2003 discharge: EC general budget, Economic and social Committee ESC

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Alexander STUBB (EPP-ED, FI) granting the

Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget for the 2003 financial year. (Please see the summary of 17/03/2005.) The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) administered a budget of EUR 81 166 960, of which 98.12 % had been committed and 92.77 % spent by 31 December 2003.

With further regard to the travel reimbursement rules, Parliament noted that the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has completed an investigation into allegations concerning the possible misuse of the committee's travel reimbursement scheme by a member. OLAF has found evidence of "double reimbursement" and forwarded its findings to the Belgian public prosecutor. Throughout the investigation the EESC fully co-operated with OLAF. The latter did not question the EESC's financial management system.