15/11/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 15 November, the European Parliament refused by a thin majority (310 votes against, 284 for with 81 abstentions) to renew the mandate at the European Court of Auditors (ECA) of Belgian member Karel Pinxten, who was seeking a third term. Several MEPs underlined the Parliament's resolution limiting the number of mandates of ECA members to two. Others pointed out the administrative investigation into Pinxten. By contrast, Pietro Russo (Italy), Baudilio Tomé Muguruza (Spain), Bettina Jakobsen (Denmark), who since 2015 have replaced Henrik Otbo, João Figueiredo (Portugal), Iliana Ivanova (Bulgaria) and Hannu Takkula (Finland) (who is currently an MEP in the ALDE Group), have all become members of ECA. Having consulted the Parliament, the Council will now decide on the appointment of each candidate. (MB)