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REPORT (2025/2154(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor

A-10-2026-0057

Committee on Budgetary Control · Rapporteur: Pasquale Tridico

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament grants the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge for the 2024 budget and sets out observations in a resolution covering budget management, performance, human resources, ethics, digitalisation, buildings, environment, interinstitutional cooperation and communication.

Key points

  1. Notes the EDPS final adopted budget was EUR 24 329 460 in 2024, a 7.12% increase from 2023, with a commitment implementation rate of 96% and payment execution rate of 91.88%.
  2. Notes the Court of Auditors found no specific issues concerning the EDPS; 16 of 70 sampled administrative transactions contained errors, but the estimated error level was below the materiality threshold.
  3. Notes the EDPS received 663 complaints in 2024, up 202 from 2023, with 108 admissible; urges the EDPS to improve complaint handling and set targets, and notes the European Ombudsman found maladministration in a case taking six years.
  4. Notes the EDPS's new tasks as Notified Body and Market Surveillance Authority under the AI Act from 1 August 2024, with enforcement powers from 2 August 2026, and that resources remain insufficient for these tasks.
  5. Notes the EDPS ordered the Commission to suspend all data flows to Microsoft and affiliates outside the EU/EEA by 9 December 2024 following an investigation finding multiple violations of data protection rules.
  6. Notes staff increased to 137, with a turnover rate of 12%, and calls for reducing contract staff in favour of permanent contracts and improving gender balance in senior management.
  7. Notes an increase in sick leave days from 1 680.5 to 1 946, outpacing staff growth, and requests a targeted assessment of root causes with focus on preventing burnout.
  8. Notes one alleged fraud case reported in 2024, investigated by IDOC, which recommended disciplinary proceedings; invites the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed.
  9. Welcomes the EDPS decision to meet interest representatives only if registered in the Transparency Register and recommends publishing a list of such meetings.
  10. Notes the EDPS launched initiatives to strengthen data breach management and cybersecurity, including a campaign and exercise, and hosted a conference on data protection and democracy.
  11. Notes the EDPS has not joined EMAS but established a working group; calls for a clear timeline for EMAS certification.
  12. Notes the EDPS participates in interinstitutional cooperation, including the HR Transformation project, and that joint activities with OLAF, EPPO and the Court fall outside its mandate.

Who is affected

  • The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) is granted discharge and asked to improve complaint handling, recruitment, gender balance, and transparency.
  • The Commission must comply with the EDPS order to suspend data flows to Microsoft outside the EU/EEA by 9 December 2024.
  • EU institutions and bodies (EUIBAs) are affected by EDPS supervision, including new AI Act tasks and guidance on generative AI.
  • EDPS staff face calls for reduced contract staff, better gender balance, and measures to address rising sick leave and burnout.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 24 329 460: final adopted budget for EDPS in 2024, up 7.12% from 2023.
  • 96%: budget implementation rate for commitment appropriations in 2024.
  • 663: complaints received by EDPS in 2024, 202 more than in 2023.
  • 9 December 2024: deadline for Commission to suspend data flows to Microsoft outside EU/EEA.
  • 137: staff members at end of 2024, up from 129 in 2023.
  • 1 946: sick leave days in 2024, up 15.80% from 2023.
  • EUR 425 000: budget for public communication in 2023, up 9.20% from 2022.

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