2006 discharge: EC general budget, European Data Protection Supervisor

The European Parliament adopted, by 631 votes in favour to 15 against, with 35 abstentions, a decision to grant the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2006. The decision to grant discharge shall also constitute closure of the accounts for this institution.

The Parliament also adopted, by 603 votes in favour to 16 against with 36 abstentions, a resolution containing observations forming an integral part of the decision on the discharge. The report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Nils LUNDGREN (ID, SE), on behalf of the Committee on Budgetary Control.

The resolution recalls that the European Data Protection Supervisor had available commitment appropriations amounting to EUR 4 138 378 (compared to EUR 2 840 733 in 2005), with a utilisation rate of 93.3%. Moreover, the Parliament notes that the audit of the EDPS did not give rise to any material observations.

Furthermore, the Parliament notes that, on 7 December 2006, the administrative cooperation agreement between the Secretaries-General of the Commission, Parliament and the Council, signed together with the EDPS, was renewed for a further period of 3 years with effect from 16 January 2007. Based on this agreement, the administrative handling of all EDPS missions is ensured by the Paymaster's Office of the Commission and the same internal rules apply to the reimbursement of accommodation costs incurred on mission for its two Members and staff.

The Parliament notes, once again, that this institution’s internal control structure is appropriate to its activities and requirements.

Lastly, it welcomes the initiative taken by the EDPS and by the Assistant EDPS to publish an annual declaration of their financial interests, in a form similar to that filled in by Members of the European Parliament.