Brussels, 16/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 February the Council of the EU gave its approval on the discharge to be given to the Commission in respect of the implementation of operations under the European Development Fund (EDF) for 2009. The EDF, which receives its funding from member states, finances EU development cooperation with the 78 members of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) group.
The Council decision, which was taken without debate, was in the form of a recommendation to the European Parliament. It was based on review of the management account and the transaction statement of the 8th EDF of 31 December 2009 and the annual Court of Auditors report on the activities of the 8th, 9th and 10th EDF for 2009 and the responses of the European Commission.
The Council also took note of comments of its ACP working group on the Court of Auditors annual report and the Court's statement of assurance.
The 10th EDF, which is currently being implemented, has total funding of €22.682 billion over six years (2008-2013). (A.N./transl.rt)