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2013 discharge: European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA)

2014/2110(DEC)

The European Parliament adopted by 556 votes to 136, with 4 abstentions, a decision to grant discharge to the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) for the financial year 2013. The vote on the discharge decision approved the closure of the accounts (in accordance with Annex VI, Article 5(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament.

Noting that the Court of Auditors stated that it has obtained reasonable assurances that the annual accounts of the Agency for the financial year 2013 are reliable, and that the underlying transactions are legal and regular, Parliament adopted by 570 votes to 113, with 6 abstentions, a resolution containing a number of recommendations that form an integral part of the discharge decision and as well as the general recommendations that appear in the resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies:

  • Agency’s financial statements: Parliament noted that the final budget of the Centre for the financial year 2013 was EUR 9 670 185, representing an increase of 18.53% compared to 2012. The Union's contribution to the Agency's budget amounted to EUR 9 030 000.
  • Commitments and carry-overs: Parliament noted that budget monitoring efforts during the financial year 2013 resulted in a budget implementation rate of 9.41% and that the payment appropriations execution rate was 86.46%. It pointed out that in November 2013, additional funds were approved by the Commission for the financing of the Agency's new office in Athens, and that a total of EUR 500 000 was not committed at year-end and was carried over. It also noted substantial carry-overs of 59% for administrative expenditure, due to the move.

Parliament also made a series of observations on transfers, procurement and recruitment procedures, internal controls and internal audit, and the prevention and management of conflicts of interests.

It noted that according to the lease agreement between the Greek authorities, the Agency and the landlord, rent for the offices in Athens is paid by the Greek authorities. It was concerned by the constant late payment of rent, delayed by several months, which presents business continuity and financial risks for the Agency. It called on the Agency to continue its efforts in order to mitigate the risks brought by this situation.

Lastly, Parliament noted with concern that the Agency failed to answer the question on the cost-effectiveness and environment-friendliness of its working space. It called on the Agency to inform the discharge authority on the measures in place.