2001 discharge: EC general budget, Committee of the Regions

The European Parliament adopted a report by Maria AVILES PEREA (EPP-ED, E), giving discharge to the Committee of the Regions for 2001 by 318 votes in favour, 153 against and 5 abstentions. In April last year, Parliament had postponed granting discharge, as there were a number of serious concerns, among other things over the reimbursement of expenses to Members of the Committee of the Regions and over tendering procedures. (Please see the document dated 15/12/03.) Parliament also stated that the Committee of the Regions should involve its legal service in administrative procedures. In addition, Parliament demanded a declaration by the Committee of the Regions that everything possible will be done to ensure that all its Members cooperate sincerely in order to guarantee consistent and correct application of the rules on the payment of allowances to its Members. All possible steps should be taken to recover all the sums unduly paid to Members and former Members of the Committee of the Regions, but under no circumstances can claims from Members be backdated.�