Changes from resolution motion to adopted text

Change 1

Added3. Welcomes the Ombudsman’s practical recommendations on how to record text and instant messages sent or received by staff members in their professional capacity; recognises that work-related text and instant messages are ‘documents’ within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 on public access to documents and invites the other EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies to recognise this, to follow the Ombudsman’s recommendations accordingly and to make this follow-up public;

Change 2

Added6. Recalls with great concern that, in 2021, following a request for public access to text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company regarding the Commission’s purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, the Commission refused to acknowledge that such text messages fall within the definition of a ‘document’ under Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001; recalls that the registration of a document is a consequence of, not a prerequisite for, that document’s existence; takes note of the Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration by the Commission in this case; is concerned by the fact that the Commission has failed to follow up on the Ombudsman’s recommendation following her inquiry to conduct another search for relevant text messages; calls on the Commission to conduct a full search without delay; expresses deep concern about the growing distance between citizens and the EU institutions, which this situation has worsened;

Added7. Notes with great concern that the Ombudsman has received many citizens’ complaints about extreme delays in gaining access to requested documents; supports the Ombudsman’s views that access delayed is effectively access denied and that administrative processes should be streamlined to ensure that citizens receive access to documents in a timely manner;

Added8. Recalls that, according to the European Ombudsman, restrictions on access to documents, particularly legislative documents, should be exceptional and limited to what is absolutely necessary; recalls further that any decision denying public access to documents must be based on clearly and strictly defined legal exemptions, accompanied by a reasoned and specific justification, to enable citizens to understand the denial of access and make effective use of the legal remedies available; considers that a more proactive approach would help ensure effective transparency and prevent costly and burdensome legal disputes between citizens and institutions;

Change 3

Added12. Requests the immediate and full publication of all contracts for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines financed wholly or partially with public funds;

Change 4

Removed11. Stresses that, if the Commission does not address the systematic and significant delays in its processing of requests for public access to documents by the time the new College of Commissioners is established, Parliament will consider using all available parliamentary instruments to address the matter;

Added16. Calls on the Commission to finally and immediately publish the text messages that the President of the Commission and the CEO of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer exchanged during the negotiations on the procurement of 1.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in the light of the unexplained 25 % increase of the price per dose, which resulted in a total cost of EUR 35 billion in public money;

Added17. Stresses that, if the Commission does not address the systematic and significant delays in its processing of requests for public access to documents by the time the new College of Commissioners is established, Parliament will consider using all available parliamentary instruments to address the matter; recalls that Parliament has the right to bring action against the Commission before the Court of Justice of the EU on the grounds of infringement of the Treaties, including Article 15(3) TFEU on the right of EU citizens and residents to access documents;