On Thursday 27 April, the European Parliament in Brussels is expected to decide to grant discharge to the European Commission for implementation of the EU’s budget for 2015 (see EUROPE 11730), by adopting a report by Joachim Zeller (EPP, Germany).
Parliament’s budgetary control committee also recommended granting clearance to the directors of the 33 different decentralised EU agencies for their operational expenditure. The rapporteur for this is Inés Ayala Sender (S&D, Spain). Discharge is also granted to other EU institutions, such as the European Court of Justice.
Postponement of decision for Council expenditure. Adopting a report by Bart Staes (Greens/EFA, Belgium), Parliament’s budgetary control committee recommends that the plenary postpones its decision on discharge for the Council’s secretary general of implementation of the European Council and Council’s budget for the 2015 tax year. The Council’s expenses need to be checked in the same way as those of the other institutions, explains Parliament. It notes that the two sides (Parliament and Council) seem to demonstrate ‘more good will’ than in recent years and says it is "convinced" that progress will be made that will allow improved cooperation in the future, "which will improve the Parliament’s and Council’s image with the general public". (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)