Sittings · Document

DRAFT OPINION (2025/2156(DEC)) 2025-11-10

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU agencies for the financial year 2024

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Giuseppe Lupo

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The Committee on Fisheries proposes granting discharge to the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency for the 2024 budget, while noting concerns about resources, gender parity, and cooperation. It welcomes the Court of Auditors' positive statement on the Agency's accounts, but notes observations on management and carry-overs. It stresses that the Agency's budget and staff are among the lowest, despite increased activities and new obligations from revised control regulations. It calls for adequate resources, support for Member States on forced labour infringements, and enhanced cooperation with other EU agencies and bodies.

Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries proposes that discharge be granted to the Executive Director of the Agency for the 2024 budget, while raising concerns about resources and gender parity.

Key points

  1. Proposes discharge to the Executive Director for the 2024 budget implementation.
  2. Notes the Court's statement that the Agency's accounts comply with the Financial Regulation and accounting rules.
  3. Notes the Agency received a EUR 31.98 million contribution in 2024, up 6.2% from 2023, and implemented 99.5% of its work programme.
  4. Deplores that no fixed-wing aerial assets could be chartered due to contract expiry, impairing aerial surveillance.
  5. Stresses that Member States are primarily responsible for fisheries control, with the Agency in a support role.
  6. Calls for financial and human resources to be adequate to increased activities and avoid pressure on staff.
  7. Calls on the Agency to support Member States in identifying serious infringements related to forced labour and provide training.
  8. Notes 45,734 inspections in 2024, a 2% increase, and 4,823 with suspected infringements, up 14%.
  9. Highlights the Agency's role in international ocean governance and harmonised application of EU control systems.
  10. Welcomes cooperation with FRONTEX and EMSA, and calls for increased cooperation with EEA and ESA, including a MoU on marine litter.
  11. Notes the establishment plan was 97% fulfilled, with 75 of 77 temporary agents appointed, and staff expenses up 6.7%.
  12. Concerned that women account for 39% of staff at grade AD 8 or higher, unchanged since 2021, and calls for more efforts on gender parity.

Who is affected

  • The European Fisheries Control Agency and its staff, who face increased workload and resource constraints.
  • Member States, which receive support from the Agency for fisheries control and training on forced labour infringements.
  • EU inspectors, who need adequate training on serious infringements related to forced labour.
  • Third countries, which benefit from the Agency's capacity-building and training.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 31.98 million contribution from the Union budget in 2024, an increase of 6.2% from 2023.
  • 99.5% implementation of the annual work programme in 2024, compared to 98% in 2023.
  • 100% budget implementation in commitments and 78% in payments.
  • 45,734 inspections in 2024, a 2% increase; 4,823 with suspected infringements, a 14% increase.
  • Establishment plan 97% fulfilled, with 75 temporary agents appointed out of 77 authorised.
  • Staff expenses increased by 6.7% compared to 2023.
  • Women account for 39% of staff at grade AD 8 or higher, unchanged since 2021; overall female staff is 50%.

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