On 2024 discharge: General budget of the EU - European External Action Service
AFET-AD-779394
Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Evin Incir
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The Committee on Foreign Affairs opinion on the EEAS discharge stresses the EEAS's central role and concerns about budgetary constraints, calling for sustainable funding and modernization.¶¶ It urges the EEAS to fill vacancies, strengthen internal controls, counter disinformation, improve security, and enhance capacities in strategic areas.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Foreign Affairs proposes that the Committee on Budgetary Control incorporate these suggestions into its motion for a resolution on the EEAS discharge.¶
Key points
- Stresses the EEAS's central role in diplomatic engagement and coordinating peace efforts and humanitarian aid; notes concern that budgetary constraints hinder EU external action.¶
- Calls for sustainable funding solutions and emphasizes the need to modernize the EU Delegation network, including strengthening EU INTCEN and the Crisis Response Centre.¶
- Calls on the EEAS to prioritize filling critical vacancies in Delegations, especially in complex security environments, and improve recruitment transparency.¶
- Encourages strengthening internal controls and document management, addressing weaknesses identified by the European Court of Auditors.¶
- Underlines the need for adequate resources for the Strategic Communication and Foresight Division to counter disinformation from authoritarian regimes, particularly the Kremlin.¶
- Welcomes ECA findings on effective coordination and corrective actions on procurement, but notes remaining weaknesses; urges reinforced oversight in Delegations.¶
- Welcomes strengthened capacity to counter disinformation and hybrid threats, including full operationalisation of the FIMI Toolbox; supports investment in strategic communication and partnerships.¶
- Calls for stepping up strategic engagement in Africa and asserting EU's role through coherent diplomacy and coordination with EU institutions and Member States.
- Stresses the need to reinforce administrative and analytical capacity in areas like the Arctic, with training and resources aligned with financial management.¶
- Calls on the EEAS to improve security of Delegations, including cybersecurity and crisis evacuation, and report on progress.¶