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EUROPEAN REVIEW

ISSUE 14 - Page 11

We have another stab at explaining things European in

Plain English

• 1. social partnership
• 2. Objectives
• 3. Ombudsman
• 4. Single Currency
• 5. Commission
• 6. Agenda 2000
• 7. Council of Ministers
• 8. EUROSTAT
• 9. European Parliament
• 10. Euro-words
• 11. OSCE
• 12. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

13. Court of Auditors

What is it ?

It is a body comprising fifteen experts, one from each Member State.

What does it do ?

Its purpose is to examine the accounts of the EU including lending, borrowing, the general budget and any 'off-budget' activities. It must ensure the legality and accuracy of financial transactions and prudent financial management.

Is it independent of the Member States ?

The experts appointed must be people whose 'independence is beyond doubt'.

How does it make its views known ?

The Court draws up an annual report recording its activities but may also issue special reports or offer opinions.

Wasn't it in the news, a couple of years ago ?

Yes, it was the Court of Auditors report into the European Commission's activities for 1997 which precipitated the resignation of the entire Commission in 1999.

Why did they resign ?

Because the report made severe criticisms of the accounting of various EU programmes the European Parliament refused to approve it (or 'sign it off"). As they had the power to call on the entire Commission to go they decided to jump before they were pushed.

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