Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2024

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 1Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Recital Q
   Current text

   Q. whereas the Ombudsman launched an own-initiative inquiry, following a public consultation on transparency and accountability in EU environmental decision-making; whereas the Ombudsman concluded that the average time of 14.5 months and, in some cases, several years, taken by the Commission to prepare draft decisions for granting or refusing authorisation for dangerous chemicals, despite the statutory deadline of three months, amounted to maladministration; whereas the Ombudsman also found that the Commission’s failure to ensure sufficient transparency of the related overall decision-making process constituted maladministration, as it prevented the public from understanding the status of th…

   Amendment

   Q. whereas the Ombudsman launched an own-initiative inquiry, following a public consultation on transparency and accountability in EU environmental decision-making; whereas the Ombudsman concluded that the average time of 14.5 months and, in some cases, several years, taken by the Commission to prepare draft decisions for granting or refusing authorisation for dangerous chemicals, despite the statutory deadline of three months, amounted to maladministration; whereas these systematic delays represent a major threat to human health and the environment, as they allow the continued use of hazardous chemical substances; whereas the Ombudsman also found that the Commission’s failure to ensure suff…

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2. Amendment 2Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Recital R
   Current text

   R. whereas the Ombudsman examined the continued use of corporate sponsorships by the rotating Presidency of the Council, as this practice has given rise to public disquiet regarding the potential influence that sponsors might be exerting on the EU decision-making process, particularly on deliberations concerning EU policy and legislation affecting such sponsors;

   Amendment

   R. whereas the Ombudsman examined the continued use of corporate sponsorships by the rotating Presidency of the Council, as this practice has given rise to public disquiet regarding the potential influence that sponsors might be exerting on the EU decision-making process, particularly on deliberations concerning EU policy and legislation affecting such sponsors; whereas this practice entails serious reputational risks for the Council and the EU as a whole and raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the EU decision-making process;

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3. Amendment 3Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Recital V
   Current text

   V. whereas the Ombudsman opened a complaint-based inquiry into how the Commission works on ‘urgent’ legislative proposals, such as the recent amendment to the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP);

   Amendment

   V. whereas the Ombudsman opened a complaint-based inquiry into how the Commission works on ‘urgent’ legislative proposals, such as the recent amendment to the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP); whereas the failure to conduct impact assessments and carry out meaningful public consultations when preparing such urgent proposals undermines evidence-based decision-making and risks weakening environmental and climate objectives;

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4. Amendment 4Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Recital W
   Current text

   W. whereas the Ombudsman launched an inquiry into the Commission’s decision to invite only industry representatives to a workshop on pesticides, and concluded that greater transparency could have been ensured, suggesting that the Commission develop a dedicated webpage, publish information and documents about upcoming pesticide events as soon as they become available and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to express their views; whereas the Ombudsman considered public concern surrounding the organisation of industry-only workshops legitimate, as they are perceived as an occasion for industry to disproportionately influence the Commission’s work;

   Amendment

   W. whereas the Ombudsman launched an inquiry into the Commission’s decision to invite only industry representatives to a workshop on pesticides, and concluded that greater transparency could have been ensured, suggesting that the Commission develop a dedicated webpage, publish information and documents about upcoming pesticide events as soon as they become available and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to express their views; whereas the Ombudsman considered public concern surrounding the organisation of industry-only workshops legitimate, as they are perceived as an occasion for industry to disproportionately influence the Commission’s work; whereas this raises ser…

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5. Amendment 5Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Recital AC
   Current text

   AC. whereas the Ombudsman conducted an inquiry following deaths in the Mediterranean Sea and suggested the establishment of an EU accountability mechanism that could independently investigate the respective roles of national authorities, Frontex and the Commission;

   Amendment

   AC. whereas the Ombudsman conducted an inquiry following deaths in the Mediterranean Sea, which revealed the existence of serious shortcomings in Frontex’s role in search and rescue operations, including failure to ensure that Frontex’s fundamental rights monitors are sufficiently involved in decision-making on maritime emergencies and a lack of Frontex internal guidelines on issuing emergency signals; whereas the Ombudsman underscored that there is no single accountability mechanism at EU level that could independently investigate the roles of national authorities, Frontex and the Commission; whereas such accountability is essential in order to ensure compliance with fundamental rights and…

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6. Amendment 6Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4
   Current text

   4. Is worried about the Commission’s breach of the legally binding deadlines for preparing authorisation decisions concerning dangerous chemical substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); underlines that respecting these deadlines is essential to ensure the protection of human health and the environment, and legal certainty and predictability in the EU’s decision-making process; stresses that, in order to address the health and environmental risks posed by PFAS, the Commission should not only coordinate with Member States, their national and local authorities, but also with relevant civil society organisations, academic and scientific institutions, which play an essent…

   Amendment

   4. Is extremely concerned about the Commission’s breach of the legally binding deadlines for preparing authorisation decisions concerning dangerous chemical substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); underlines that respecting these deadlines is essential to ensure the protection of human health and the environment, and legal certainty and predictability in the EU’s decision-making process; stresses that the significant delays accumulated by the Commission represent a major threat to human health and the environment, as this means that companies are able to continue using hazardous chemical substances, including PFAS; stresses that, in order to address the health and e…

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7. Amendment 7Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 5
   Current text

   5. Believes that the Commission must address, as a matter of priority, all of the severe shortcomings surrounding its management of risk in relation to substances of very high concern, including by revising its internal procedures to ensure that it can take swifter decisions on these applications, in line with the goals of the Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH)3, to protect human health and the environment; is convinced that the Commission should implement the recommendations resulting from the Ombudsman’s inquiry, including the one concerning applications that lack all of the necessary information; _________________ 3 Regulation (E…

   Amendment

   5. Believes that the Commission must address, as a matter of priority, all of the severe shortcomings surrounding its management of risk in relation to substances of very high concern, including by revising its internal procedures to ensure that it can take swifter decisions on these applications, implementing the precautionary principle, rejecting any requests for authorisations for substances of very high concern and banning their use where there is persistent scientific uncertainty as to risks to human health and the environment, in line with the goals of the Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH)3, to protect human health and the en…

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8. Amendment 8Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 6
   Current text

   6. Stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on the substitution of hazardous substances in pesticides in order to better take into account effective, safe non-chemical alternatives; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts of interest, duly taking into account the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement;

   Amendment

   6. Strongly believes that the continued authorisation of hazardous pesticides must end immediately; stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on the substitution of hazardous substances in pesticides in order to favour effective, safe non-chemical alternatives; urges the Commission to refrain from approving or renewing pesticide active substances where safe use cannot be demonstrated or where essential data for a robust risk assessment are missing; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts of interest, duly taking into account the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement and to commit to putting…

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9. Amendment 9Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 7
   Current text

   7. Stresses that the EU institutions must guarantee transparency of, and the highest adequate levels of citizen participation in, the EU’s decision-making process; considers it to be of the utmost importance to ensure that citizens can hold decision-makers to account, fully exercise their democratic rights and have access to all relevant information and documents, particularly those of a legislative nature, as also stipulated in CJEU case-law; emphasises that the EU institutions, agencies, bodies and offices must ensure transparency of political negotiations, while taking into account the need for their efficient conduct and adherence to the highest ethical standards in their interactions wi…

   Amendment

   7. Stresses that the EU institutions must guarantee the full transparency of, and the highest levels of citizen participation in, the EU’s decision-making process; considers it to be of the utmost importance to ensure that citizens can hold decision-makers to account, fully exercise their democratic rights and have access to all relevant information and documents, particularly those of a legislative nature, including while the legislative process is ongoing, as also stipulated in CJEU case-law; emphasises that the EU institutions, agencies, bodies and offices must ensure full transparency and adhere to the highest ethical standards in their interactions with private stakeholders;

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10. Amendment 10Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 8
    Current text

    8. Highlights the importance of the Ombudsman’s activities in increasing transparency and helping to improve the balanced composition of the Commission’s expert groups, in particular the EU Energy Platform Industry Advisory Group, given the high economic, social and environmental stakes involved with regard to energy policies; notes that the Commission decided not to include civil society representatives in this Group; is of the opinion that EU citizens should be informed of the profiles of all members of the expert groups;

    Amendment

    8. Highlights the Ombudsman’s vital activities in increasing transparency and helping to improve the balanced composition of the Commission’s expert groups, with a particular focus on the EU Energy Platform Industry Advisory Group, considering the high social and environmental stakes at play with regard to energy policies; strongly regrets the fact that the Commission decided to completely exclude civil society representatives from this Group, providing fossil fuel industries with privileged and unmonitored access to EU policymakers and increasing their influence on EU decision-making, thereby undermining citizens’ trust, public scrutiny and transparency; is of the opinion that EU citizens s…

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11. Amendment 11Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 8 a (new)
    Amendment

    8a. Emphasises that, in a May 2025 report to the UN General Assembly, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change called for a total ban on fossil fuel industry lobbying, advertising and sponsorship, and for the public to be adequately informed about the fossil fuel industry’s deliberate contributions to the planetary crises and about the human rights impact of its actions over the decades;

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12. Amendment 12Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 9
    Current text

    9. Notes the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving the RSB; calls on the Commission to ensure that the composition of the RSB fully reflects the diversity of expertise set out in its related communication;

    Amendment

    9. Supports the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving the RSB; considers it essential for RSB members to assess both the actual risk of undue influence and the public perception of their independence when choosing their outreach activities and to avoid holding meetings with individual interest representatives; calls on the Commission to ensure that the composition of the RSB fully reflects the diversity of expertise set out in its related communication, i.e. expertise in the three pillars of sustainable development, namely macro- and microeconomics, social policy, and environment policy, and to clearly describe the criteria it applies in selecting RSB members, given the key role played by th…

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13. Amendment 13Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 10
    Current text

    10. Notes the Ombudsman’s ongoing inquiry into how the Commission prepared a proposal to amend legislation related to the common agricultural policy without conducting an impact assessment and with limited consultation of stakeholders, in particular farmers; emphasises the need to uphold the principles of evidence-based decision-making, as enshrined in the Commission’s better regulation guidelines and toolbox, as well as in case-law;

    Amendment

    10. Commends the Ombudsman’s ongoing inquiry into how the Commission prepared a proposal to amend legislation related to the common agricultural policy; deplores the fact that when preparing the proposal, the Commission did not carry out an impact assessment, chose not to consult environmental organisations and failed to appropriately consult the general public; expresses its deep disapproval of the Commission’s decision to weaken the CAP’s environmental requirements without comprehensively examining the available evidence to ensure that the new rules did not undermine the EU’s environmental and climate goals and the sustainability of EU agriculture in the long run; emphasises the need to up…

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14. Amendment 14Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 11
    Current text

    11. Expresses its appreciation for the Ombudsman’s work in urging the Commission to guarantee the participation of all economic, social and environmental stakeholders in its decision-making process, and in helping to ensure the integrity of that process;

    Amendment

    11. Expresses its appreciation for the Ombudsman’s work in urging the Commission to guarantee the full and meaningful participation of all social and environmental stakeholders in its decision-making process, and in helping to prevent the decision-making process from being unduly influenced by industry, thus ensuring the integrity of that process;

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15. Amendment 15Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 12
    Current text

    12. Calls on the Ombudsman to examine the Commission’s practice of financing environmental non-governmental organisations that subsequently lobby Parliament and the Commission to further green policies; stresses that such practices risk creating conflicts of interest, distort the democratic process and undermine the legitimacy of EU decision-making;

    Amendment

    deleted

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16. Amendment 16Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 13
    Current text

    13. Considers it essential that the Commission takes into consideration the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving its handling of conflicts of interest involving its Commissioners, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making process; highlights, in this context, the Ombudsman’s contribution towards enhancing the ethics and transparency of EU institutions in relation to revolving doors policy, cooling-off periods and potential conflicts of interest in cases where former Commissioners and former senior staff of EU institutions or agencies take up new jobs in the private sector;

    Amendment

    13. Considers it essential that the Commission fully and consistently implement the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving its handling of conflicts of interest involving its Commissioners, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making process; highlights, in this context, the Ombudsman’s contribution towards enhancing the ethics and transparency of EU institutions in relation to revolving doors policy, cooling-off periods and potential conflicts of interest in cases where former Commissioners and former senior staff of EU institutions or agencies take up new jobs in the private sector;

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17. Amendment 17Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 16
    Current text

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation5 , including the obligations related to fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, including in search and rescue operations; _________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and rep…

    Amendment

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate in line with its obligations related to fundamental and human rights and in compliance with relevant international law, including in search and rescue operations;

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18. Amendment 18Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17
    Current text

    17. Stresses that Frontex’s primary mission must be the protection of the EU’s external borders, the control of human traffickers and coyotes, and the fight against illegal immigration; underlines that a lack of border control is what leads to more deaths at sea;

    Amendment

    17. Stresses that Frontex’s primary mission must be the prevention of deaths at sea, fully and consistently complying with relevant international human rights law; stresses that under the applicable EU and international legal framework, Member States are obliged to render assistance to any vessel or person in distress at sea, regardless of the nationality or status of the person or the circumstances in which that person is found;

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19. Amendment 19Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18
    Current text

    18. Notes the Ombudsman’s commitment to fundamental rights; notes that the Ombudsman asked for greater transparency with regard to the human rights information considered before signing the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU);

    Amendment

    18. Notes the Ombudsman’s commitment to fundamental rights; notes that the Ombudsman asked for greater transparency with regard to the human rights information considered before signing the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU); recalls the Ombudsman’s concerns about the absence of a prior human rights impact assessment, in particular as regards the ‘Migration and mobility’ pillar of the MoU; calls on the Commission to implement the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement in a timely manner and to uphold the highest standards of human rights protection in all migration-related matters;

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20. Amendment 20Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18 a (new)
    Amendment

    18a. Supports the Ombudsman’s suggestions for addressing all of the shortcomings identified in the inquiry into deaths in the Mediterranean Sea, including the call for the Council, the Commission and Parliament to establish an independent commission of inquiry to assess the reasons for the large numbers of deaths in the Mediterranean Sea, with a view to, among other matters, implementing the changes needed to prevent any further tragic losses of life;

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21. Amendment 21Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 20
    Current text

    20. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; underlines the importance of basing any decision regarding the legal protection status of wolves on scientific evidence and the protection of rural communities;

    Amendment

    20. Welcomes the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; expresses deep concern that the decision to downgrade the protected status of wolves, which lacks sound scientific evidence and is aggravated by a lack of public access to documents and insufficient efforts to implement adequate preventive measures, at odds with the provisions of the Bern Convention, created a troubling precedent, endangering the overall approach to conservati…

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22. Amendment 22ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital B
    Current text

    B. whereas the activities covered by the 2024 annual report were carried out under the mandate of Ms Emily O’Reilly, who served as European Ombudsman from 2013 until the end of her term in early 2025;

    Amendment

    B. whereas the activities covered by the 2024 annual report were carried out under the mandate of Ms Emily O’Reilly, who served as European Ombudsman from 2013 until the end of her term in early 2025; whereas from 2013 to 2024 her efforts in the areas of transparency and accountability – including inquiries concerning access to information on COVID-19 vaccine negotiations, recommendations linked to the prevention of maladministration in the EU institutions and findings following the ‘Qatargate’ scandal – were instrumental in highlighting the need to improve administration in the EU institutions;

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23. Amendment 23ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 2
    Current text

    2. Congratulates the new Ombudsman on her appointment and praises her commitment to ensuring that the EU administration upholds a citizen-oriented approach;

    Amendment

    2. Congratulates Teresa Anjinho on her success in the competition against five other candidates for the office of Ombudsman; welcomes her intention to maintain a citizen-oriented approach while exercising political neutrality and proportionality in the selection of cases of systemic importance;

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24. Amendment 24ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 14
    Current text

    14. Underlines the fact that public access to the documents held by EU institutions is a fundamental right set out in the EU Treaties, and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the EU institutions operate in a transparent manner, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of, and public trust in, the EU, including through the timely implementation of all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, thus demonstrating in practice that transparency is a governing rule and a fundamental priority; calls on the Commission to improve the way it handles such requests and to address systemic delays, including through the use of digital tools and simplified procedures; underlines that citizens’ right of public access…

    Amendment

    14. Underlines the fact that public access to the documents held by EU institutions is a fundamental right set out in the EU Treaties, and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the EU institutions operate in a transparent manner, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of, and public trust in, the EU, including through the timely implementation of all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, thus demonstrating in practice that transparency is a governing rule and a fundamental priority; calls on the Commission to improve the way it handles such requests and to address systemic delays, including through the use of digital tools and simplified procedures; underlines that citizens’ right of public access…

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25. Amendment 25ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 15 a (new)
    Amendment

    15a. Warns against the phenomenon of ‘simulated transparency’, where institutions publish excessive quantities of secondary or technical material while delaying or restricting access to documents of primary relevance for democratic scrutiny, such as arrangements with governments or lobbyists on matters affecting the everyday lives of citizens; stresses that transparency must be substantive and effective, rather than merely formal or procedural;

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26. Amendment 26PPEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17
    Current text

    17. Stresses that Frontex’s primary mission must be the protection of the EU’s external borders, the control of human traffickers and coyotes, and the fight against illegal immigration; underlines that a lack of border control is what leads to more deaths at sea;

    Amendment

    17. Stresses that Frontex’s role in the protection of the Union’s external borders and in the fight against smuggling and human trafficking networks contributes to discouraging dangerous crossings and preventing loss of life at sea;

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27. Amendment 27PfEMotion for a resolution · Recital AC
    Current text

    AC. whereas the Ombudsman conducted an inquiry following deaths in the Mediterranean Sea and suggested the establishment of an EU accountability mechanism that could independently investigate the respective roles of national authorities, Frontex and the Commission;

    Amendment

    AC. whereas the Ombudsman conducted an inquiry in the context of the increase in illegal migration flows crossing the Mediterranean Sea and the disproportionate burden placed on the most affected EU regions; whereas the absence of effective border control and insufficient action against smuggling networks contribute to illegal migration flows and create a pull effect towards the EU’s borders;

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28. Amendment 28PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4
    Current text

    4. Is worried about the Commission’s breach of the legally binding deadlines for preparing authorisation decisions concerning dangerous chemical substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); underlines that respecting these deadlines is essential to ensure the protection of human health and the environment, and legal certainty and predictability in the EU’s decision-making process; stresses that, in order to address the health and environmental risks posed by PFAS, the Commission should not only coordinate with Member States, their national and local authorities, but also with relevant civil society organisations, academic and scientific institutions, which play an essent…

    Amendment

    4. Is worried about the Commission’s breach of the legally binding deadlines for preparing authorisation decisions concerning dangerous chemical substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); underlines that respecting these deadlines is essential to ensure the protection of human health and the environment, and legal certainty and predictability in the EU’s decision-making process; stresses that, in order to address the health and environmental risks posed by PFAS, the Commission should coordinate mainly with Member States, their national and local authorities and, when needed, relevant academic and scientific institutions, ensuring a balanced, evidence-based and non-ideo…

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29. Amendment 29PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 6
    Current text

    6. Stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on the substitution of hazardous substances in pesticides in order to better take into account effective, safe non-chemical alternatives; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts of interest, duly taking into account the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement;

    Amendment

    6. Stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on pesticides in order to better take into account all scientifically validated alternatives, including chemical and non-chemical solutions, while safeguarding agricultural productivity, food security and farmers’ competitiveness; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts of interest, duly taking into account the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement;

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30. Amendment 30PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 10
    Current text

    10. Notes the Ombudsman’s ongoing inquiry into how the Commission prepared a proposal to amend legislation related to the common agricultural policy without conducting an impact assessment and with limited consultation of stakeholders, in particular farmers; emphasises the need to uphold the principles of evidence-based decision-making, as enshrined in the Commission’s better regulation guidelines and toolbox, as well as in case-law;

    Amendment

    10. Notes the Ombudsman’s ongoing inquiry into how the Commission prepared a proposal to amend legislation related to the common agricultural policy without conducting an impact assessment and with limited consultation of stakeholders, in particular farmers; emphasises the need to uphold the principles of evidence-based decision-making, as enshrined in the Commission’s better regulation guidelines and toolbox, as well as in relevant case-law1a, with particular regard to the socio-economic impact on farmers, rural communities and food supply sovereignty ; _________________ 1a Such as the judgment of the Court of Justice of 4 October 2024 in European Commission and Council v Front populaire po…

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31. Amendment 31PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 13
    Current text

    13. Considers it essential that the Commission takes into consideration the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving its handling of conflicts of interest involving its Commissioners, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making process; highlights, in this context, the Ombudsman’s contribution towards enhancing the ethics and transparency of EU institutions in relation to revolving doors policy, cooling-off periods and potential conflicts of interest in cases where former Commissioners and former senior staff of EU institutions or agencies take up new jobs in the private sector;

    Amendment

    13. Considers it essential that the Commission takes into consideration the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improving its handling of conflicts of interest involving its Commissioners, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making process; stresses that this is particularly relevant in light of the case concerning Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera, including the controversy linked to her husband’s position in Spain’s financial regulatory authority and her past involvement in the approval of environmental projects such as the Castor gas storage facility; highlights, in this context, the Ombudsman’s contribution towards enhancing the ethics and transparency of EU instituti…

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32. Amendment 32PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 16
    Current text

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation6 , including the obligations related to fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, including in search and rescue operations; _________________ 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and rep…

    Amendment

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation6; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, in particular in the effective protection of the EU’s external borders; _________________ 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624 (OJ L 295, 14.11.201…

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33. Amendment 33PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18
    Current text

    18. Notes the Ombudsman’s commitment to fundamental rights; notes that the Ombudsman asked for greater transparency with regard to the human rights information considered before signing the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU);

    Amendment

    18. Notes the Ombudsman’s commitment to fundamental rights; notes that the Ombudsman asked for greater transparency with regard to the human rights information considered before signing the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while recalling the strategic importance of cooperation with non-EU countries in combating illegal migration and human trafficking;

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34. Amendment 34PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 20
    Current text

    20. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; underlines the importance of basing any decision regarding the legal protection status of wolves on scientific evidence and the protection of rural communities;

    Amendment

    20. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; underlines the importance of basing any decision regarding the legal protection status of wolves on scientific evidence and the effective protection of rural communities, livestock, farmers and traditional ways of life;

    official amendment document ↗
35. Amendment 35PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 27 a (new)
    Amendment

    27a. Recalls the Ombudsman’s conclusions regarding the Commission’s refusal to disclose key documents and communications relating to the EU’s vaccine contracts; points out that the Court of Justice of the European Union has also condemned this lack of transparency by the Commission1a; stresses that the Ombudsman’s repeated warnings must be followed by binding and enforceable measures to ensure full accountability in all future contracts of strategic importance; _________________ 1a Judgment of the General Court of 14 May 2025, Stevi and The New York Times v Commission, Case T-36/23, ECLI:EU:T:2025:483.

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36. Amendment 36The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 12
    Current text

    12. Calls on the Ombudsman to examine the Commission’s practice of financing environmental non-governmental organisations that subsequently lobby Parliament and the Commission to further green policies; stresses that such practices risk creating conflicts of interest, distort the democratic process and undermine the legitimacy of EU decision-making;

    Amendment

    deleted

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37. Amendment 37The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 16
    Current text

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation5, including the obligations related to fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, including in search and rescue operations; _________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repe…

    Amendment

    16. Appreciates the Ombudsman’s commitment to upholding the fundamental and human rights of migrants, including in the EU’s border management activities, by launching inquiries into the actions of Frontex and the Commission in this regard; stresses that several inquiries were opened in 2024 concerning the European Union Agency for Asylum and Frontex, which highlighted systemic challenges in ensuring accountability and compliance with EU fundamental rights obligations; calls on the Commission and the agencies concerned to report to Parliament on the action taken in response to the Ombudsman’s findings in these cases;

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38. Amendment 38The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17
    Current text

    17. Stresses that Frontex’s primary mission must be the protection of the EU’s external borders, the control of human traffickers and coyotes, and the fight against illegal immigration; underlines that a lack of border control is what leads to more deaths at sea;

    Amendment

    17. Expresses concern about the deployment of extensive surveillance and monitoring systems in Greece’s reception and identification centres; calls on the Commission to ensure that EU funding for such systems does not result in violations of fundamental rights of asylum seekers; insists that the Commission fully implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations concerning the transparency of relevant documents;

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39. Amendment 39The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17 a (new)
    Amendment

    17a. Calls on the Commission to fully implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations regarding the monitoring of EU funds allocated to Greece for border management; underlines that the protection of fundamental rights must be a non-negotiable condition for the financing of projects linked to returns, detention centres and border operations;

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40. Amendment 40The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 19
    Current text

    19. Regrets the Commission’s refusal to follow the Ombudsman’s recommendation to grant greater public access to documents related to the drafting of proposed legislation to combat child sexual abuse; recalls that citizens should be able to scrutinise the Commission’s work on legislative proposals; underlines that transparency is of particular importance in this context, as the proposal directly touches on the protection of children, citizens’ fundamental rights and private life;

    Amendment

    19. Criticises the Commission’s refusal to follow the Ombudsman’s recommendation to grant greater public access to documents related to the drafting of proposed legislation to combat child sexual abuse, as it has thus failed to ensure that citizens can verify that it has acted independently and exclusively in the public interest; underlines that the protection of children from sexual abuse must be the EU’s foremost priority; stresses that this fight must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and data protection; calls on the Commission to ensure full transparency in the preparation of the legislative proposal and to actively involve civil s…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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41. Amendment 41The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 21 a (new)
    Amendment

    21a. Notes that the Ombudsman has opened several inquiries concerning transparency in the EU-Mercosur negotiations and has expressed concern to the Commission regarding its refusal to disclose key documents, considering this approach inconsistent with the Commission’s commitment to open policymaking; recalls the Ombudsman’s previous finding of maladministration in relation to the Commission’s failure to finalise the sustainability impact assessment before concluding the negotiations with the Mercosur countries; further notes that concerns persist regarding the lack of transparency, including in the context of the decision to provisionally apply the agreement prior to obtaining Parliament’s c…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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42. Amendment 42ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 6
    Current text

    6. Stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on the substitution of hazardous substances in pesticides in order to better take into account effective, safe non-chemical alternatives; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts of interest, duly taking into account the Ombudsman’s suggestions for improvement;

    Amendment

    6. Stresses that the Commission should improve the rules on the substitution of hazardous substances in pesticides in order to better take into account effective, safe non-chemical alternatives; insists on the need for a coherent and effective regulatory framework to ensure that no product from a non-EU country competes with domestic EU production if it contains hazardous substances that are banned in the EU; is deeply concerned about the lack of sufficient guarantees regarding the traceability of and the health checks performed on products from non-EU countries; calls on the Commission to ensure that the approval process is fully transparent and follows strict safeguards against conflicts o…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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43. Amendment 43ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 16
    Current text

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation5 , including the obligations related to fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, including in search and rescue operations; _________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and rep…

    Amendment

    16. Stresses that Frontex must operate within the provisions enshrined in its regulation5 , including the obligations related to fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law; takes note of the reform of the Frontex mandate announced by the President of the Commission for 2026; expects that reinforcing the mandate, resources and budget of Frontex will ensure that the agency can perform its work under the best possible conditions in order to better support the Member States, including in search and rescue operations; deplores, however, the ideological attacks by militant associations targeting Frontex; calls for the Ombudsman’s report to assess the harmfulness of these sme…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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44. Amendment 44ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 20
    Current text

    20. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; underlines the importance of basing any decision regarding the legal protection status of wolves on scientific evidence and the protection of rural communities;

    Amendment

    20. Takes note of the Ombudsman’s decision to open an inquiry into the Commission’s data collection on the impact of the wolf population in the EU; notes, however, that in accordance with the Ombudsman’s statute, the inquiry had to be closed due to a pending case before the CJEU (T-634/24), where the same issues are raised; underlines the importance of basing any decision regarding the legal protection status of wolves on scientific evidence, the protection of rural communities and the economic interests of breeders; welcomes the decision adopted by the parties to the Bern Convention on 3 December 2024 to lower the protection status of the wolf;

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45. Amendment 45ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 22 a (new)
    Amendment

    22a. Calls on the Ombudsman to assess the effects of the EU Digital Services Act1a on freedom of expression; protests against the numerous cases of censorship under the guise of fighting fake news; 1a 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).

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