2019 discharge: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)

The European Parliament decided by 612 votes to 78, with 8 abstentions, to grant discharge to the Executive Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) in regard to the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the 2019 financial year and to approve the closure of the accounts for the financial year in question.

Noting that the Court of Auditors has stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the Centre’s annual accounts for the financial year 2019 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular, Parliament adopted by 602 votes to 78 with 8 abstentions, a resolution containing a series of recommendations, which form an integral part of the decision on discharge and which add to the general recommendations set out in the resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies:

Centre’s financial statements

The final budget of CEDEFOP for the financial year 2019 was EUR 17 866 920, representing an increase of 0.09 % compared to 2018.

Budget and financial management

The budget monitoring efforts during 2019 resulted in a budget implementation rate of 99.99 %, representing a slight increase of 0.01 % compared to 2018. Payment appropriations execution rate was at 95.12 %, representing a decrease of 1.38 % compared to the 2018.

Other observations

Parliament also made a series of observations regarding performance, procurement and staff policy.

In particular, it noted that:

- the Centre uses a noteworthy performance measurement system that includes key performance indicators to assess the added value provided by its activities on project, activity and organisational levels and other measures to improve its budget management;

- more qualitative indicators were used in 2018-2019, which aimed to provide a more balanced view of the Centre’s performance;

- on 31 December 2019, the establishment plan was 94.51 % implemented, with 12 officials and 74 temporary agents appointed out of 78 temporary agents and 13 officials authorised under the EU budget;

- while welcoming the introduction of e-tendering and e-submission for its open procedures, Parliament noted with concern that mistakes in procurement and contract management were made,

- efforts have been made to increase the Centre’s cybersecurity and data protection, especially as regards training of and awareness-raising among staff.