Conflicts of interests: MEPs refuses to discharge the 2010 accounts of three EU Agencies

The European Parliament signed off the accounts of all the EU agencies except the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the Medicines Agency and the Environment Agency.

 European Parliament Press Release

Although the Chair of EFSA resigned a day before the vote for alleged conflicts of interest, they highlighted this situation and they also focused on the costs of the Management Board as excessive requiring change.

Regarding the Medicines Agency, MEPs requested an action plan to improve procurement and contract management. They also asked to be reassured regarding the impartiality of employees and experts.

The Environment Agency also suffered from the fact that its executive director was also a member of Earthwatch and participated to field trips, for which the EEA paid for. MEPs also asked for more information on recruitment procedures.

Background

When granting a discharge, the European Parliament agrees that the institution has spent its budget in line with EU rules. They follow recommendations of the Council and they also use the Court of Auditors’ annual report. They can also make recommendations on some matters to the European Commission Should the European Parliament chooses to postpone the discharge, the European Commission have to present its response in a follow up report and action plan. Should the European Parliament be happy with the results, the plenary will discharge the accounts.

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