The European Parliament adopted a decision concerning the discharge to be granted to the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority (EBA) in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2012. The vote on the discharge decision approved the closure of the accounts (in accordance with Annex VI, Article 5(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament.
Noting that the Court of Auditors stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts of the Authority for the financial year 2012 are reliable, and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular, Parliament adopted by 506 votes to 77, with 15 abstentions, a resolution containing a series of recommendations that form an integral part of the discharge decision and as well as the general recommendations that appear in the draft resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies.
These recommendations are summarised as follows:
- Legality and regularity of transactions: Parliament noted that the Authority grants staff whose children attend primary or secondary school a top-up allowance, which amounted to some EUR 76 000 in 2012. It noted that these allowances are not covered by the Staff Regulations and are, therefore, considered irregular by the Court of Auditors. It acknowledged, however, that this situation is due to the lack of European Schools in the city where the Authority is based.
- Budget and financial management: Parliament noted that the overall level of appropriations committed was 89%, but carry-overs of committed appropriations were high at 45% which was mainly due to reasons beyond the Authority’s control, such as the unsuccessful attempt to find new premises and delays in the implementation of some IT projects for which it was difficult to obtain the information needed from the predecessor organisation. Improvements should be made in the area of budgetary planning.
- Performance: Parliament requested that the Authority communicate the results and impact its work has on European citizens in an accessible way, mainly through its website.
Parliament also made a series of observations on transfers, procurement and recruitment procedures as well as comments on internal controls.
Lastly, it welcomed the adoption of Ethics Guidelines by the Authority and acknowledged that it is finalising the preparation of its conflicts of interests policy. It called on the Authority to inform the discharge authority of the adoption of that policy.