Erik MARQUARDT

Policy topics Erik MARQUARDT is active on

What Erik MARQUARDT has said (26)

• 2025-09-01 “P-003341/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission The EU does not provide direct funding to the Libyan Coast Guard or other security forces in the country. EU support in Libya is channelled through United Nations agencies, international organisations, Member States’ agencies and non-governmental organisations working on the ground. Regarding the reported incident, the EU Delegation in Tripoli has immediately raised this matter with the Libyan authorities, urging them to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with both national and international obligations. The Libyan authorities have confirmed that an investigation has been launched. Respect for international and human rights law – including the principle of non-refoulement and the protection of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers – remains central to the EU’s engagement in Libya. Cooperation is continuously reviewed, also through a technical dialogue on migration where these issues are discussed with Libyan counterparts. To further strengthen safeguards on human rights compliance, the Commission has introduced stricter provisions on both human rights and the transfer of equipment, such as boats and vehicles, into contracts with the partners implementing projects. These measures ensure that EU-funded assets are used solely for their intended purposes and are not diverted in ways that could undermine human rights.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood · EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• 2025-08-01 “E-003166/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Commission welcomes the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change, which broadly reflects the EU’s position as submitted to the ICJ proceedings. The Court confirms the importance of the challenge faced and the importance of climate and environmental protection efforts. It also reaffirms the obligation for States to cooperate and take collective and ambitious climate and environmental measures. The Commission considers that its proposal for a 2040 target of a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions of 90% compared to 1990 levels, including 1 a possible limited contribution of high-quality credits from outside the EU, is in line with its obligations under the Paris Agreement and international law. The Commission calls on co-legislators for a swift political agreement on the 2040 target so as to enable the communication of a Nationally Determined Contribution ahead of the next Conference of the Parties COP30 in Belem. The Commission will continue to lead international efforts to stay on the Paris Agreement trajectory and to further develop, implement and enforce EU climate and environmental policies to comply with the obligations and commitments under other applicable law specifically identified by the ICJ. The Commission also considers the 2030 target of a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% compared to 1990 levels to be in line with the Paris Agreement and international law. The Commission’s assessment of the final National Energy and Climate Plans 2 of 27 May 2025 shows that the EU is well on track of its 2030 energy and climate goals, but gaps remain. The Commission calls on Member States with identified gaps in specific sectors to fully implement the agreed level of ambition. 1 Starting from 2036. 2 COM(2025) 274 final.”
  Climate efforts
• 2025-07-09 “E-002785/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission maintains that progress in investigations on alleged pushback incidents is necessary to ensure accountability. The Rule of Law Report Chapter for Greece for 2025 1 underlines that progress with the judicial investigation following the Pylos shipwreck is a positive development to start addressing deficiencies in investigating incidents of alleged misconduct involving law enforcement officers. The National Transparency Authority is one of the independent authorities comprising the monitoring mechanism. The Commission will continue focusing its attention on ensuring that it has the appropriate means to perform efficient and effective investigations. The legal framework and criteria for ensuring respect for fundamental rights in the implementation of Home Affairs Funds in the 2021-2027 programming period are set out in the Common Provisions Regulation 2 , which requires Member States to comply with the horizontal enabling condition (HEC) on the effective application and implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights 3 (Charter HEC). The Commission assesses Member States’ compliance with the Charter HEC at the level of the specific objectives in the programmes, 4 examining whether a breach of the Charter is directly linked to the implementation of the programmes. The Commission does not carry out assessments outside of this framework. If, during programmes’ implementation, the Commission considers that the Charter HEC is no longer fulfilled, it may block funding as per the applicable rules. The guidance 5 on ensuring respect for the Charter in the implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI funds) remains valid. 1 Commission Staff Working Document, 2025 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Greece accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, SWD(2025) 908 final. 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, PE/47/2021/INIT, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, pp. 159– 706. 3 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, 2012/C 326/02. 4 In line with the procedures set out in Article 15 and Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. 5 Commission notice - Guidance on ensuring the respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union when implementing the European Structural and Investment Funds (‘ESI Funds’), C/2016/4384, OJ C 269, 23.7.2016, pp. 1–19, 2016/C 269/01.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Asylum & border control
• 2025-03-24 “E-001218/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The European External Action Service has reported on safe passage operations, whenever the question was raised during an Afghanistan related session in the European Parliament or in a parliamentary question 1 . The Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/151 of February 2022 on a European Union action to support the evacuation of certain particularly vulnerable persons from Afghanistan 2 expired in December 2024 and was not extended. The EU as such does not have the prerogative to deliver visas or grant asylum and in the absence of visa for the final destination country in Europe, the EU cannot continue operations. Member States still have the possibility to continue their own operations. The Commission also supports civil society organisations and the protection of human rights in Afghanistan, through dedicated thematic budget lines. This includes ongoing assistance to Human Right Defenders under the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism 3 , which provides support worldwide, including in Afghanistan. 1 P-002818/2022: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-002818_EN.html. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/151/oj/eng. 3 https://protectdefenders.eu/.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-02-19 “E-000772/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Common Provisions Regulation 1 , requires Member States to meet horizontal enabling conditions (HECs), one of which relates to the effective mechanisms for ensuring compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights 2 . Greece, as all Member States, must demonstrate HEC compliance at the programme’s adoption and throughout its implementation. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159–706. 2 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, p. 391–407.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Asylum & border control
• 2025-01-13 “P-000100/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Article 11 of Directive 2011/95/EU 1 sets out the grounds for considering that a third country national has ceased to be a refugee or a person eligible for subsidiary protection. This is also provided for by Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 2 , which requires that determining authorities also take into account precise and up-to-date information obtained from relevant and available sources. The assessment of whether the conditions for international protection have ceased is to be undertaken on an individual basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of the beneficiary. Article 31(4) of Directive 2013/32/EU 3 allows Member States to postpone concluding the examination procedure due to an uncertain situation in the country of origin which is expected to be temporary. The Commission is monitoring the situation and has been informed by the relevant Member States about this suspension. The Commission continues to work closely with the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe and dignified, and with other UN partners to help create the conditions inside Syria for people to return. 1 Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted, OJ L 337, 20.12.2011, p. 9-26, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/95/oj 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection and for the content of the protection granted, amending Council Directive 2003/109/EC and repealing Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L, 2024/1347, 22.5.2024, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1347/oj 3 Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast), OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 60–95, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2013/32/oj”
  Asylum & border control
• 2024-10-24 “E-002258/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 1. Civil society organisations and human rights defenders play a key role in upholding fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Commission is firmly committed to defending the core EU values and ensuring a safe and enabling environment for civil society. The Commission is aware that the Kisa Migrant and Refugee Center (KISA) in Cyprus was attacked on 5 January 2024. The former Commissioner for Home Affairs had a dedicated meeting on 9 January 2024 with civil society organisations, including KISA, on civil society role in migration management. The Commission referred to the attack in the chapter on Cyprus in the 2024 Rule of Law Report 1 . 2. The Commission has provided significant support to Cyprus to strengthen migration management, both financially and operationally together with the relevant EU Agencies, based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 2 . Such support helps Cyprus to step up efficiency and efficacy of procedures and infrastructures in line with the EU acquis, including EUR 22 million for the upgrade of Pournara First Reception Centre (FRC). While in 2022 Pournara FRC was overcrowded due to high arrivals, the situation has improved. Further improvements are expected once the reconstruction of Pournara FRC is completed, and with the increase of capacity for asylum seekers at Kofinou reception centre and the construction of the new reception centre in Limnes. 3. The Commission is in continuous contact with civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including in Cyprus, and is concerned about the pressure they face in some Member States. Engagement with civil society actors is a crucial part of the implementation process of EU law and policies, including the Pact on Migration and Asylum in all Member States. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/a3e5a6f3-2dc4-403a-94eaaf42177813e9_en?filename=31_1_58067_coun_chap_cyprus_en.pdf 2 8 C(2022) 1129 final.”
  Asylum & border control · EU engagement with civil society
• 2024-10-16 “E-002123/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The competence to carry out investigations into individual allegations against the national authorities, and to ensure remedial actions where allegations of wrongdoing are corroborated, is the responsibility of Member States. The Commission has been supporting the Croatian authorities in the establishment of the independent monitoring mechanism (IMM). The Coordination Board of the IMM issues reports on their activities, available on the IMM website 1 . Following its Schengen accession on 1 January 2023, the first periodic Schengen evaluation of Croatia took place in December 2023 – March 2024 under the current Schengen evaluation and Monitoring Mechanism 2 . Particular attention was paid to the respect of fundamental rights in the treatment of migrants and access to asylum procedure at Croatia’s borders. Observers from the Fundamental Right Agency (FRA) participated in the evaluation team. The evaluation report, adopted on 31 October 2024, concluded that, overall, the Croatian authorities duly consider fundamental rights when implementing the Schengen acquis. Looking ahead, Article 10 of the Screening Regulation 3 provides an obligation on Member States to set up independent mechanisms to monitor compliance with EU and international law during the screening. All Member States, including Croatia, should ensure that they fulfil this obligation, put in place adequate safeguards for these bodies’ independence, and equip them with appropriate financial means, taking also into account the FRA Guidance of 19 September 2024 4 . 1 https://www.nmn.hr 2 Council Regulation (EU) 2022/922 of 9 June 2022 on the establishment and operation of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013. 3 Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817. 4 Monitoring fundamental rights during screening and the asylum border procedure – A guide on national independent mechanisms (europa.eu) https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2024-independentborder-monitoring-mechanisms_en.pdf”
  Asylum & border control
• 2024-09-24 “E-001795/2024 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission EU funding for migration programmes in Tunisia is solely channelled via international organisations, Member States agencies and non-governmental organisations present on the ground. The respect for human rights and dignity of all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers is a fundamental principle of EU’s migration policy, in line with international law obligations. The respect for fundamental rights is raised with Tunisian authorities in the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement 1 and the bilateral dialogue on the implementation of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership concluded in July 2023 and through relevant contractual obligations. The EU remains engaged to improve the situation on the ground and pursue a more structured dialogue with the authorities to establish a comprehensive and rights-based approach on migration. Results have been achieved despite the challenging context in Tunisia: support to the national treasury in 2024; the resumption of macroeconomic discussions between the Commission and Tunisia in February 2024; a successful EU-Tunisia investment conference in June 2024 which allowed to launch EU projects worth EUR 900 million on energy, transport and small and medium-sized enterprises, and to sign a dedicated EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy 2 . In addition, better irregular migration control led to a decrease in irregular arrivals from Tunisia to the EU by 80% in 2024 compared to 2023. There were also positive results related to assisted voluntary returns operated by the International Organization for Migration, which more than doubled compared to 2023, and on legal migration, notably in the framework of the Talent Partnerships 3 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/euro-mediterranean-association-agreement-between-theeu-and-tunisia.html 2 https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/mou-energy-ue-tunisie_en 3 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/legal-migration-resettlement-andintegration/talent-partnerships_en”
  EU-Tunisia relations · Asylum & border control · EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• 2024-09-09 “P-001658/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission 1. Under EU law, if a third-country national makes an application for international protection at the internal border of a Member State, that Member State is required to apply the provisions of the Dublin Regulation to determine which Member State is responsible for the examination of the asylum application 1 . The new transfer procedure of Article 23a of the revised Schengen Borders Code 2 does not apply to applicants for international protection. 2. In accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the derogation of Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU must be interpreted strictly. This Article cannot be read in such a way as to confer on Member States the power to depart from the provisions of EU law based on no more than reliance on the responsibilities incumbent upon Member States with regard to the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal security. A Member State has to prove that it is necessary to have recourse to that provision which will be subject to control by the Court of Justice of the European Union 3 . In doing so, the Court examines to what extent the EU legislator has already taken account of the exercise of the responsibilities incumbent upon the Member States in relation to public policy and internal security 4 . 1 Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (recast) OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31. 2 Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, as amended by Regulation 2024/1717. 3 Judgement of 2 April 2020, Commission / Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic (Temporary mechanism for the relocation of applicants for international protection) (joined cases C-715/17, C-718/17 and C-719/17), ECLI:EU:C:2020:257, para 45-47. 4 Judgment of 26 April 2022, Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark (joined cases C-368/20 and C-369/20), ECLI:EU:C:2022:298, para. 89.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2024-08-02 “E-001471/2024 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission 1. The EU and the Commission are committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 1 . For the 2019-2024 mandate, the Commission’s six headline ambitions operationalised the transformations necessary to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the upcoming mandate, the political guidelines of the President indicate a continued focus on sustainability, peace and prosperity for people and planet, and strong partnerships. The Commission is delivering on the SDGs in a whole of government approach, whereby SDGs lie at the the core of EU policy, legislation and funding, including in the EU’s external action. The Commission supports developing countries in achieving SDGs through financing instruments such as the NDICI-Global Europe 2 and the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+). Amounts reallocated through the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework will also contribute to the SDGs. 2. The EU Voluntary Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda 3 did not make any recommendations. It did nevertheless look ahead to 2030 on the basis of lessons learnt from the SDG implementation so far, to accelerate the delivery of the 2030 Agenda within the EU and in its international partnerships. 3. Together, the Commission and Member States are the world’s largest providers of development assistance. China is the largest bilateral lender to developing countries. As the President of the Commission noted at the 24th EU-China Summit, the EU and China have a shared interest in peace and security, in an effective rules-based international order, and in finding solutions to global challenges. To address the huge financing gap to achieve the SDGs, the EU encourages all global actors, including China, to uphold international norms and standards in line with the United Nation’s Charter. 1 https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/publications/21252030%20Agenda%20for%20Sustainable%20Developme nt%20web.pdf 2 NDICI: Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument - https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0947&qid=1694611521351 3 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/sustainable-development-goals/voluntary-reviews-sdgimplementation_en#european-unions-voluntary-review”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid · Global priorities for international development
• 2024-08-01 “P-001468/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission Following the adoption by the European Parliament and Council, the Pact on Migration and Asylum 1 entered into force on 11 June 2024 and will enter into application after two years. Under the Pact, Member States, including Greece, will have to ensure that the detention of applicants for international protection and of third country nationals or stateless persons who do not have the right to remain, is only used for the reasons provided in the applicable provisions, where it is necessary, on the basis of an individual assessment, and where less coercive measures are not possible. Detention must be subject to judicial scrutiny 2 . Member States, including Greece, will need to review and adapt existing practices and standard operating procedures to ensure early identification and follow-up of applicants with special reception needs in line with Directive (EU) 2024/1346 3 . They will also have to review and adjust their legal framework and standard operating procedures for age assessment 4 . The European Union Agency for Asylum guidance on age assessment of 2018 5 can provide useful elements to develop such procedures. The Pact also requires Member States to establish independent mechanisms to monitor compliance with fundamental rights for the screening and border procedures. While there are existing national practices, the Regulations 6 provide for upgraded, uniform rules for all Member States. Existing monitoring mechanisms may need to be amended accordingly. The Commission is committed to monitoring this implementation phase and assisting the Member States as necessary. 1 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en 2 Article 10, Directive 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of The Council of 14 May 2024 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast). 3 OJ L, 2024/1346, 22.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1346/oj 4 An obligation for a multidisciplinary approach to age assessment is introduced to minimise the use of intrusive medical examinations which are only to be used if the first multidisciplinary assessment is inconclusive, Article 25, Asylum Procedure Regulation. 5 https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/easo-practical-guide-on-age-assesment-v3-2018.pdf 6 In particular the Screening Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817) and the Asylum Procedures Regulation (REGULATION (EU) 2024/1348 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 14 May 2024 establishing a common procedure for international protection in the Union and repealing Directive 2013/32/EU).”
  Asylum & border control
• “Yes. Thanks a lot. Thanks a lot. First of all, the chair, but also for the invited agencies to be present here, but also, of course, to the European Court of Auditors, especially Mr. Kessler, for the work that really not only helping us, but I think also the agencies to improve their work. And also thank you to the colleagues. I will shorten my statement a little bit that we don't run out of time, but I think that we have to highlight, first of all, that the discharge is a very important exercise not only of parliamentary scrutiny and democratic control to enable more understanding, giving political guidance to streamline some of the processes or change problematic things. But I think it's also an opportunity for us all together to improve the agencies, for the taxpayers, but also for reaching our goals and the mandates we have. And I think in this light, I hope that nobody understands it as a punishment to be invited here to the committee, but also as an opportunity, opportunity I mentioned, and the three agencies that are not part of the discharge procedure, but have an internal procedure for the discharge. And I wanted to highlight that. Of course, it is legal to have these rules, but could lead from our point of view to a conflict of interest. And I think going through the EP discharge procedure would be an insurance for transparency, and also welcomed by this committee for these three agencies. They are four agencies which received qualified opinions from the European Court of Auditors this year, mostly due to procurement issues for you, Lisa. It's the first time such an opinion has been issued in a row, so that leads to some concerns and need explanations, but I will come to that in my question. I also wanted to highlight that following the 2024 EP reform, this is the first report with a new structure.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Yes. Thanks a lot. First of all, I wanted to thank. Of course. Um, the European Court of Auditors, the shadow rapporteurs. I cannot thank now, but I will thank later because we did not work so much. But of course, also the Secretariat and my team and the team of the group for helping to prepare the draft report. I will switch to German then. It's a little bit easier. I have my notes in German here. So, Chair, colleagues, it's a great pleasure to present the draft discharge for the general budget of the agencies. Today. In this report, we're focusing on, uh, the, uh, the budgets of the central agencies and the approach to transparency and, uh, efficiency when using the using the EU's resources. Let me start more generally by saying that the EU agencies played a play, a critical role in the work done by the EU, by implementing our policies and play an increasingly prominent role in the last few years. They support the EU institutions, but they also encourage cooperation across the EU and between member states that working together with national governments of the member States and improve the lives of the ordinary EU citizen. Looking at security and health issues, but also the protection of freedom of expression and the rule of law. The opinion covers 33 agencies. As you know, this is the first year that we have consolidated the reports of these on these 33 agencies into one single report, and that has given us the opportunity to focus on the main problems encountered in the last year. Now, the report is quite wide ranging and covers a number of issues. And let me bring up some of the more relevant ones. For example, sustainability, transparency, ethics and more fundamental questions as well issues of fundamental law. And then we look at the financial conduct of the agencies and the use of the budgets. Uh, transparency where this could be improved.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “But there is an issue with the lack of accountability. And, uh, for each individual process, the changes have already begun, but we are yet to see what the outcome of these might be. We do hope there will be improvements. There have to be improvements so that the agency is in a position to act effectively. Now. Frontex could be improved by improving access to documents. And this point, I wanted to stress that the EU and its member states are jointly responsible for the management of Frontex, and this means that Frontex, when fully implementing its mandate, represents the EU and must respect international law. I also wanted to take this opportunity to identify problems which we faced with the core agencies. We had an issue that the indicators, the key performance indicators, um, were not drawn up with a standardised or harmonised approach. Some agencies use a tables to display their KPIs, others text or some hybrid format, and some use a percentage indicators, and this makes it quite hard to assess the KPIs as a whole, or just to, um, at a glance. So we would call for a centralised and publicly accessible database where the KPI data of all authorities could be made available. That would improve the accessibility information. Also the transparency of the work done by these agencies. Then one word more on KPIs comparing what's happened in the past.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “But this does not mean there aren't any challenges. There are a couple of things I wanted to touch upon. Firstly, European schools should foster European values and at the moment European values are under threat. And so national curricula could play a role there. So what happens if a member state has a curriculum that's not so Euro Europa, Europe oriented. And then in uh, we've also seen that people from different socio economic backgrounds are experiencing differences when it comes to education outcomes and results. So this can lead to significant inequality. So the previous speaker mentioned this inclusive education should be really pushed. What is missing. What is needed in that regard. And the last question I have to the representative of the students. How seriously is the students perspective and students or students views being taken into consideration as part of this process? I'm looking forward to working with with all of you. And we don't have much time here in this meeting. I've exceeded my speaking time, but hopefully we can talk about this in another occasion. Thank you.”
  Role of education (social change vs. tradition)
• “Great to be in charge of this new process with a single report on all agencies in a merged format, but it's also the first time we are doing it, and I hope for everybody to see how it works and to make the best out of it we can. I think that like and I know that you say like now the green is coming, but I think it's also a question for us all to see how the agencies are contributing to the European Green Deal. But as a standing rapporteur for the European Parliament on policy coherence for development, I would also maybe as an umbrella question, ask all the agencies and highlight that. I think that all of us, like with all the institutions and agencies, have our responsibility for contributing in policy coherence. And maybe if some of you have some thoughts, would be happy to to hear something about like how this is reached inside the agencies or what role sustainability plays in the agencies. The timeline of the report is very like just following the strict discharge calendar, and the rapporteurs draft report will be sent to translation by the 15th of January. And then there was an amendment and negotiation phase Committee vote in April and a plenary vote in May. And we will also get by the end of February. Um, the opinions from the opinion giving committees, which will play, of course, an important role for us in the formulation of the final version, but also in the negotiations with the shadow rapporteurs. I understood also from the chair that I want to or I have to or should ask the questions I have to the agencies just in a row and then.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Cook, um, like you are mostly collecting your own revenues with the EMA. And do you think that it has an impact on decisions like staffing, procurement, any other governance or financing topics when you have like 86%? I think it is for on revenues. Um, just question if it has an impact and you already have spoken about the situation created in 2011 and then with, um, the Brexit and I think everybody knows that it would be too easy to say, okay, now, like it's an EMA fault, but it's of course a question also for us as a parliament, but I think also for the Commission and the member states to understand what could be possibly helpful also to support EMA and finding solutions for this situation, which will maybe, um, yeah, do not like leave us out of the contract until 3920, 39. So is there something which could help also from outside of the EMA? Um, yeah, that's basically the question. Now to you, Lisa. As I mentioned, it's the fourth time qualifying opinion has been issued in a row due to procurement issues. And can you maybe explain a little bit more on how you plan to not have a qualified like opinion next time? That would be interesting for me. And how do you see the interoperability delays of the Justice and Home Affairs IT system? That would be interesting for me. So. Yeah.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Comparability is difficult not just between agencies, but within the same agency when trying to compare data to previous years. And then financial oversight in the report, we recommend, uh, better, uh, oversight mechanisms. Agencies should also improve their budget plans. And let me conclude by saying briefly that environmental sustainability in the agencies. Well, this is if you look in the report, we talk about the progress, but also challenges that faced when implementing the EU systems for environmental management. And Sustainability measures should be integrated into financial plans. Uh. And. It's clear that improvements can be made here. Then to conclude my presentation, I want to say something about the asylum agency. Where it has an important role in managing managing immigration to the EU. Olaf had carried out an investigation into the agency, and despite my request, however, the outcome of the investigation has not been made available to myself as rapporteur or shadow rapporteurs were unable to access the conclusions. This will mean that the discharge will be quite difficult indeed. As I said, we need transparency and the lack of transparency does hinder our work. Um, when drafting our discharge reports. Finally, I'd be delighted to hear from the shadow rapporteur. I know I've spoken at some length, but thank you very much indeed to the Secretariat for your support in my work. Thank you very much for this.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “And I do want to make a further important point here. The agencies which don't fall within the remit of this report, the. Then the customs association and. The uh plant health these should also be correctly controlled I would be good to have the opportunity to do this and ensure that all EU agencies meet the requirements of transparency. As in previous years there have been a weak spots. In ESA, EU, Liza and. Eu that did Lee have encountered problems with procurement and these procedures need to be improved and altered to reduce irregularities. The eco ECA in its annual report looked at. The high levels of transfers and identified structural problems with the budgets, and this is something has to be has to be looked at in more detail on the governance report. Looking at. Which is divided into three blocks those dealing with core of business administration and. Those agencies with more than 90 employees. They're not as efficient as they could be when looking at the representation on boards as well. And a more effective use could be made of interest groups as well. Now the, uh, the looking at expenditure and effectiveness thereof, better results could be achieved though, to reduce redundancies and optimise use of resources. And now ethics and Ethics and conflict of interests. Here greater transparency in the consultation process, consultation of interest groups, um could improve the situation. As for the internal management of Frontex, we expect a new organisation of the structure, uh, to, uh, lead to better operational management to manage the standing core.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Okay. So we start directly. Welcome to this public hearing also for my side as a standing rapporteur for policy coherence for development. I look forward to discussing the global water crisis and the EU's role. Also, from a holistic perspective, while we need investment and aid in the water sector, we also need to address the tensions between different economic activities and water security. Once. Case in point is agriculture, it remains the largest freshwater user, still operates with low efficiency and often unsustainable practices. Extractive industries are another challenging sector. Mining. Critical raw materials. Critical materials, particularly Lithium is highly water intensive. It is therefore important that all projects and investments take the impact on water availability and quality into account, and that the best available technological solutions are used to avoid negative repercussions. Internal external coherence is also crucial on EU's own. Water resilience strategy is an important step in this regard, and I am glad that we will hear more about this from the N.V. rapporteur later. What is closely connected to peace? The committee is currently preparing a recommendation on promoting transnational water governance as a tool for conflict prevention. The committee is contributing to this work with an opinion. The rapporteur is with us today to share his main objectives. We had a small delay, so we have to skip a. He will speak but a little bit in another. Maybe after the next speaker. I think it's the right place. Um, last but not least, access to water is a human right, and that must guide our decision making here in the EU and in partner countries. But now, without much further ado, let us hear the input from our invited guests. So first of all, our first speaker is Mrs. Bogart, managing director at the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The iPad president is currently chairing UN water and strongly engaged in preparing the UN Conference on water this year. Miss Bogart, we are delighted to have you and to listen to you for up to ten minutes. Thanks a lot.”
  Global priorities for international development
• “And so. So how do you cope with the situation with the growing staff, with a growing budget? How do you see also in this light? 10,000 staff and a expectation that maybe somebody decides to have 30,000 Frontex officers. So how do you deal with that, and how do you also deal with the equipment needs of this growing staff? And secondly, what do you think? What is needed for Frontex to be better equipped also for for preventing fundamental rights violation at the external borders? Three questions to Ewa. Nina Gregory, you have a relatively recent mandate and do you think that it fit for purpose, or do you think that all the things are important are like also already implemented, but as a mandate also fit for purpose? What do you think and what do you think about the new pact or how the implementation is going? And the third question is there something we should know as a parliament regarding recent Olaf investigation for our report or. Yeah, that's a question. Basically, I wanted to shorten it. Um, Europol. Um, Mr. Ebner, thank you for being here. Um, you also scanned through a mandate change recently, and you already highlighted some of the aspects regarding the new task. Um, but do you think that the new mandate also fits the purpose of the agency and all of its tasks? And could you maybe second question, elaborate on how European Europol ensures ethical data collection, storage and usage? Like, um, all these questions, especially given its expanded access to large data sets. And maybe you can also say something on the cybersecurity issue, because I think for us as a parliament, it's very important to also be aware of this needs um, and not last but uh, um, also not least but to to go um, Mrs.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Yes. Thank you so much, Luca. Um, yeah. Good to hear your opinions. Unfortunately, I have to go, but you can listen to the next speaker. You still have ten minutes. Um, so, um, thanks a lot. And our next speaker is Mr. Timothy Cargill, vice president for international development at the Zurich Group. We look forward to hearing from you to understand the of perspective of the EU private sector and how it can contribute to SDG six in light of discussions about leveraging investment for water infrastructure under Global Gateway. What are your concrete experiences in partner countries? Mr. Carter? Okay.”
  Global priorities for international development
• “Thank you. First of all, to the rapporteur for all of the work on this very good report. It's an excellent foundation And I look forward to working together with the other colleagues on this report. Colleagues have already touched on a few points which are important for the Greens as well. First of all. With increased political polarization in Europe, in many member states, sport can and should help mutual understanding and so that we can listen to one another and so that we can together create places where we don't see division, but where we come together. And I think that when it comes to promoting European values, democracy, human rights. Sport plays a key role in that as well. But sport should not be politicized. But sport is a real foundation of society. Now, there are other reports in this term that relate to the European sport model. For example, looking at not for profit. And what is of public benefit and what's not? What's a public good? For example, sometimes I feel that the things we see on TV, if you look at football, for instance, it's not just about sport. Many people think that it's now about commercial interests in several sports. Sport can set an example in Europe, and I think that we really should look at this very closely, especially when it comes to top. Sport branches or elite sport. We will be tabling some amendments. I look forward to working with you all and that's all I'd like to say for now. Thank you.”
  Broadcasting of sports events
• “Um, looking at, uh, the, uh, European Court of Auditors examination of the accounts. We want to make our contribution here in the Parliament to ensure that the agencies make best use of the resources they have available, and we want to contribute to better financial management in these agencies. Results have shown that most EU agencies have dealt with their finances very well. They assessed positively. Improvements could be made in financial administration, especially internal control mechanisms and procurement procedures, with some agencies that there have been issues. Um, for example, uh, an issue with um resource planning and improvements could be there now. Irregularities have been discovered. It. There have been challenges, um, with, uh, forecasts and financial planning. Several agencies have begun to implement, um, environmental and budgetary plans as well. There are issues with resources, um, the human resources which have to be managed better. Now, as for oversights, the vast majority of the agencies in 2022 to 2023, we've got €3.7 billion and compared to the overall budget, is quite a small figure. But nonetheless, it is a substantial sum which the taxpayers have made available to us. The EU agency's budget needs to work effectively in order to ensure that they provide an added value to our political process. This added value, uh, should ensure that when new EU agents are set up, they do, uh, contribute positively to the. As I said, the agency should improve the working of the EU.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Um, yeah, thanks a lot. I'm, um, interested in one question about water. So I make sure to leave enough time to for the answers. Um, but of course, I think everybody of the speakers is aware about the risks of water grabbing. And I think from a development perspective, it's very interesting to understand how we can ensure that such investments do not come at the expense of equitable access to water, or more concretely, what safeguards or governance mechanisms are needed to prevent water grabbing? And do you see a role for the EU in introducing stronger mandatory water related due diligence and reporting requirements for companies? That's one broader question. I don't know who likes to answer the question. I'll leave it to you. And the last question I have is when it comes to public private partnerships, I very much agree. And we heard that, of course, it's an important part of what we are talking about today, and it can have many positive consequences. But what I ask myself is like how to bring companies to invest in these developed countries. You know, like there is always also when it comes to instruments of blended finance. If, for example, we see that especially in least developed countries, the environment for companies is not as attractive as it should be. So how can we reach these developed countries with public private partnership projects?”
  Global priorities for international development