies lead to targeted corrective actions and consequences for repeated non-compliance; _________…

    Amendment

    97. Notes with concern that public procurement weaknesses remain the largest source of irregular payments; highlights that the Court made 38 observations on public procurement weaknesses in 2023 (compared to 41 in 2022 and 28 in 2021)27 ; urges agencies to introduce measures to ensure strict adherence to procurement regulations and the principles of transparency, competition and cost-effectiveness; reminds the need for regular training programs for staff on financial management, procurement rules and fraud prevention; calls for stricter accountability measures ensuring that any persistent deficiencies lead to targeted corrective actions and consequences for repeated non-compliance; notes tha…

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27. Amendment 27PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 102
    Current text

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

    Amendment

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

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28. Amendment 28PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 105
    Current text

    105. Notes that, in 2023, the 33 decentralised agencies reported that they employ a total of 10 580 members of staff (compared to 10 146 in 2022), comprising officials, temporary agents, contract agents and seconded national experts (SNEs), representing an increase of 4,27 % compared to 2022;

    Amendment

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

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29. Amendment 29PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 110
    Current text

    110. Highlights that geographical balance is still a challenge for several agencies for which considerable percentages of their overall staff are nationals of the Member State where the agencies are located;

    Amendment

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

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30. Amendment 30ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17
    Current text

    17. Takes note of the conclusions of the report on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex)7 and its findings deeming that regulation fit for purpose, including a review of the Standing Corps published in February 2024; notes that while the regulation provides a framework for effective border management, challenges remain in governance, accountability, and efficiency; recognises that the governance structure requires adjustments to ensure that Frontex can fully implement its mandate, including addressing the balance of representation in the management Board, streamlining internal decision-making processes and avoiding overlapping responsibi…

    Amendment

    17. Takes note of the conclusions of the report on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex)7 and its findings deeming that regulation fit for purpose, including a review of the Standing Corps published in February 2024; notes that while the regulation provides a framework for effective border management, challenges remain in governance, accountability, and efficiency; recognises that the governance structure requires adjustments to ensure that Frontex can fully implement its mandate, including addressing the balance of representation in the management Board, streamlining internal decision-making processes and avoiding overlapping responsibi…

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31. Amendment 31ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18
    Current text

    18. Stresses that a balanced approach, combining effective border control with robust fundamental rights safeguards, is key to maintaining a secure Schengen area and a credible migration management framework for the Union; reiterates, therefore, the importance of structural and continuous fundamental rights training for Standing Corps officers (Frontex), ensuring their awareness of and compliance with relevant fundamental rights obligations and standards and with international human rights and humanitarian law8 ; stresses, moreover, the importance of reporting fundamental rights violations, when witnessing such violations, via the issuance of Serious Incident Reports (SIRs); ________________…

    Amendment

    18. Stresses the need for the agency to return to its core tasks which are key to maintaining a secure Schengen area and a credible migration management framework for the Union;

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32. Amendment 32ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 81
    Current text

    81. Welcomes FRA's contribution to the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’), participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) management board meetings and co-chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex;

    Amendment

    81. Notes FRA's contribution to the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (‘the EBCG Regulation’), participation in European Border Coast Agency (Frontex) management board meetings and co-chairing the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights and cooperation with the Fundamental Rights Office at Frontex;

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33. Amendment 33ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 85
    Current text

    85. Highlights as regards EIGE, the importance of resuming actions related to the gender mainstreaming that did not achieve a 100 % success rate, particularly due to procedural reasons;

    Amendment

    85. Highlights as regards EIGE, this Institution, rather than focusing on universally shared goals such as equal opportunity and protection under the law, continues to prioritise concepts like “gender identity,” “intersectionality,” and “structural patriarchy,” which represent ideological constructs rather than objective policy concerns; stresses that the EIGE operates as a vehicle for social engineering rather than a neutral agency promoting equality under Union law;

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34. Amendment 34ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 108
    Current text

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

    Amendment

    108. Notes Frontex’s continued efforts to strengthen its FRO, whose activities should not determine the implementation of Frontex's mandate, which is to help Members States in border protection, return of illigal migrants and secure of the Schengen area;

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35. Amendment 35ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 142
    Current text

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

    Amendment

    142. Highlights the positive progress in implementing Fundamental Rights targets, which, however, are not the main task expected by Member States in their requests for Frontex assistance at the borders; notes that the activities of FRO in Lithuania in 2021 determined the presence of Frontex and made the assistance ineffective in the face of hybrid threats from Belarus and Russia; stresses that, as a result, Lithuania, the victim of hybrid attack, has been accused of violating the fundamental rights of aggressive illegal migrants pushing their way across its borders;

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36. Amendment 36Greens/EFA, The Left, Renew, EPP, ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 96
    Current text

    96. Reiterates its call from last year that the EUAA should keep Parliament regularly updated on all OLAF investigations;

    Amendment

    96. Urges the Agency to fully clarify all open issues, to implement OLAF recommendations in a credible and transparent manner, and to establish robust internal control, ethical oversight, and accountability mechanisms; calls on the Agency to inform the discharge authority about any remedial steps taken without undue delays;

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37. Amendment 37Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Citation 35 a (new)
    Amendment

    – having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2023 on Frontex building on the fact-finding investigation of the LIBE Working Group for Frontex Scrutiny1a _________________ 1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0483_EN.pdf

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38. Amendment 38Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 57 a (new)
    Amendment

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

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39. Amendment 39Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 82 a (new)
    Amendment

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

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40. Amendment 40Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 96 a (new)
    Amendment

    96 a. Urges the EUAA to strengthen whistleblower protection mechanisms, ensuring safe and confidential reporting channels, proper follow-up on reports, and zero tolerance for retaliation against whistleblowers;

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41. Amendment 41Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 114 a (new)
    Amendment

    114 a. Calls on Agencies to set clear targets and timetables to achieve gender balance and geographical diversity in senior management and decision-making bodies, and to systematically report on progress;

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42. Amendment 42Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 119 a (new)
    Amendment

    119 a. Urges all Agencies to further strengthen conflict of interest prevention and management, including systematic declarations of interests by senior management, external experts, and Management Board members, published in a proactive and accessible manner;

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43. Amendment 43Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 157 a (new)
    Amendment

    157 a. Calls on all Agencies to fully mainstream climate and environmental sustainability objectives into their strategies, operations, procurement, and project implementation, in line with the Union's climate neutrality goals;

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44. Amendment 44Greens/EFAMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 157 b (new)
    Amendment

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

    official amendment document ↗