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REPORT (2023/2169(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) for the financial year 2022

A-9-2024-0119

Committee on Budgetary Control · Rapporteur: Petri Sarvamaa

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Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control proposes granting discharge to the Executive Director of Europol for the 2022 budget and approving the closure of the Agency's 2022 accounts. The accompanying resolution sets out observations on budget and financial management, performance, efficiency, staff policy, procurement, conflicts of interest, internal control and other matters. It notes the Court of Auditors' reasonable assurance that the accounts are reliable and the transactions legal and regular, and commends the Agency's work supporting member states, including in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It raises concerns over late payments, carry-overs, surplus levels, gender imbalance, conflicts of interest and shortcomings in ex-ante checks, and calls on the Agency to report back on several issues.

Committee position. The Committee on Budgetary Control proposes that Parliament grant discharge to the Executive Director of Europol for the 2022 budget and approve the closure of the 2022 accounts, and sets out its observations in the accompanying resolution.

Key points

  1. Parliament grants the Executive Director of Europol discharge for the implementation of the Agency's 2022 budget and approves the closure of the 2022 accounts.
  2. The Agency's final 2022 budget was EUR 197 759 722, an increase of 10,91 % compared to 2021, and mainly derives from the Union budget.
  3. The Court of Auditors obtained reasonable assurance that the Agency's annual accounts are reliable and the underlying transactions legal and regular.
  4. Budget implementation in 2022 was 96,62 % in commitment appropriations and 79,73 % in payment appropriations; payment delays fell to 7,2 %, but the Court's observation on late payments remains ongoing.
  5. Parliament notes a low 85 % implementation of funds carried over from 2021, a 17 % carry-forward to 2023, and a 2022 surplus of EUR 10,3 million; it calls on the Agency to keep the discharge authority informed on its action plan.
  6. The Agency monitored 15 key performance indicators and 56 work programme indicators, with 10 KPIs and 40 WPIs reaching or exceeding targets, and delivered on its five multi-annual strategic priorities.
  7. Parliament commends the Agency's support to member states after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and states that any extension of its competences would require additional internal and external oversight mechanisms to protect fundamental rights.
  8. Parliament notes efficiency gains, the agreement for 25 European Border and Coast Guard Agency staff to support Europol from 2024, the strain from EDPS consultation procedures, and the designation of a Fundamental Rights Officer.
  9. The establishment plan was 99,41 % implemented with 682 temporary agents; the vacancy rate was 0,6 % and the turnover rate rose to 9,12 %; Parliament notes gender imbalance in management and staff.
  10. Parliament notes the Court's finding that EUR 0,2 million in VAT reimbursed for five boats was irregular, and the Agency's commitment to assess VAT eligibility in operational grants.
  11. Parliament notes six conflict-of-interest cases and one whistleblowing case handled in 2022, and expresses concern over media reports and a European Ombudsman inquiry into two former staff joining a technology stakeholder.
  12. Parliament notes the Court's finding that EUR 155 553 in daily subsistence allowances was wrongly paid to three Dutch seconded national experts, of which EUR 90 605 in 2022, and that the Agency enhanced ex-ante verifications.

Who is affected

  • Europol and its Executive Director: granted discharge for the 2022 budget and asked to report back on several issues.
  • Europol staff and management: gender balance, anti-harassment training and fair compensation for seconded experts are raised.
  • The Commission and member states: asked to consider gender balance when nominating members to Europol's Management Board.
  • The European Data Protection Supervisor: its audit findings and legal action over the amended Europol Regulation are noted.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 197 759 722: Europol's final budget for 2022.
  • 10,91 %: increase in Europol's 2022 budget compared to 2021.
  • 96,62 %: budget implementation in 2022 in commitment appropriations.
  • 79,73 %: current year payment appropriations execution rate in 2022.
  • 7,2 %: payment delays in 2022, down from 32,8 % in 2020 and 7,8 % in 2021.
  • EUR 10,3 million: surplus at the end of 2022, more than double the EUR 5,1 million in 2021.
  • EUR 155 553: total daily subsistence allowances wrongly paid to three Dutch seconded national experts, of which EUR 90 605 in 2022.
  • EUR 0,2 million: part of a EUR 3,3 million grant found irregular for VAT reimbursement on five boats.

Legal basis: Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.