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DRAFT 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

CONT-PR-764994

Committee on Budgetary Control · Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński

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This draft report concerns granting discharge to the High Representative for the implementation of the EEAS budget for 2023. It notes the Court of Auditors' findings and makes observations on budget, management, staff, ethics, security, and other areas. Parliament notes the EEAS budget was about EUR 1.1 billion, with a 100% commitment rate and 91.9% payment rate. It calls for continued efforts on electronic payments and digitalisation. The report notes challenges from inflation and geopolitical crises, leading to budget cuts and deferred maintenance. It asks the EEAS to explain a 229% increase in air-taxi costs for the High Representative. It notes progress in governance, diversity, anti-fraud, and cybersecurity, but also concerns about harassment cases, OLAF investigations, and geographical imbalances in staff and ambassadors. The report invites the EEAS to improve transparency by publishing meetings with lobbyists and to keep Parliament informed on various follow-ups, including the whistleblower policy and Court recommendations.

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

Key points

  1. The draft decision grants discharge to the High Representative for the EEAS budget for 2023, with observations in the resolution.
  2. Notes the EEAS budget was approximately EUR 1.1 billion, representing about 9.2% of total EU administrative expenditure.
  3. Notes 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 continue improving electronic payments and digitalisation of workflows, especially in delegations.
  5. Asks the EEAS to explain the 229% increase in air-taxi costs for the High Representative in 2023.
  6. Notes the creation of new governance and security structures, and the update of internal control and risk management frameworks.
  7. Notes concerns about geographical imbalances, with Belgium overrepresented and three member states without ambassador posts.
  8. Notes the adoption of the Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion and anti-harassment measures, but also the increase in long-term sick leave.
  9. Notes the adoption of a new Anti-Fraud Strategy and the opening of eight OLAF investigations in 2023.
  10. Invites the EEAS to publish all meetings with lobby organisations and to adopt transparency measures.
  11. Notes increased IT and cybersecurity spending, and the recording of over 29,623 cyber alerts with 92 confirmed cyberattacks.
  12. Notes the EEAS earmarked EUR 990.5 million for a pilot project on the European Diplomatic Academy.

Who is affected

  • The European External Action Service (EEAS) and its staff, including those in delegations.
  • The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who is granted discharge.
  • Member states and their diplomats, as the report addresses geographical balance and ambassador posts.
  • Lobby organisations, as the EEAS is invited to publish meetings with them.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 12.3 billion: total EU administrative expenditure under MFF heading 7 in 2023.
  • EUR 1.1 billion: EEAS budget, about 9.2% of total administrative expenditure.
  • 70 transactions examined by the Court of Auditors, with 21 containing errors.
  • EUR 821,900,280: final EEAS budget for 2023, an increase of 4.45%.
  • 100% commitment implementation rate and 91.9% payment rate in 2023.
  • 229% increase in air-taxi costs for the High Representative compared to 2022.
  • 29,623 cyber alerts and 92 confirmed cyberattacks in 2023.
  • EUR 990.5 million earmarked for the European Diplomatic Academy pilot project.

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