On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds
DEVE-PA-779677
Committee on Development · Rapporteur: Charles Goerens
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This draft opinion from the Committee on Development concerns the discharge for the 2024 EU budget. It calls for transparent and effective use of development funds, respect for budget allocations, and lower error rates.¶¶¶ It also addresses audit access, indirect management, project durability, funding for local partners, and aid for trade to least developed countries.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Development proposes that the Committee on Budgetary Control incorporate these points into its motion for a resolution on the discharge.¶
Key points
- Expresses concern about budget cuts to development and humanitarian aid, insisting that transparent and effective use of EU funds is more important than ever.¶
- Reminds the Commission to respect budget allocations under NDICI - Global Europe, especially the financial envelope for Sub-Saharan Africa, which should be at least EUR 29,181 billion for 2021-27.¶
- Notes the European Court of Auditors estimated error level of 4.9% for MFF heading 6, above the 2.0% materiality threshold, and encourages further efforts to reduce it.¶
- Calls for continued efforts to address problems with ECA's access to documents of international organisations and financial institutions.¶
- Calls for reducing errors in contracts under indirect management and increasing transparency.¶
- Reiterates demand that implementing partners comply with visibility rules.¶
- Insists on lasting impact of projects, with local ownership and EU delegation monitoring, and recalls importance of working with local civil society.¶
- Calls on the Commission to adapt rules and procedures to make EU funds accessible to local partners and guarantee funding for NGOs and civil society.¶
- Notes that aid for trade to least developed countries has dropped to 12%, moving away from the 25% target by 2030, and welcomes Commission's acceptance of recommendations.¶
Who is affected
- The Commission, which must respect budget allocations and improve error rates.¶¶
- International organisations and financial institutions, which face audit access issues.¶
- Local implementing partners, NGOs, and civil society organisations, which need better access to EU funds.¶
- Least developed countries, which benefit from aid for trade.¶