Brussels, 19/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday in Brussels, the European Commission held a discussion confirming the need to launch a European initiative to foster transparency. The debate confirmed that the Commission is resolved to move forward in this field, and has decided to establish an interservices group that will assess the various measures and the financial consequences of such an initiative.
The European Commission responsible for administration and combating fraud, Siim Kallas, has identified three avenues for reflection which were discussed in a general way by the Commissioners: - the question of access to data on recipients of European funds; - the activities of pressure groups (lobbies) and NGOs; - and the integrity of persons within the institutions (EUROPE 8937). This Commission interservices group is expected to reveal the results of its reflection in October to the Commission members. The College of Commissioners will decide what further action should be taken.
In parallel, Mr Kallas continues his talks with the representatives of pressure groups. According to the Commission, the activities of such groups each year generate between EUR 60 and 90 million. The registration and the report on these groups' activities, however, is not subject to any regulatory obligation, Mr Kallas regretted in a speech on 3 March. Commissioner Kallas is also highly critical of the fact that self-discipline codes only cover a “small number of signatories and do not provide for any deterrent sanctions”. “A closed season for transparency in Europe only serves the cause of populist movements, aiming at the demise of the European Union. We cannot let that happen”, proclaimed Mr Kallas whose aim is to present a White Paper in the autumn on transparency and to organise a round table immediately after bringing together all parties concerned with a view to identifying concrete proposals.
Furthermore, the Commission will seek to adopt, no doubt on 15 June, a communication that Mr Kallas believes is important: the roadmap with a view to obtaining a positive Statement of Assurance (SOA) from the Court of Auditors on management of EU budget credits.