Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - European Parliament

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 1The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 67 a (new)
   Amendment

   67 a. stresses that health and safety at work, including psychosocial risks (stress, burnout, harassment), is a priority; calls on the Bureau to formally recognise psychosocial risks as occupational risks and to adopt a Parliament-wide prevention plan with measurable targets; calls for the introduction of risk assessments covering remote working, missions and tight deadlines, as well as confidential reporting channels, training for managers and regular social dialogue; insists on the enforcement of the right to disconnect.

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2. Amendment 2The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 67 b (new)
   Amendment

   67 b. Insists that Parliament take the necessary measures to ensure that trainees who find themselves in a situation where they have reasonable grounds to believe that there is a serious and imminent danger or a violation of their moral integrity, their rights or their dignity, may immediately withdraw from that situation until it has ended or until they have been duly informed that the reasonably presumed danger or infringement no longer exists; the exercise of this right shall have no effect on the continuation of the placement, unless the trainee decides otherwise, nor shall it have any effect on the trainee’s assessment or remuneration.

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3. Amendment 3The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 67 c (new)
   Amendment

   67 c. Calls for an end to outsourcing within Parliament and for essential services (such as, amongst others, canteens, cleaning and childcare) to be provided directly in-house, in order to better protect workers in precarious situations and to ensure decent working conditions;

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4. Amendment 4The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 71 a (new)
   Amendment

   71 a. Calls on the Bureau and the Secretary-General to present gender-disaggregated data on staffing, senior and middle management posts, contract types, teleworking and flexible working arrangements, as well as anti-harassment measures and complaint outcomes within Parliament’s administration, with a view to identifying and correcting inequalities; calls for the establishment of clear, time-bound targets for achieving gender balance at all management levels within Parliament’s administration, including directors-general and heads of unit;

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5. Amendment 5The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 73
   Current text

   73. Recalls the launch of the Parliament wide anti-harassment campaign ‘United against Harassment’ on 22 October 2024, contributing to a safe work environment; welcomes that, in addition to the information campaign, the training course ‘Respect and dignity at work - Preventing conflict and harassment in the workplace’ for Members was mandatory and completed by Members in the first year of the legislature; highlights that the effectiveness of these measures should be evaluated;

   Amendment

   73. Recalls the launch of the Parliament wide anti-harassment campaign ‘United against Harassment’ on 22 October 2024, contributing to a safe work environment; welcomes that, in addition to the information campaign, the training course ‘Respect and dignity at work - Preventing conflict and harassment in the workplace’ for Members was mandatory and completed by Members in the first year of the legislature; calls for an end to outsourcing within Parliament and for essential services (such as, amongst others, canteens, cleaning and childcare) to be provided directly in-house, in order to better protect workers in precarious situations and to ensure decent working conditions;

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6. Amendment 6The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 77 a (new)
   Amendment

   77 a. Call for a complete ban on trips taken by Members that are paid for by foreign countries and entities; believes that similar rules should be drawn up for trips taken by APAs or political group staff;

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7. Amendment 7The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 105
   Current text

   105. Notes that the current Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members does not lay down transparency requirements for financial management of the GEA; notes that, at its meeting on 17 October 2022, the Bureau adopted this decision without establishing any oversight framework;

   Amendment

   105. Regrets that the current Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members does not lay down transparency requirements for financial management of the GEA; regrets that, at its meeting on 17 October 2022, the Bureau adopted this decision without establishing any oversight framework;

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8. Amendment 8The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 105 a (new)
   Amendment

   105 a. Calls for reform of the GEA, whereby Members keep all receipts related to the GEA, annually publish a private overview of expenditure to DG FINS, and that Parliament establish an annual 5 % sample check of GEA expenditure by Members; reiterate the request for more clarity and guidance for Members on what the GEA can be used for as well as the return of the unspent share of the GEA at the end of the mandate; request to produce a study of the financial impact of moving from the current system to the reform requested by the parliament for more transparency, identifying additional costs but also possible savings in particular with the return of GEA at the end of the mandate;

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9. Amendment 9The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 133
   Current text

   133. Notes that the Bureau decision of 12 June 20234 has been challenged by 405 voluntary pension scheme beneficiaries before the General Court; recalls the remarks made by the Secretary-General in the hearing of 8 December in anticipation of the ruling of the General Court and the potential courses of action; notes that the General Court decided on 17 December 2025 to dismiss the actions of the former Members; asks the administration and the Bureau to address the matter and take the necessary measures to comply with the judgement of the General Court; _________________ 4 Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 12 June 2023 amending the Implementing Measures for the Statute for…

   Amendment

   133. Notes that the Bureau decision of 12 June 20234 has been challenged by 405 voluntary pension scheme beneficiaries before the General Court; recalls the remarks made by the Secretary-General in the hearing of 8 December in anticipation of the ruling of the General Court and the potential courses of action; notes that the General Court decided on 17 December 2025 to dismiss the actions of the former Members; asks the administration and the Bureau to address the matter and take the necessary measures to comply with the judgement of the General Court; requests the Bureau to carefully consider the future of the voluntary pension scheme and Parliament’s role therein, in particular by revising…

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10. Amendment 10S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 39 a (new)
    Amendment

    39 a. Calls on the President to evaluate the decrease in the number of female Members in 2024 and fund campaigns encouraging women to enter Union politics; urges national parties to adopt gender-balanced measures, such as the alternate ordering of men and women on the list (zipping) and/or gender quotas, until parity is reached; calls on the Commission to strengthen the rules for ensuring gender-balance in political leadership roles; regrets the lack of quantitative and qualitative data on gender mainstreaming within the Union institutions beyond data on the number of women in different positions; calls, therefore, for the compiling of comprehensive gender-disaggregated statistics; commits t…

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11. Amendment 11S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 39 b (new)
    Amendment

    39 b. Calls on the Bureau and the Secretary-General to present gender-disaggregated data on staffing, senior and middle management posts, contract types, telework and flexible working arrangements, as well as anti-harassment measures and complaint outcomes within Parliament’s administration, with a view to identifying and correcting inequalities; calls for the establishment of clear, time-bound targets for achieving gender balance at all management levels within Parliament’s administration, including directors-general and heads of unit;

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12. Amendment 12S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 44
    Current text

    44. Calls for the continuation of interinstitutional cooperation and dialogue on integrity and transparency, within the Union institutions;

    Amendment

    44. Calls for the continuation of interinstitutional cooperation and dialogue on integrity and transparency, among the Union institutions; recalls that Parliament remains bound by the Agreement establishing an interinstitutional body for ethical standards for members of institutions and advisory bodies referred to in Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union; recalls that the Parliament is therefore required to comply with its provisions without any further delay;

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13. Amendment 13S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 123
    Current text

    123. Calls on the Court to specifically examine media funding;

    Amendment

    deleted

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14. Amendment 14Motion for a resolution · Paragraph 75
    Current text

    75. Stresses that quality childcare services provided to the Members and staff are crucial measures to ensure the effective implementation of the work-life balance policy; draws attention to the fact that quality of the services provided by the Wayenberg childcare facility in Brussels for pre-school age children has been suffering in quality due to the frequent change of service provider since 2020; calls in this respect to consider the need to adopt high-quality standards;

    Amendment

    75. Stresses that the quality and continuity of childcare services provided to the Members and staff are crucial for the well-being of children and to ensure the effective implementation of the work-life balance policy; raises concerns that the current contract was awarded to a newly established company, created shortly after the publication of the tender and reportedly linked to the previous provider, Esedra, whose contract had been terminated by Parliament due to issues with its execution; is concerned about ongoing challenges relating to staff shortages, high staff absenteeism and turnover, which may affect the continuity and quality of the services provided at the Wayenberg facility; cal…

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15. Amendment 15RenewMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 44
    Current text

    44. Calls for the continuation of interinstitutional cooperation and dialogue on integrity and transparency, within the Union institutions;

    Amendment

    44. Calls for the continuation of interinstitutional cooperation and dialogue on integrity and transparency, within the Union institutions; recalls the Agreement establishing an interinstitutional body for ethical standards for members of institutions and advisory bodies referred to in Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union, and insists on its swift and effective implementation across all Union institutions;

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16. Amendment 16RenewMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 103 a (new)
    Amendment

    103 a. Calls for reform of the GEA, whereby Members keep all receipts related to the GEA, annually publish a private overview of expenditure to DG FINS, and that Parliament establish an annual 5 % sample check of GEA expenditure by Members;

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17. Amendment 17RenewMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 147 a (new)
    Amendment

    147 a. Notes that the APFF financed the ID party with €1,323,019 in 2024, whose legal successor is the Patriots.eu since July 2024; regrets reports that member parties of the Patriots.eu may have breached Article 2 TEU, calls on the APFF to carry out a verification of Patriots.eu, including its member organisations, for compliance with the values on which the Union is founded, as enshrined in Article 2 TEU;

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18. Amendment 18Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 34
    Current text

    34. Expresses serious concern regarding allegations that Member States have engaged in spying and targeted Parliament; notes that the Commission has established an internal group to investigate these claims; urges close cooperation between Parliament and the Commission, and urges the Commission to share the working group’s findings with Parliament, provided that such sharing does not compromise any ongoing or potential legal proceedings;

    Amendment

    34. Expresses serious concern regarding allegations that Member States have engaged in spying and targeted Parliament; notes that the Commission has established an internal group to investigate these claims; urges close cooperation between Parliament and the Commission, and urges the Commission to share the working group’s findings with Parliament, provided that such sharing does not compromise any ongoing or potential legal proceedings; calls for a committee of inquiry to be set up pursuant to Article 226 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Rule 215 of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament to examine the scope of the alleged spying and any potential breach…

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19. Amendment 19Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 106 a (new)
    Amendment

    106 a. Calls for reform of the General Expenditure Allowance to ensure a basic level of accountability for this budget line which should require Members to retain supporting documents pertaining to their GEA spending for the full retention period and at least until the end of the mandate; to annually publish an overview of the headline expenditure per category on Parliament's website alongside an audit certificate by an independent external auditor and to return the unspent share of their GEA to Parliament at the end of their mandate; further calls on Parliament to introduce a meaningful, risk-based sampling strategy, including a minimum annual sample, with the possibility of expanded checks…

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20. Amendment 20Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 118
    Current text

    118. Notes that, in 2024, six reports of whistleblower cases were received under the Internal Rules Implementing Article 22c of the Staff Regulations, five through official channels and one from another Union institution; notes that one case was referred to the EPPO, two led to administrative inquiries, and one was sent to the Consultative Committee on the Code of Conduct of Members, with the external report also triggering an inquiry;

    Amendment

    118. Notes that, in 2024, six reports of whistleblower cases were received under the Internal Rules Implementing Article 22c of the Staff Regulations, five through official channels and one from another Union institution; notes that one case was referred to the EPPO, two led to administrative inquiries, and one was sent to the Consultative Committee on the Code of Conduct of Members, with the external report also triggering an inquiry; expresses concern that in 2024 the Court of Justice ruled in Case T-793/22 that Parliament had not taken all the measures necessary to ensure that a whistleblower had balanced and effective protection against any form of retaliation; notes that the Court also…

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21. Amendment 21Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 121 a (new)
    Amendment

    121 a. Recalls that the rules prohibit Members from engaging in paid lobbying activities directly linked to the Union decision-making process; underlines that holding remunerated positions in entities within the scope of the Transparency Register, while simultaneously exercising parliamentary functions in the same policy area or engaging in related contacts with the Commission or Council, is incompatible with these rules; calls for such situations to be properly examined and, where breaches are established, for proportionate sanctions to be applied;

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22. Amendment 22Verts/ALEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 138
    Current text

    138. Notes media reports accusing the PfE Group of misusing at least EUR 171 644 in funds during the second half of 2024; notes that Parliament’s administration has requested clarification from the PfE Group; notes that the discharge authority has not yet been informed but expects to be informed without delay of any further developments and of the outcome of the administrative follow-up in this matter;

    Amendment

    138. Notes media reports accusing the PfE Group of misusing at least EUR 171 644 in funds during the second half of 2024; notes that Parliament’s administration has requested clarification from the PfE Group; regrets that the audit report of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) Group for the second half of 2024 remains outstanding, but expects to be informed without delay of any further developments and of the outcome of the administrative follow-up in this matter; calls on the Bureau to apply the same standards of accountability and recovery as those applied to the former Identity & Democracy Group; expects the administration to refer any evidence of irregular expenditure to OLAF and the EPPO with…

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23. Amendment 23ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 56
    Current text

    56. Calls for adequate monitoring of expenditure of the EPLOs and Europa Experience Centres;

    Amendment

    56. Calls for adequate monitoring of expenditure of the EPLOs and Europa Experience Centres; calls, in particular, for a performance audit of the EPLOs and invites the European Court of Auditors (ECA) to assess their cost-effectiveness; requests that this assessment specifically evaluates the continued necessity of maintaining physical premises in Member States; expects the administration to propose a restructuring plan aimed at rationalising the network of Liaison Offices to identify savings and improve the efficient functioning of Parliament; calls, in addition, for the clear definition of result indicators for the Europa Experience centres and for that programme to be subject to an indepe…

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24. Amendment 24ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 80 a (new)
    Amendment

    80 a. Notes that the suspension of Strasbourg part-sessions during the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to total savings of EUR 26 260 608 according to Parliament’s Secretariat; highlights that the Court of Auditors in 2014 estimates that “the end of moving from Strasbourg to Brussels could generate annual savings of EUR 114 million plus a one-off saving of EUR 616 million if the Strasbourg buildings are successfully divested, or a one-off cost of EUR 40 million if they are not”1a; considers that, retaining the Strasbourg seat is irresponsible; _________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/other%20publi cations/pl1407_letter/pl1407_letter_en.pdf

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25. Amendment 25ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 80 b (new)
    Amendment

    80 b. Calls for an updated and comprehensive analysis of the cost of Parliament's geographical dispersion, building on the 2014 Court of Auditors estimate and reflecting the significant developments since then, in particular the widespread availability of remote and hybrid participation technologies, the evolution of real estate prices in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg, changes in energy and transport costs, and the carbon footprint of monthly transfers, so that future decisions on Parliament's working arrangements can be based on up-to-date, verifiable figures;

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26. Amendment 26ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 122
    Current text

    122. Welcomes the increased use of the Transparency Register as an information and reference tool for interest representation activities at Union level; welcomes the development of IT solutions to improve the Transparency Register, but notes that its Secretariat is still underfunded and understaffed; notes that the quality of entries in the Transparency Register has improved and recalls the necessity to keep strengthening data quality checks of new applicants; welcomes the establishment of robust standards at Parliament with regard to transparency and access to institutions for entities listed in the Transparency Register; calls for inter-linking the Transparency Register and the Financial T…

    Amendment

    122. Welcomes the increased use of the Transparency Register as an information and reference tool for interest representation activities at Union level; welcomes the development of IT solutions to improve the Transparency Register, but notes that its Secretariat is still underfunded and understaffed; notes that the quality of entries in the Transparency Register has improved and recalls the necessity to keep strengthening data quality checks of new applicants; welcomes the establishment of robust standards at Parliament with regard to transparency and access to institutions for entities listed in the Transparency Register; calls for inter-linking the Transparency Register and the Financial T…

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27. Amendment 27PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 1 a (new)
    Amendment

    1 a. Considers that this 6.05% increase in one year is unreasonable and contrary to the principle of sound financial management;

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28. Amendment 28PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 6
    Current text

    6. Welcomes the Secretary-General's commitment to simplification, good administration, and reinforcement of the scrutiny function of Parliament; notes with satisfaction that simplification is embraced not merely as a goal to be achieved but as a guiding principle to be systematically applied across all areas of Parliament's work, ensuring more effective and accessible (administrative) processes; welcomes the continued emphasis on Parliament’s core business, its legislative, budgetary and scrutiny activities, and in particular the creation of four thematic directorates-general, including the Directorate-General for Budgetary Affairs;

    Amendment

    6. Takes note of the Secretary-General's commitment to simplification, good administration, and reinforcement of the scrutiny function of Parliament with variable geometry; notes with satisfaction that simplification is embraced not merely as a goal to be achieved but as a guiding principle to be systematically applied across all areas of Parliament's work, ensuring more effective and accessible (administrative) processes; welcomes the continued emphasis on Parliament’s core business, its legislative, budgetary and scrutiny activities, and in particular the creation of four thematic directorates-general, including the Directorate-General for Budgetary Affairs;

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29. Amendment 29PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 7 a (new)
    Amendment

    7 a. Recalls that the European Court of Auditors does not express an opinion on the appropriateness of expenditure; considers that it would recommend a rationalisation of many expenditures, in particular those related to buildings and equipment;

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

    10. Takes note of the Court’s observations on Parliament’s internal rules; notes that Parliament’s administration is subject to the Financial Regulation and its public procurement rules; notes, however, that for the political groups, the Bureau adopted the Rules governing the use of appropriations from budget line 400, which contain a number of specific provisions for certain procurement procedures; recalls that political groups manage the funds allocated to them in accordance with the principles of indirect management of funds by applying Article 62(1), point (c), of the Financial Regulation by analogy; considers that these rules themselves replace the ‘contribution agreements’ referred to…

    Amendment

    10. Takes note of the Court’s observations on Parliament’s internal rules; notes that Parliament’s administration is subject to the Financial Regulation and its public procurement rules; notes, however, that for the political groups, the Bureau adopted the Rules governing the use of appropriations from budget line 400, which contain a number of specific provisions; is concerned that some of these provisions are not fully in line with the Financial Regulation, as noted by the ECA regarding certain procurement procedures; recalls that political groups manage the funds allocated to them in accordance with the principles of indirect management of funds by applying Article 62(1), point (c), of th…

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31. Amendment 31PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 11
    Current text

    11. Notes that only three auditors were included in the list of audit firms selected to audit the political groups’ accounts, regretting the limited choice available; calls on the Directorate-General for Finance (DG FINS) to strive to include more external audit firms in the list by actively inviting all qualified European auditors, including those based outside Belgium, providing a sufficient number of options in order for the political groups to have more choices to select an auditor that complies with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB); considers further that the budgets allocated by political groups for the audits should be increased to ensure a more thoroug…

    Amendment

    11. Notes that only three auditors were included in the list of audit firms selected to audit the political groups’ accounts; notes that on September 4, 2025, the Committee on Budgetary Control adopted an opinion on the 2024 accounts questioning the work performed by one of the external auditors and proposing that the Bureau of the European Parliament consider taking action against that auditor; emphasises that, following this challenge, DG FINS did not conduct an audit of the 2024 accounts of all political groups, nor, moreover, of the groups audited by the same external auditor, in order to ensure that they were not affected by the same issues; recalls that the total budget allocated to al…

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32. Amendment 32PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 12
    Current text

    12. Notes that according to Article 1.4 of the Rules on the use of appropriations from budget item 400, political groups shall be responsible to the institution for the use of appropriations, within the limits of the powers conferred upon them by the Bureau; remarks that they shall ensure that the appropriations are used in accordance with these Rules; welcomes the efforts of Parliament’s administration in assisting political groups with the aim of guiding their knowledge and capacity on financial management;

    Amendment

    12. Notes that according to Article 1.4 of the Rules on the use of appropriations from budget item 400, political groups shall be responsible to the institution for the use of appropriations, within the limits of the powers conferred upon them by the Bureau; remarks that they shall ensure that the appropriations are used in accordance with these Rules; welcomes the efforts of Parliament’s administration in assisting political groups with the aim of guiding their knowledge and capacity on financial management; recalls that the ECA’s 2024 Annual Report highlighted various shortcomings identified in its audit sample, such as weaknesses in public procurement procedures conducted by Parliament (n…

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33. Amendment 33PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 19
    Current text

    19. Recalls that, in accordance with Articles 1.3.2, 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 of the Rules on the use of appropriations from budget item 400, the former political group Identity & Democracy (ID Group) submitted its final financial report on 8 October 2024 covering the period from 1 January to 15 July 2024; recalls that Parliament’s administration received the ID Group’s full financial archive in both electronic and paper format and conducted a risk-based ex-post verification of the 2024 accounts, focusing on consistency checks and sample testing of high-risk contracts and donations; recalls the findings of Parliament’s administration that at least EUR 4 333 635,78 of budget item 400 appropriations we…

    Amendment

    19. Recalls that, in accordance with Articles 1.3.2, 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 of the Rules on the use of appropriations from budget item 400, the former political group Identity & Democracy (ID Group) submitted its final financial report on 8 October 2024 covering the period from 1 January to 15 July 2024; recalls that Parliament’s administration received the ID Group’s full financial archive in both electronic and paper format and conducted a risk-based ex-post verification of the 2024 accounts, focusing on consistency checks and sample testing of high-risk contracts and donations; recalls the findings of Parliament’s administration that at least EUR 4 333 635,78 of budget item 400 appropriations we…

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34. Amendment 34PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 23 a (new)
    Amendment

    23 a. Expresses concern about the adversarial procedure within the institution, which in its current form is not satisfactory; underlines that, as regards political groups, the final decision rests with the Bureau of the European Parliament on the basis of an opinion from the Committee on Budgetary Control, both political bodies, thereby risking casting doubt on the motivations behind the final decision; calls on the Conference of Presidents to consider establishing an internal appeals mechanism ensuring the impartiality and independence of decisions, which could help avoid lengthy and costly judicial proceedings;

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35. Amendment 35PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29
    Current text

    29. Notes that the Commission has acknowledged allegations regarding the use of Union funds for advocacy activities targeting Parliament by several entities but has stated that such activities fall within the scope of the applicable regulation; recognises, however, that this might have nonetheless entailed reputational risks;

    Amendment

    29. Is deeply concerned about allegations regarding the use of Union funds for advocacy activities targeting Parliament ; deplores that Union funds under the LIFE programme have been allocated by the European Commission and its agency CINEA to NGOs and civil society entities engaged in direct lobbying activities towards the institutions of the Union, including Parliament, contradicting the principles of sound financial management, transparency and separation of powers;

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36. Amendment 36PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 30
    Current text

    30. Recalls that allegations of Russian influence in Parliament posed serious risks to democratic integrity, noting that some Members openly supported Russia, including in their side activities, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards; notes that Parliament’s response to foreign interference has become more vigilant, however, more robust measures should be taken to ensure effective protection against undue external influence; underlines, in this context, the essential responsibility of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to carry out all necessary in-depth investigations;

    Amendment

    30. Recalls that allegations of non-European influence particularly Russian and Chinese in Parliament posed serious risks to democratic integrity, once again in 2024 with the Huaweigate scandal2a, following several scandals that have tarnished the European Parliement's reputation in recent years, such as Qatargate which underscores the need to establish stronger safeguards; recalls and deplores the fact that the request for a committee of inquiry never came to fruitition ; notes that Parliament’s response to foreign interference has become more vigilant, however, more robust measures should be taken to ensure effective protection against undue external influence; underlines, in this context,…

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37. Amendment 37PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 30 a (new)
    Amendment

    30 a. Recalls that the Union itself engages in a form of interference in certain Member States and condemns this democratic anomaly;

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38. Amendment 38PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 31 a (new)
    Amendment

    31 a. Deplores that the EU finances NGOs identified as having attempted to influence the votes of Members of the European Parliament3a; _________________ 3a https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/la-commission-europeenne-a-paye-des-ong-pour-faire-son-lobbying-sur-le-pacte-vert-23-01-2025-2580637_24.php&ved=2ahUKEwjWl-XUoPWTAxX5QvEDHfykFswQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3s6eQaeMTqodaEeLeQJqPy

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39. Amendment 39PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43
    Current text

    43. Commends DG PRES for its activities concerning the implementation and follow-up of the new rules on integrity and transparency which included a first overall assessment of the technical implementation of the reform, and awareness-raising activities and provision of technical expertise and services on transparency, integrity and accountability issues; further welcomes the role of the Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members in monitoring how Members comply with the Code of Conduct and its implementing measures;

    Amendment

    43. Commends DG PRES for its activities concerning the implementation and follow-up of the new rules on integrity and transparency which included a first overall assessment of the technical implementation of the reform, and awareness-raising activities and provision of technical expertise and services on transparency, integrity and accountability issues; further welcomes the role of the Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members in monitoring how Members comply with the Code of Conduct and its implementing measures; stresses, however, that Parliament remains unable to effectively combat corruption and financial malpractice within its own institution despite the strengthening of measures si…

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40. Amendment 40PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 46 a (new)
    Amendment

    46 a. Stresses that respect for the rights of Parliament by the European Commission must no longer be optional;

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41. Amendment 41PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 53
    Current text

    53. Recognises that communication regarding the European elections was at the forefront of DG COMM’s activities in 2024, most notably with the successful ‘Go-to-vote’ communication campaign, partnerships with over 300 civil society organisations and more than 18 000 journalists briefed; notes that all of DG COMM’s strategic projects in 2024, with a 94 % completion rate, were aimed at the European elections, with the remaining 6 % relating to the implementation of the new website structure;

    Amendment

    53. Regrets that communication regarding the European elections amounting to EUR 37 million plus EUR 11.7 million in grants, was at the forefront of DG COMM’s activities in 2024, most notably with the successful ‘Go-to-vote’ communication campaign, by funding entities whose connection to the European democratic process raises serious questions: national media outlets, including public service broadcasters, known for violating political neutrality in some cases (France Télévisions in France), partnerships with over 300 civil society organisations and NGOs (OXFAM), 200 multinational corporations (including Coca-Cola), 200 content creators and more than 18 000 journalists briefed; notes that al…

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42. Amendment 42PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 54 a (new)
    Amendment

    54 a. Furthermore, in the context of the democratic process, expresses concern that certain major parties and candidates were excluded from the Eurovision debate organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) at Parliament in the run-up to the European elections and thus with its financial support; recalls the concerns set out in the OSCE report regarding the impact “on the overall integrity of the elections, particularly when accompanied by limited public participation in the political debate,” the fact that “in some countries, senior officials have used their official positions to promote their parties,” as was the case with the then-French Prime Minister, and “However, participation i…

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43. Amendment 43PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 58 a (new)
    Amendment

    58 a. condemns the exorbitant cost of the Europa Experience centers, amounting to nearly 13 million euros in 2024 and an initial investment of 112 million euros since their opening; notes the limited value of these centres, aside from serving as a vehicle for propaganda in favor of greater European integration at the expense of Member States’ sovereignty; expresses outrage at the average absurd cost per visitor in 2024, reaching up to 70 euros per person for the Paris centre, constituting a clear case of waste; finally, deplores the opening of new centres in non-Union states: Panama, Moldova, Albania5a; _________________ 5a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/fr/press-room/20250310IPR27226/e…

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44. Amendment 44PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 59
    Current text

    59. Underlines the importance of thoroughly evaluating the lessons learned with the Europa Experience centres so far, in particular regarding the search for adequate buildings and how target groups can be reached effectively, identifying best practices, and adapting the future development of the Europa Experience centres to local needs and demonstrated impact; stresses that this reassessment should guide future adjustments or reconsiderations in further expansion, ensuring that all future investments are more efficient in serving their intended purpose of bringing Parliament closer to citizens and improving their understanding of the Union’s democratic process;

    Amendment

    59. Underlines the importance of thoroughly evaluating the lessons learned with the Europa Experience centres so far, in particular regarding the search for adequate buildings and how target groups can be reached effectively, identifying best practices, and adapting the future development of the Europa Experience centres to local needs and demonstrated impact; stresses that this reassessment should guide future adjustments or reconsiderations with a view to budgetary savings in further expansion, ensuring that all future investments are more efficient in serving their intended purpose of bringing Parliament closer to citizens and improving their understanding of the Union’s democratic proces…

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45. Amendment 45PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 72 a (new)
    Amendment

    72 a. Notes that these measures entail additional costs for Parliament and that relocating the institutions and services currently based in Luxembourg to Strasbourg or Brussels would make it possible to avoid such expenditure;

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46. Amendment 46PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 80
    Current text

    80. Recalls the support expressed by the vast majority of Parliament for a single seat; notes that according to the TEU, Parliament shall have its seat in Strasbourg, where the 12 periods of monthly plenary sessions shall be held and that any change to the Treaties requires the unanimity of the Member States; notes that within the current Treaty framework through the optimisation of operations savings can be attained; calls for the establishment of concrete milestones and an action plan for achieving identified cost-reductions;

    Amendment

    80. Recalls that the Treaties designate Strasbourg as Parliament’s official seat; regrets that this is not the case, resulting in considerable construction, acquisition, and maintenance costs at the various sites and cities, as well as costs for transferring equipment between the Brussels and Strasbourg offices during plenary sessions, instead of ensuring the efficient use of the Union’s budget and avoiding the waste of European taxpayers’ money;

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47. Amendment 47PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 81 a (new)
    Amendment

    81 a. Calls for the catering services provided within Parliament to exclusively promote European products and to prioritise short supply chains in support of our agriculture, which safeguards food sovereignty and public health;

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48. Amendment 48PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 82
    Current text

    82. Welcomes that, in 2024, the administration implemented Parliament’s ‘Building Strategy Beyond 2019’, and achieved its main objectives; notes with satisfaction that DG INLO, after years of expansion brought on by the growth of Parliament’s institutional powers, now concentrates on the consolidation of Parliament’s building stock and renovation of existing premises, welcomes DG INLO’s commitment to further developing Parliament’s role in the cities of Strasbourg, Brussels, and Luxembourg, fostering projects of common interest, and connecting the sites to the surrounding areas;

    Amendment

    82. Deplores the fact that the administration implemented Parliament’s ‘Building Strategy Beyond 2019’, which consists of increasingly relying on long-term usufruct contracts—binding Parliament for several decades” —and expanding construction, renovation, and building acquisition projects across the three places of work, notably HAVEL, ADENAUER, CAMPOAMOR, MARTENS, TRÈVES II, VEIL, as well as the renovation project for the SPAAK building, the cost of which exceeds 450 million euro; regrets the lack of a comprehensive, long-term, and fully transparent overview of cumulative costs, including indirect costs related to maintenance, security, operations, and temporary relocations; emphasises that…

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49. Amendment 49PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 85 a (new)
    Amendment

    85 a. Underlines the high level and dispersion of expenditure incurred under the 2026 budget line “Security and surveillance of buildings”, which reached EUR 14.95 million in 2024 for general security and fire protection services alone across Parliament’s three places of work; expresses concern in particular about the cumulative costs related to the security and surveillance of the Europa Experience centres, dedicated to institutional communication, and of Parliament’s liaison offices, which represent significant and increasing amounts, without a consolidated assessment of their necessity, proportionality and added value being systematically provided; considers that these local outreach netw…

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50. Amendment 50PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 86 a (new)
    Amendment

    86 a. Recalls that the Patriots for Europe Group is not represented in the Bureau, which often prevents, on such building management matters, the expression of common sense and calls for rationalisation;

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51. Amendment 51PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 87 a (new)
    Amendment

    87 a. Warns of the forthcoming cost overruns of the SPAAK project, which are financially unreasonable and disproportionate in light of Parliament’s budget;

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52. Amendment 52PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 94
    Current text

    94. Notes that the current fiscal pressure calls for financial prudence and efficiency, also within Parliament’s administrative budget, in order to demonstrate institutional responsibility, where appropriate and without jeopardising its role in the Union institutional setting and its core functions; calls on Parliament’s administration to explore innovative budgeting tools, including performance informed budgeting, that could enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency of the budgeting process, ensuring public resources are spent responsibly; notes that such options should not be to the detriment of the financial commitments already planned or undertaken and should not affect in any…

    Amendment

    94. Notes that the current fiscal pressure calls for financial prudence and efficiency, also within Parliament’s administrative budget, in order to demonstrate institutional responsibility, where appropriate and without jeopardising its role in the Union institutional setting and its core functions; recalls that budgetary and transparency rules and best practices also apply to Parliament’s administration; is concerned that in its 2024 Annual Report, the European Court of Auditors identified shortcomings in the public procurement procedures of Parliament’s administration: “We identified weaknesses in two public procurement procedures conducted by the European Parliament; points out that one o…

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53. Amendment 53PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 94 a (new)
    Amendment

    94 a. In the interest of transparency of Parliament’s administrative budget, calls for full clarity to be provided on all mission expenses of administrative staff, with travel within and outside the Union amounting to more than EUR 732 000 in 2024; calls for the systematic and detailed disclosure of the purpose of each trip, the nature of the expenses incurred and the status of the participants, in order to provide the discharge authority with a comprehensive overview of the use of Union funds so that it can take informed decisions, and to ensure that taxpayers in the Member States also have access to this information;

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54. Amendment 54PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 138
    Current text

    138. Notes media reports accusing the PfE Group of misusing at least EUR 171 644 in funds during the second half of 2024; notes that Parliament’s administration has requested clarification from the PfE Group; notes that the discharge authority has not yet been informed but expects to be informed without delay of any further developments and of the outcome of the administrative follow-up in this matter;

    Amendment

    138. Notes media reports accusing the PfE Group of misusing at least EUR 171 644 in funds during the second half of 2024; notes that Parliament’s administration has requested clarification from the PfE Group regarding the use of certain 2024 appropriations; emphasises that the PfE Group’s 2024 accounts received an unqualified opinion from the external auditor preselected by Parliament; indicates that the PfE Group has forwarded all the requested documentation to the DGFINS; notes that the discharge authority has not yet been informed but expects to be informed without delay of any further developments and of the outcome of the administrative follow-up in this matter;

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55. Amendment 55PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 140
    Current text

    140. Recalls the exclusive financial responsibility entrusted to political groups and their commitment to ensure sound financial management, effective controls and full accountability for public funds; calls for adequate oversight mechanisms within DG FINS by making more resources available;

    Amendment

    140. Recalls the exclusive financial responsibility entrusted to political groups and their commitment to ensure sound financial management, effective controls and full accountability for public funds; calls for adequate oversight mechanisms within DG FINS by making more resources available; notes that within the overall budgets of the political groups for the fiscal year 2024, an election year, certain expenditures under budget 400 line (from 2 to 11) have decreased significantly between the first and second semesters, notably the items budget for meetings, conferences, entertainment, advertising, publications, websites, and promotional items; questions the work of DG FINS and the fact that…

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56. Amendment 56PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 140 a (new)
    Amendment

    140 a. Recalls that the final report “European Parliament Elections of 6–9 June 2024: Special Election Assessment by the OSCE ODIHR” indicates that not all Member States require a specific report on the financing of election campaigns (Germany, Malta, and the Netherlands) and that some request only partial information or disclose only a portion of donors based on varying thresholds, thereby reducing transparency; strongly urges that the OSCE’s observations calling for greater transparency in this area be taken into account to enable voters to make an informed choice when voting;

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57. Amendment 57PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 146
    Current text

    146. Welcomes the publication of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2025/2445 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 , which introduces new requirements for European political parties and European political foundations with the aim of strengthening democratic integrity and resilience; underlines in particular that European political parties now also have to ensure compliance of their member parties, and European political foundations of their member organisations, with the values on which the Union is founded as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU; further notes that safeguards against foreign interference have been reinforced, and that the revised sanctions system requires sanctions for quantif…

    Amendment

    146. Welcomes the publication of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2025/2445 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 , which introduces new requirements for European political parties and European political foundations with the aim of strengthening democratic integrity and resilience; underlines in particular that European political parties now also have to ensure compliance of their member parties, and European political foundations of their member organisations, with the values on which the Union is founded as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU; further notes that safeguards against foreign interference have been reinforced, and that the revised sanctions system requires sanctions for quantif…

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58. Amendment 58PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 149 a (new)
    Amendment

    149 a. Recalls that in 2024, more than 10 million euro was spent by European political parties on election campaigns; emphasises the high sensitivity of this type of expenditure with regard to compliance with Member States’ electoral law and the differences in resources that each European party can mobilise; requests that this type of expenditure be the subject of a more detailed supplementary report as part of the accountability process to ensure the proper use of Union funds and compliance with Member States’ electoral law;

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59. Amendment 59PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 149 b (new)
    Amendment

    149 b. Notes the line item regarding “Non-reimbursable expenses following reclassifications,” totaling over 2 million euro reclassified by DG FINS, to which over 1 million euro is added in reclassifications for European foundations; regrets that this information was provided after the adoption of this discharge resolution by the CONT Committee, preventing it from making a fully informed decision;

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