1998 discharge: 6th, 7th and 8th European Development Funds EDF

The European Parliament adopted its decision drafted by Heide RUHLE (Greens/EFA, Germany) granting the Commission the budgetary discharge for 1998 in respect of the sixth, seventh and eighth European Development Funds (EDF). Its comments on the discharge are recorded in the resolution forming part of the decision. Parliament noted the relevant figures, and closed the accounts relating to the implementation of the sixth, seventh and eighth EDF. The main points in the resolution recording its comments are as follows: -Parliament welcomed the Commission's adoption of an Action Plan and looked forward to receiving clear timetables and measures, and information on steps taken by beneficiary countries. With regard to ongoing monitoring of the Action Plan, it recommended an output-oriented approach, in which clear and disaggregated targets are sector specific results expected from the aid programme. A number of recommendations are made on delegations. there should be more locally-hired staff. A culture of accountability and a sense of responsibility in delegation staff should be fostered by spelling out clearly the role of officials, local agents and other staff. -On relations between headquarters and delegations, it was noted that Communications would be improved markedly with more systematic use of IT tools. Capacity building in beneficiary countries was also emphasised. �