On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) for the financial year 2022
PECH-AD-756035
Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Pierre Karleskind
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The Committee on Fisheries gives its opinion on granting discharge to the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) for the 2022 financial year. It proposes that discharge be granted to the Agency's Executive Director.¶¶ It notes the Agency's EUR 29,34 million Union contribution, its 99,4 % commitment and 57,8 % payment implementation, and its 47 592 inspections leading to 5167 suspected infringements.¶¶¶ It stresses that the Agency's financial and human resources must be sufficient for its growing tasks, including the revised Fisheries Control Regulation, and calls for more gender parity and transparency.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries proposes that discharge be granted to the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the 2022 financial year, and asks the Committee on Budgetary Control to include its suggestions in its motion for a resolution.¶¶
Key points
- Takes note of the Court of Auditors' report, the Agency's 2022 annual activity report and the Administrative Board's assessment.¶
- Expresses satisfaction that the Agency's accounts comply with the Financial Regulation and Commission accounting rules, while acknowledging observations on procurement, management, control and carry-overs.¶
- Notes that 2022 saw recovery from COVID-19, continued growth in the Agency's budget and resources, and possible effects of the war in Ukraine on assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses.¶
- Notes the EUR 29,34 million Union contribution in 2022, a 40 % increase on 2021, and that the Agency's budget and staff remain among the lowest of Union agencies.¶
- Notes 95,4 % implementation of the annual work programme, 99,4 % commitment and 57,8 % payment implementation, the lower payments due to the time needed to make three offshore patrol vessels operational.¶
- Recalls the Agency's role in the common fisheries policy, fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and welcomes its strengthened offshore patrol vessel and participation in international coalitions such as PESCAO.¶
- Stresses that Member States are primarily responsible for fisheries control, that the revised Fisheries Control Regulation will increase the Agency's supportive workload, and that its financial and human resources must be sufficient.¶
- Notes 47 592 inspections in 2022, 5167 suspected infringements, an 11 % decrease in inspections and a 28 % increase in suspected infringements on 2021, and invites the Agency to explain these changes.¶
- Highlights the Agency's role in encouraging increased and harmonised application of EU control systems against illegal fishing.¶
- Takes note of cooperation with FRONTEX and EMSA under Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2019/473, calls for continued efforts and for increased cooperation with the European Environment Agency.¶
- Highlights the Agency's capacity-building and training for third countries and its role in securing a level playing field with coastal states.¶
- Notes that on 31 December 2022 the establishment plan was fully filled with 74 of 77 temporary agents appointed and staff expenses rose by EUR 2,1 million; calls for more gender parity and balanced geographical representation, and for public updates on meetings with policy-making organisations.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA): its 2022 budget implementation is assessed and discharge is proposed.¶¶
- The Committee on Budgetary Control: asked to incorporate these suggestions into its motion for a resolution.¶
- Member States: reminded they are primarily responsible for fisheries control, with the Agency in a supportive role.¶
- The Agency's staff and management: called on to improve gender parity, geographical balance and transparency.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- EUR 29,34 million: Union contribution to the Agency in 2022.¶
- 40 %: increase in the Union contribution in respect of 2021.
- 95,4 %: implementation of the annual work programme in 2022.¶
- 99,4 %: budget implementation in terms of commitments.
- 57,8 %: budget implementation in terms of payments.
- 47 592 inspections and 5167 suspected infringements in 2022.¶
- 11 % decrease in inspections and 28 % increase in suspected infringements on 2021.
- 74 temporary agents appointed out of 77 authorised on 31 December 2022; staff expenses up by EUR 2,1 million.¶