Athens, 23 November 2022

Presentation to relevant parliamentary committees of European Court of Auditors reports for 2021

 

Mr Nikolaos Milionis, member of the European Court of Auditors, briefed today the Hellenic Parliament's European and Economic Affairs Committee members on the Court’s 2021 annual report. This briefing session is conducted in the framework of promoting dialogue with national Parliaments to enhance transparency and awareness on European issues. The European Court of Auditors’ scope of work is of special interest to the Hellenic Parliament; in this context, the co-competent Hellenic Parliament Committees are regularly informed by Mr Milionis on the institution’s activities and reports.

In his introductory statement, the Chairman of the meeting -also Chairman of the Hellenic Parliament's Standing Committee on Economic Affairs- Mr Stavros Kalogiannis, noted that European budget expenditures in 2021 amounted to 181.5 billion euros, an amount remaining fixed to 1.3% of member states' GDP; adding expenses under the Recovery and Resilience Facility,  EU payments total for 2021 is 228 billion euros. Mr Kalogiannis moreover emphasised the growing importance of sound and efficient financial management, especially addressing unprecedented global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine, the progressing energy crisis and climate change, adding further to the role of the European Court of Auditors and the increasing responsibility of the EU's instituttions and of the member states.

Mr Kalogiannis highlighted the national Parliaments’ decisive role in the effort towards strengthening democratic legitimacy, and specifically regarding EU economic operation, via exercising control over the way in which European taxpayer money is spent. Finally, he emphasised that promoting cooperation between Parliaments and the European Court of Auditors will reinforce citizen confidence in the European edifice, strengthening transparency and accountability.

Mr Milionis presented an overview of the European Court of Auditors’ work for the year 2021, comprising, -further to the annual report on European budget management -, 27 special reports, 2 opinions and 5 reviews. He then referred to the European budget performance, the work methodology and the recommendations made by the European Court of Auditors with the aim of improving effectiveness of funds directed to member states. Mr Milionis also referred to specific European budget sections, to the absorption of European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds,as well as to the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

 

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