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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

TRAN-AD-765326

Committee on Transport and Tourism · Rapporteur: Gheorghe Falcă

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The Committee on Transport and Tourism gives its opinion on the 2023 budget discharge for the Commission, covering transport and tourism spending. It notes the Court of Auditors' opinion, concerns about rising error rates, and welcomes high budget execution by DG MOVE. It calls for reviews of cross-border projects, increased CEF-T funding, and measures to support Ukraine and affected regions.

Key points

  1. Notes the Court's opinion that 2023 accounts are fair, but is concerned about the error rate rising from 4.2% to 5.6% and calls for better error detection.
  2. Welcomes DG MOVE's high execution rates (100% commitments, 99% payments) and notes total payments of EUR 453.58 million.
  3. Observes that DG MOVE used indirect management for 91.4% of expenditure and direct for 8.6%, and that controls provide assurance.
  4. Welcomes the Action Plan to improve budget implementation, which led to high implementation and reduced global commitments.
  5. Calls on DG MOVE to ensure diligence in project award criteria after a case of non-compliance in a military mobility project.
  6. Calls for a comprehensive review of funding for cross-border projects like Rail Baltica to address inefficiencies and cost overruns.
  7. Stresses that mobility is a right and calls for accessible, efficient transport, including rural and for disabled persons.
  8. Commends CINEA's work, notes EUR 7 billion made available for CEF-T, and calls for simplified procedures and increased budget.
  9. Acknowledges Horizon Europe transport projects (around 220, worth EUR 1.5 billion) but repeats that expenditure remains high risk.
  10. Welcomes 2023 work on sustainability, including Fit for 55 initiatives and TSIs, and notes the Greening freight package.
  11. Appreciates support for Ukraine via Solidarity Lanes (40 million tonnes, EUR 120 billion) and work on sanctions and accession.
  12. Calls for targeted measures for Eastern border regions affected by the war and notes the study on military mobility corridors.

Who is affected

  • DG MOVE and CINEA are subject to recommendations on budget management and project implementation.
  • Cross-border infrastructure projects like Rail Baltica may face reviews and funding changes.
  • Smaller entities and local initiatives could benefit from simplified CEF-T application procedures.
  • Eastern border regions in Baltic states, Finland, Poland, and Romania are targeted for recovery measures.

Figures and deadlines

  • Error rate increased from 4.2% to 5.6% in 2023.
  • DG MOVE's total payments amounted to EUR 453.58 million.
  • Indirect management covered 91.4% of expenditure; direct 8.6%.
  • CEF-T call made EUR 7 billion available for projects.
  • Horizon Europe transport projects reached around 220, worth approximately EUR 1.5 billion.
  • Solidarity Lanes allowed Ukraine to import around 40 million tonnes of goods.
  • Total value of trade via Solidarity Lanes was estimated at around EUR 120 billion.