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REPORT (2024/2024(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X – European External Action Service

A-10-2025-0069

Committee on Budgetary Control · Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

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Parliament grants discharge to the High Representative for the EEAS budget for 2023, approving its implementation. The accompanying resolution notes the EEAS budget, errors found by the Court of Auditors, and calls for improvements in procurement, transparency, and staff well-being.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgetary Control proposes to grant discharge to the High Representative for the EEAS budget for 2023, with observations in the resolution.

Key points

  1. Grants discharge to the High Representative for the EEAS budget for 2023.
  2. Notes the EEAS budget of approximately EUR 1.1 billion, with a final budget of EUR 821,900,280, and a total managed amount of EUR 1,198.2 million.
  3. Notes that the Court of Auditors found errors in 21 of 70 transactions, but the error level is below the materiality threshold.
  4. Calls on the EEAS to pay commitments on time and improve electronic payments and digitalisation.
  5. Urges the EEAS to reinforce delegations in Eastern Partnership countries and ensure oversight of the European Peace Facility.
  6. Calls for transparency in Union funding and safeguards to prevent financing of terrorism, especially in Gaza and with the Palestinian Authority.
  7. Regrets budgetary constraints leading to postponed maintenance and cuts, and emphasises the need for an EU diplomatic service.
  8. Requests the EEAS to investigate reasons for failed procurement procedures and maintain high standards.
  9. Calls for increased funding for CFSP actions, IT, and security to match global challenges.
  10. Notes the creation of new governance structures and audits, but regrets open audit recommendations and calls for information to Parliament.
  11. Calls on the EEAS to improve gender balance and geographical balance in staff and management.
  12. Urges the EEAS to join the EU Transparency Register and publish meetings with lobby organisations.

Who is affected

  • The European External Action Service (EEAS) and its staff, including those in delegations.
  • Union delegations and their staff, affected by budgetary constraints and security concerns.
  • Beneficiaries of Union funding, including civil society organisations, must comply with Union values and rules.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 12.3 billion: MFF heading 7 total in 2023.
  • EUR 1.1 billion: EEAS budget, about 9.2% of total administrative expenditure.
  • EUR 821,900,280: final EEAS budget for 2023.
  • EUR 1,198.2 million: total budgetary amount managed by EEAS in 2023.
  • 100%: commitment appropriations implementation rate; 91.9%: payment implementation rate.
  • EUR 50,253.91: late interest payments in 2023.
  • EUR 18,948,650: budget for missions in 2023.
  • EUR 29.9 million: IT and cybersecurity expenditures in 2023.

Legal basis: Article 314(10) and Articles 317, 318 and 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.