Brussels, 07/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - Speaking after postponement of the vote on 31 May in Brussels (see EUROPE of 2 June, p.15) on his report on recasting the financial regulation whose amendments had nonetheless been adopted, Gianfranco Dell'Alba (Lista Bonino, Italy) declared that this political manoeuvring was aimed at reaffirming EP prerogatives in the conciliation procedure foreseen with Council, prerogatives that the latter "seems to be ignoring for now". The MEP thus hopes that, unlike what has happened in the past, the Council will agree to meet EP representatives in the near future.
Mr Dell'Alba confirmed that his amendments had essentially been aimed at specifying and strengthening the Commission's proposal, and not contradicting it. "This proposal is good and is along the lines advocated by the Parliament. It would be better still if the Commission approved all the amendments voted", he said. In his view, following the proposal to do away with ex ante control and to establish an independent audit, the Parliament definitively beat the supporters of status quo who, headed by Dietmut Theato (EPP/ED, Germany) had presented on this subject some fifteen amendments rejected by the plenary. This, says the rapporteur, means that the responsibility of organisers is largely involved in the decision-making process as is that of the internal auditor.