Brussels, 12/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 February, the ECOFIN Council decided by a qualified majority to recommend that the European Parliament discharges the European Commission for implementation of the EU budget in 2006. Only the Netherlands voted against the recommendation in order to protest at errors which they feel are very significant in the handing of EU funding, and to urge member states to take a more responsible line with regard to the budget. The European Parliament will decide on the discharge in April 2008.
'I believe we deserved the discharge,' said Siim Kallas, EU Anti-Fraud Commissioner. He pointed out that 'several members of the Parliament's budgetary control committee are considering postponing the discharge,' because of the 12% of the Structural Funds that the European Court of Auditors says was unduly paid out in 2006 (see EUROPE 9586). In its recommendations, the Council regretted that the Court of Auditors had not noted any notable progress on 2005 in payments for 'structural actions'. The Commission promised to take corrective measures, including the suspension of payments, as soon as possible. Kallas explained that the EU member states have until 15 February 2008 to submit to the Commission the annual summaries of available audits and statements on the proper management of EU funding (including the Structural Funds). He said he was concerned to learn that some member states, including perhaps the upcoming presidency of the Council (France) would not be meeting their commitments. (L.C.)