What changed between the plenary report and the adopted text

Interinstitutional cooperation

93. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EEAS continued its close cooperation with OLAF and the relevant Commission directorates-general in implementing the Commission anti-fraud strategy, notably through the development of joint training programmes and a shared anti-fraud training pathway, as well as through targeted actions to address specific fraud risks in Union delegations; notes with satisfaction that the EEAS strengthened its operational framework by signing working arrangements with the EPPO in June 2024;

94. Recalls that, in 2023, Parliament, the Council and the EEAS held technical discussions regarding the replacement of the 2002 Institutional Agreement between Parliament and the Council in the field of Common Foreign and Security Policy; notes with concern from the Follow-up report that no developments took place in this matter in 2024 due to the European Elections and the process of nomination of the new Commission;

95. Recalls that, in accordance with the Treaties, the Union’s external action and the EEAS are intended to support, coordinate and complement the diplomatic action of the Member States; underlines the importance of close cooperation in order to avoid inefficiencies;

96. Welcomes the fact that EEAS communication actions are coordinated and harmonised with other institutions through the EU Communication Directors’ network, interinstitutional platforms with Parliament and the Commission and the RELEX subgroup on Protection of Cultural Heritage and International Cultural Relations;

Communication

97. Notes from the Questionnaire that the EEAS allocated EUR 1 745 000 – supplemented by EUR 107 968,67 in C5 credits – for public information and events, with a 99,70 % implementation rate in 2024; highlights that this funding supported the procurement of digital services, communication and graphic products, and the organisation of public events such as Europe Day; further notes that the budget also financed the production and dissemination of online content, the management of corporate social media accounts, and assistance to Union delegations in strengthening their digital presence;

98. Notes from the Questionnaire and the EEAS 2024 report that the EEAS significantly expanded its strategic communication, public outreach and cultural diplomacy, combining global digital campaigns, major public events and strengthened International Cultural Relations activities; observes that digital campaigns reached broad audiences and promoted core Union priorities, including human rights, climate action and support for Ukraine, while innovative formats helped engage younger demographics; notes that public events such as the Europe Day Open Day and the EEAS Visitor Programme contributed to greater understanding of Union policies; highlights that the EEAS advanced cultural initiatives, including the Museum Cooperation Dialogue with Africa, workshops on cultural diversity, and a cultural heritage conference organised with the rotating Presidency of the Council, while preparing flagship projects such as the Union’s participation in Expo Osaka;

99. Encourages the continuation of the process of increasing communication with third-country nationals on Union policy, as well as increased coordination efforts to raise the profile of Union-funded projects, particularly in candidate countries, in order to counter attempts by actors acting in bad faith to undermine the Union’s efforts; reiterates, furthermore, its call on the Commission to ensure full visibility and public awareness of the Union’s support and investments in third countries with a clear signposting and the flag of the Union;

100. Notes from the Questionnaire and the EEAS 2024 report that in 2024 the EEAS reinforced its strategic commitment to Union data and digital sovereignty by ensuring strict GDPR-compliant social media practices, strengthening security and access controls, and reducing dependence on single external providers; highlights that the diversification of platforms-including the expansion to Bluesky and Threads-together with the use of Union-hosted management tools, systematic staff training, and regular risk and disinformation assessments, helps in increasing the resilience and safeguarding Union’s communication sovereignty;