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2010 discharge: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)

2011/2264(DEC)

The Committee on Budgetary Control adopted the report by Monica Luisa MACOVEI (EPP, RO) on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Institute for Gender Equality and called on the European Parliament to grant the Director of the Institute discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute's budget for the financial year 2010.

Noting that the Court of Auditors stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts for the financial year 2010 are reliable and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular, Members approve the closure of the Agency’s accounts. However, they make a number of recommendations that need to be taken into account when the discharge is granted, in addition to the general recommendations that appear in the draft resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies:

  • Budget and financial management: Members believe that a merger of the Institute and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights should be considered in order to avoid duplication and reduce overhead costs. They observe that within the limited period between six months after adoption of the Annual Work Programme 2010 and gaining administrative and financial independence, the Institute had a budget execution rate of 65 % in terms of committed appropriations and 26 % in terms of paid appropriations. They invite the Institute to take immediate steps to ensure a satisfactory budget execution rate in the future;
  • Human resources: the committee takes note that the Institute recruited 23 Temporary Agents and 6 Contract Agents, and reached 92.3 % of its Establishment Plan target. It underlines the need to fill all vacancies that are necessary for the effective functioning of the Institute and the fulfilment of its stated goals.
  • Performance: Members remind the Court of Auditors that the work of the Institute is of utmost importance for the promotion of gender equality in the Union. They note, therefore, that future reports should reveal in detail whether the Institute's activity is hindered by difficulties at any stage of the budgetary procedure. They also point out that, at a time of economic crisis and austerity, it is vital that the Institute offers best value for money without jeopardising the successful fulfilment of its important remit. With regard to location, Members note that on 1 March 2010 the Institute's staff was relocated from its temporary premises in Brussels to its permanent seat in Vilnius, Lithuania.
  • Internal audit: the committee notes that the first Internal Audit Service audit will be performed during 2012.