The European Court of Auditors asserted on Tuesday 2 April that the growing backlog of money committed under the budget that has not yet been paid could have an impact on future projects financed by the EU.
According to a Court case study, the level of arrears (funds committed under the EU budget but not yet paid out) has reached a new record high, which could create significant financial risks for the future. At the end of 2017, the payments that the European Commission needed to make was €267 billion, and this amount is expected to increase further.
The auditors warn that this may restrict the Commission's ability to manage future needs or to settle future payment requests on time.
The RAL (outstanding commitments) has been growing gradually, with an increase of more than 90% over the past decade, with a marked acceleration in recent years.
The auditors warn that the main challenge will be to ensure that an even higher RAL does not start to build under the EU's 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). They identify the risks posed to the EU budget and propose possible solutions.
The European Structural and Investment Funds are responsible for most of the RAL. The auditors suggest several possible solutions to avoid the advent of a similar RAL. The Commission expects a RAL of €314 billion at the end of 2023. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)