2015 discharge: European Training Foundation (ETF)

2016/2171(DEC)

The Committee on Budgetary Control adopted the report by Inés AYALA SENDER (S&D, ES) on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Training Foundation (ETF) for the financial year 2015.

The committee called on the European Parliament to grant the Director of the Foundation discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2015.

Noting that the Court of Auditors stated that it had obtained reasonable assurance that the annual accounts of the Foundation for the financial year 2015 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular, Members called on Parliament to approve the closure of the Foundation’s accounts. They made, however, a number of recommendations that needed to be taken into account when the discharge is granted, in addition to the general recommendations that appear in the draft resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies:

  • Foundation’s financial statements: Members noted that the final budget of the Foundation for the financial year 2015 was EUR 20 153 042, representing a decrease of 0.02 % compared to 2014. The entire budget of the Foundation derives from the Union budget.
  • Commitments and carry-overs: Members noted that the carry-overs for administrative expenditure represent a considerable decrease of 20.1 % compared to the previous year.

Members also made a series of observations regarding the budget and financial management, the prevention and management of conflicts of interests, internal audits and transfers.

Lastly, Members welcomed the Foundation’s continued contribution to modernising the education and training systems and to strengthening the human capital of partner countries, including the support provided to the Union’s migration dialogue and Mobility Partnerships with neighbourhood countries. They also welcomed the collaboration between the Foundation and the partner countries in order to analyse the “NEETs” phenomenon (Young people Not in Employment, Education or Training).