Framework financial regulation: Community bodies (Art. 185 Regulation (EC, Euratom) 1605/2002)

The committee adopted the report by Gianfranco DELL'ALBA (Ind, I) broadly approving the proposal (consultation procedure), subject to a few amendments. It felt that, in view of the recent increase in the number of agencies and their impact on the Community budget, provision should be made within the framework regulation for the Member States in which such bodies have their seat to make a direct or indirect financial contribution. It further stipulated that a regulation establishing an agency should not come into effect until a decision has been taken on a definitive seat for that agency. The committee also specified that, since the agencies may be allocated a subsidy from the EU budget, they cannot finally adopt their budget until the final adoption of the EU budget. Other amendments sought to strengthen budgetary transparency, including through the provision of essential information to the discharge authority. Lastly, the committee called for the Commission to consult Parliament before undertaking any revision of the framework regulation for the agencies. �