Brussels, 08/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - In a report published on Wednesday 8 October, the European Court of Auditors concludes after analysis of a series of projects in the member states that the external borders fund (EBF), with its budget of €1.9 billion for the period from 2007 to 2013, had contributed to management of the EU's external borders and fostered financial solidarity among member states. However, further EU added value was limited and the overall result could not be measured owing to weaknesses in monitoring by the responsible authorities and serious deficiencies in the ex-post evaluations by the Commission and the member states.
“The EU auditors found that member states' programmes were not embedded in national strategies for border control and visas and lacked SMART objectives and measurable indicators. Project selection procedures did not ensure that member states' actual needs were met, and inadequate procurement procedures in member states put sound financial management at risk”, states the Court.
“The auditors found serious weaknesses in management of the fund in key member states (Greece, Spain, Italy and, for the early funding years, Malta). These weaknesses could mean that border management is not adequately strengthened where it is most needed. Low implementation in some countries limited the fund's effectiveness. Furthermore the fund's links with Frontex (European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union) operations need to be improved”, the Court notes.
The Court recommends that the Commission ensure that all the indicators to be used are relevant, measurable and, if possible, linked to a target value. Member states should have, within their administrations, the appropriate expertise to define and apply SMART objectives and measurable indicators. National EBF-related schemes should form part of a comprehensive border management strategy, developed by the member states on the basis of a risk analysis following the common integrated risk analysis model. (SP)