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OPINION (2024/2019(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds

LIBE-AD-765283

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs · Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský

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The committee opinion on the 2023 EU budget discharge welcomes progress in national programmes but notes concerns about undeclared funds, migration deaths, rule of law issues, and access to documents. It calls for adequate funding for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, more effective returns, transparency of funds in third countries, and action against spyware.

Committee position. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs proposes that the Committee on Budgetary Control incorporate these suggestions into its motion for a resolution on the 2023 discharge.

Key points

  1. Notes with concern that 18% of AMIF and 25% of ISF funds for 2014-2020 remain undeclared despite the June 2024 deadline.
  2. Stresses the need for adequate and timely Union funding for Member States and agencies to implement the New Pact on Migration and Asylum by Summer 2026.
  3. Calls on the Commission to monitor and assist Member States in implementing the New Pact, including administrative, operational, and legal steps.
  4. Notes with concern that at least 8,565 people died on migration routes in 2023 and that irregular arrivals rose; calls for more effective return policies and assistance to Member States.
  5. Calls for increased transparency and accountability of Union home affairs funds in third countries and for action against human smuggling in the Mediterranean.
  6. Takes note of the European Council's call to mobilise EU funds for border surveillance and infrastructure to prevent unauthorised crossings.
  7. Concerned that the annual rule of law report risks trivialising breaches; calls for specific indicators and linking funds to rule of law compliance.
  8. Regrets the Commission's decision on Hungary's Charter condition, which enabled claims of up to approximately EUR 10.2 billion; urges application of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation.
  9. Urges the Commission to take steps on an EU mechanism for democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights, and to make assessments timebound and evidence-based.
  10. Reiterates concern over delays in granting access to documents and urges immediate action for timely and transparent access.
  11. Regrets lack of enforcement on Parliament's recommendations regarding Pegasus spyware; calls for an action plan to prevent spyware abuse.

Who is affected

  • Member States: must implement national programmes and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, and improve return policies.
  • Union agencies: need adequate funding and support for border management and migration implementation.
  • Third countries: home affairs funds there must be more transparent and accountable.
  • Hungary: affected by the Commission's decision on Charter condition, enabling claims of up to EUR 10.2 billion.

Figures and deadlines

  • 18% of AMIF funds and 25% of ISF funds for 2014-2020 remain undeclared.
  • At least 8,565 people died on migration routes worldwide in 2023.
  • Approximately EUR 10.2 billion in Union funds could be claimed by Hungary.