28/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - For further information on the methodology to be followed in the annual reports by the Commission heads (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.11), EUROPE specifies that the interim report expected for 2001 is aimed at enabling the Directors General and the Heads of Unit to describe the actions they have achieved under the financial reform (transposition of the internal audit standards). The annual activity report (as of 2002) will fulfil a dual function: - provide an assessment as to the use of resources to achieve the policy priorities; - assessment, by the Heads of Unit and Directors General, of the reliability of their internal audit system with an obligation for results. By signing the declaration accompanying this report, the Directors General and the Heads of Unit make a commitment over the proper functioning of their services, including the reliability of the internal audit system. Let us recall that by adopting, on 13 December 2000, the Charter of Authorising Officers (in the White Paper on administrative reform), the Commission undertook for each Director General and Head of Unit to provide, on yearly basis, an account of the activity in their DG and the management of its resources.