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2010 discharge: European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)

2011/2264(DEC)

The European Parliament adopted by 501 votes to 91, with 35 abstentions, a decision concerning the discharge to be granted to the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) 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, Parliament adopted by 528 votes to 81, with 23 abstentions, a resolution containing a number of general 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: Parliament believes 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. It observes 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. Parliament invites the Institute to take immediate steps to ensure a satisfactory budget execution rate in the future;
  • Human resources: Parliament 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: Parliament reminds the Court of Auditors that the work of the Institute is of utmost importance for the promotion of gender equality in the Union. It notes, therefore, that future reports should reveal in detail whether the Institute's activity is hindered by difficulties at any stage of the budgetary procedure. It also points 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;
  • Geographical location: Parliament notes 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: Parliament notes that the first Internal Audit Service audit will be performed during 2012.