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Discharge 2023: EU general budget - European External Action Service

TA-10-2025-0086 · P10_TA(2025)0086 · PE764.994

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Parliament grants discharge to the EEAS for the 2023 budget and adopts a resolution with observations. It notes the budget, errors found by the Court of Auditors, and calls for improvements in various areas. The resolution covers budgetary and financial management, internal management, human resources, ethics, digitalisation, buildings, environment, interinstitutional cooperation, and communication, with specific calls and concerns.

Key points

  1. Grants discharge to the High Representative for the EEAS budget implementation for 2023.
  2. Notes the EEAS budget of approximately EUR 1.1 billion, representing about 9.2% of total EU administrative expenditure.
  3. Notes that 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 pay commitments on time and improve electronic payments and digitalisation.
  5. Urges the EEAS to reinforce delegations in Eastern Partnership countries and ensure oversight of European Peace Facility projects.
  6. Stresses that Union aid must not finance terrorism and calls for safeguards and monitoring of UNRWA and Palestinian Authority funding.
  7. Regrets budgetary constraints leading to cuts and postponements, and emphasises the need for an EU diplomatic service.
  8. Requests the EEAS to investigate reasons for failed procurement procedures and maintain high standards.
  9. Calls for increased funding for CFSP actions, IT and security, and adequate resources for strategic communication.
  10. Notes concerns about open audit recommendations and calls for implementation and information to Parliament.
  11. Calls on the EEAS to improve gender balance and geographical balance in staffing, and publish breakdowns.
  12. Urges the EEAS to join the EU Transparency Register and enhance transparency measures.

Who is affected

  • The European External Action Service (EEAS) and its staff, including those in delegations.
  • Union delegations and their staff, affected by budgetary constraints and security concerns.
  • Beneficiaries of EU funding, including UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority, subject to conditions.
  • Civil society organisations in third countries receiving EU funds.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 12.3 billion under MFF Heading 7 in 2023, representing 6.4% of total EU budget.
  • EEAS budget of approximately EUR 1.1 billion, about 9.2% of total administrative expenditure.
  • Final EEAS budget for 2023 was EUR 821,900,280, an increase of 4.45% compared to 2022.
  • Total budgetary amount managed by EEAS in 2023 was EUR 1,198.2 million, an increase of 4.8%.
  • Budgetary implementation rate for payments was 91.9% in 2023.
  • Average payment time was 13.57 days, with 8.63% paid late, leading to EUR 50,253.91 in late interest.
  • Financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility increased from EUR 5.6 million to more than EUR 12 million in 2023.
  • EEAS employed 2,812 staff at end of 2023, including 1,245 officials.

Legal basis: Article 287 and Articles 314(10), 317, 318, 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union