Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

Change 9

Changed10.12. NotesUnderlines that Parliament's cybersecurity is a key priority at time of geopolitical uncertainty; notes that the total amount allocated to cybersecurity is EUR 16,9 million which includes an increase on the centralised cybersecurity line by 5554 % compared to 2026; recalls that investments in cybersecurity are key to protecting the democratic voice of the Parliament and the Union;Union and ensuring the proper functioning of the Parliament;

Change 10

Changed11.13. Stresses that Parliament needs to be at the forefront of adopting more digital working methods; welcomes investments in artificial intelligence (AI) amounting to EUR 1 million; calls for the use of AI to be increased in order to gain efficiencies and strengthen sovereignty in this field;field while keeping in mind the related risks, including ethics and data protection; stresses that AI deployment must balance innovation with necessary safeguards; highlights the potential of AI to streamline administrative processes; encourages the development of clear guidelines and safeguards to ensure the responsible and transparent implementation of AI, fostering innovation while upholding fundamental rights, security, and accountability; notes that the development of AI will be closely monitored in line with the principles established by the Bureau; stresses that AI investments should not only focus on administrative efficiency but also on enhancing democratic transparency and citizen engagement;

Change 11

Removed12. Takes note of the preparations of a consolidated action plan aimed at strengthening Parliament’s position on Digital Sovereignty; looks forward to receiving regular updates on the progress made;

Added14. Stresses that, given the geopolitical context and the investments that the European Union will have to make for its strategic autonomy, the European Parliament must set an example; takes note of the preparations of a consolidated action plan aimed at strengthening Parliament’s position on Digital Sovereignty; looks forward to receiving regular updates on the progress made; underlines the importance of ensuring a high level of cybersecurity, data protection and resilience in Parliament’s digital infrastructure; stresses the need to carefully assess the risks associated with reliance on non-European providers, including through risk assessments; emphasises the importance of maintaining secure, competitive and reliable solutions, including, where feasible, by prioritising European providers; calls for a regular evaluation of Parliament’s communication channels and digital tools on the basis of security and compliance with EU law, in a coordinated manner with other EU institutions, with a view to ensuring the protection of parliamentary data and the integrity of its communication;

Change 12

Changed13.15. WelcomesAcknowledges the new approach related to buildings, that entered an area of consolidation rather than acquiring new buildings, taking into account sustainability, accessibility and mobility;mobility of Members and staff as well as visitors;

Change 13

Changed14.16. Takes note that the SPAAK building renovation starts to be carried out as of 2027; takes note that the overall budget for the renovation has been set at EUR 455 million and that EUR 77,67 million are foreseen for 2027; underlines that these costs are not included in the budget 2027; stresses the need to ensure strict cost control, transparency and adherence to the planned budget;

Change 14

Changed15.17. Takes note that the Parliament intends to contract loans, including with the European Investment Bank, for the financing of the SPAAK renovation project; takes note that, in the budget for 2027, costs linked to interest (EUR 3,17 million) and to the repayment of the capital (EUR 0,65 million) are included; urges that, where relevant, costs not directly linked to the renovation works should also be clearly listed and budgeted; calls on the administration to keep the Committee on Budgets closely informed on the applicable interest rates for the loans and the long-term planning of the repayment of the principal; stresses the need to ensure prudent debt management;

Change 15

Changed16.18. Regrets the delays in establishing Europa Experiences in all Member States; takes note ofwelcomes the new concept, endorsed by the Bureau on 31 March 2025, to optimise the use of the Europa Experience spaces, taking into account the different situations across the Member States; stresses the importance of ensuring that the Europa Experience should offer an engaging visitor experience to attract citizens; calls for the establishment of Europa Experiences with priority to be given to Member States furthest from the three places of work while ensuring that their development and operation remain cost-effective; recalls that Europa Experiences should allow all citizens to have a better understanding of the functioning of Union institutions;institutions and our shared values; stresses the need for an efficient use of the budgetary appropriations allocated to these centres to ensure they deliver high-impact communication and outreach in particular to young people and vulnerable groups; underlines that funding should prioritise the dissemination of factual and accessible information on the local impact of EU policies, representing a cost-effective tool in protecting the Union’s democratic integrity against disinformation;

Change 16

Added19. Recalls the importance of the European Parliament Ambassador School programme to promote active engagement among young Europeans and of the training programme for young journalists named in honour of David Sassoli to strengthen the understanding of the Union and its functioning amongst journalists, as the best antidote against disinformation, in light of recent trends demonstrating a worrying decline in media freedom and independence across the Union;

Added20. Reiterates its support for the building of a pan-European memorial in Brussels for the victims of the 20th century totalitarian regimes, reflecting the diversity of historical experiences; calls on the Bureau to consider this matter with a view to adopting a decision, taking due account of the budgetary constraints of the final years of the current MFF and the economic hardships facing European citizens;

Added21. Stresses the fact that having a single seat for the Parliament could reduce the financial and environmental costs; recalls that, according to the Treaty on the European Union, Parliament is to have its seat in Strasbourg; notes that permanent changes would require a Treaty change for which unanimity is needed;

Change 17

Changed17.22. TakesWelcomes the Parliament’s environmental management system (EMAS) targets for 2025-2029; welcomes the investments in infrastructure as part of the planned energy efficiency and environmental renovation actions foreseen between 2025 and 2029, which is a good method of achieving value for money; takes note of the budget of EUR 8,97 million for investments on energy efficiency and environment in the 2027 estimates to further improve the environmental performance of its buildings; notes that this corresponds to an increase of 6,1 % compared to the 2026 budget; welcomes that Parliament has installed and is continuing to install photovoltaic solar panels to further increase the share of renewable energy produced on-site; stresses the need to ensure that such investments deliver measurable efficiency gains, also given the geopolitical context and to achieve long-term cost savings;

Change 18

Removed18. Notes that the budget for buying carbon credits has further increased compared to 2026, estimated at EUR 950 000 for 2027; calls on the administration to continue decreasing Parliament’s emissions, where reasonable, over buying carbon credits; welcomes the introduction of an enhanced train offer for missions to Strasbourg as of June 2025, as a positive step towards reducing CO2 emissions;

Added23. Recalls that nearly two-thirds of Parliament's carbon footprint originates from the transportation of people; takes note that a significant share of Parliament’s budget, EUR 162,1 million in 2027, is spent to cover mission expenses of Members and staff; calls for a reflection of Parliament’s bodies on mission practices outside of the three working places and a revision of mission rules and practices with the overall aim to reduce the number of missions, and the associated financial and environmental costs; encourages Members to use low carbon transport alternatives and best value flight options;

Added24. Welcomes the increased use of public transport for commuting and at the same time takes note of the increased demand for the financial subsidy system for public transport season tickets, in particular in Brussels, leading to an increase of appropriations; considers that the Parliament has to lead by example by encouraging possible measures to ensure the efficient use of resources by enhancing sustainable modes of transport for commuting and creating additional incentives for bicycle commuting;

Added25. Takes note of the significant increases of the carbon credit prices which at current emission levels would need an estimated EUR 950 000 for 2027; calls on the administration to give priority to decreasing Parliament’s emissions including by increased investments in clean heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, notably heat pump installations in Brussels and other proportionate and cost-effective measures to lower emissions, where reasonable, over buying carbon credits; welcomes the introduction of an enhanced train offer for missions to Strasbourg as of June 2025, as a positive step towards reducing CO2 emissions;

Change 19

Removed19. Believes that Parliament should lead by example concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, both as an employer and as a public institution; welcomes Parliament’s policy aiming to ensure the fully independent use of Parliament buildings by persons with disabilities and supports further measures and adaptations that are necessary in this regard; notes that the budget provides for EUR 2,07 million for this purpose for its buildings in Strasbourg;

Added26. Calls on the Conference of Presidents to come up without further delay with a decision concerning the relevant Articles of its internal rules regarding the participating of APAs to accompany Members in official missions and delegations outside Parliament’s three places of work where no member of staff of their political group represented in the mission has been officially notified to Parliament's Secretariat;

Removed20. Reaffirms its call for the Secretary-General to emphasise the fundamental principle that all recruitments should be based on competency while also ensuring geographical balance among all Member States at every staff level; underscores that achieving fair geographical representation is essential to fostering a genuinely European public service; notes that Parliament has taken measures to support this objective, including the organisation of nationality-specific competitions; highlights the need to accelerate the competitions’ processes while maintaining a strict merit-based selection approach;

Added27. Believes that Parliament should lead by example concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, both as an employer and as a public institution; welcomes Parliament’s policy aiming to ensure the fully independent use of Parliament buildings by persons with disabilities and supports further measures and adaptations that are necessary in this regard; notes that the budget provides for EUR 2,07 million for this purpose for its buildings in Strasbourg; stresses that accessibility should be a key criterion in the renovation of the SPAAK building and the development of all digital platforms;

Added28. Takes note of the early termination of the contract with the previous provider of the Crèche Wayenberg after a number of serious allegations against the former contractor; reiterates that decent working conditions for external staff, such as training, skills development, and investment in staff wellbeing should, where relevant, be a priority consideration in public procurement of Parliament as a matter of principle;

Added29. Welcomes the family room in Strasbourg as a valuable support for Members and staff with young children during their parliamentary activities; notes, however, that it has a limited capacity to accommodate 30 children; observes that the average age of Members of the European Parliament and parliamentary staff has decreased in recent years, leading to a higher number of young families and increased demand for childcare facilities; calls on the Bureau and the Secretary-General to identify and implement solutions to further enhance childcare in Strasbourg;

Change 20

Added32. Takes note of the judgement of 17 December 2025 by the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union confirming the legality of the measures adopted by the Bureau in 2023 regarding the Voluntary Pension Fund for Members; highlights that while these measures reduced the benefit obligation by 63 %, the fund remains in a very fragile financial situation; expects to receive an update of further developments regarding the Voluntary Pension Scheme;

Added33. Highlights that requests voted by the Plenary should be implemented as a matter of high priority;