Voorzitter Europese Rekenkamer presenteert werkplan voor 2011 aan Europarlement (en)

Luxembourg, 10 February 2011

Mr Vítor Caldeira, President of the European Court of Auditors, today presented the ECA's 2011 work programme to the Committee on Budgetary Control of the European Parliament at its meeting in Brussels. The work programme provides an overview of the Court's planned work and output for 2011. It highlights the Court's audit priorities for 2011, in accordance with the Court's Audit Strategy for the period 2009-2012.

In 2011 the Court plans to publish 45 annual reports, including the annual reports on the general budget, the European Development Funds and European agencies and bodies; 20 special reports; the annual activity report of the Court; and opinions on any proposed EU financial legislation.

During 2011 the Court aims to publish special reports on a range of topics relating to the headings of the Union’s 2007-2013 financial framework, including financial engineering, the SME guarantee facility, E-government, and the Single Payment Scheme for agriculture, as well as a follow up to the Court’s special report 1/2005 on the management of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

The Court also contributes to improving financial management of EU funds through its opinions on proposals for new or revised legislation with an impact on financial management issues. The Court’s opinions are used by the legislative authorities - European Parliament and Council - in their work. These opinions are prepared for all proposals for financial legislation, and can be requested by any EU institution. The Court of Auditors may also produce opinions on its own initiative.

Mr Caldeira highlighted the importance of maintaining the confidence and trust of EU citizens in the Court and its work.

“In matters of trust, openness and transparency are essential. That is why the Court has articulated a clear set of values, so that our stakeholders know that we are committed to: the independence, integrity and impartiality of our institution; the professionalism of our work; adding value through that work; and the excellence and efficiency of our people and organisation.

These are the values on which we have built our reputation over many years as well as the trust which exists between our institutions. They are what inspire us to achieve the goals we have set in our strategy for 2009 to 2012. And they will guide our work in 2011.”, said Mr. Caldeira during the presentation.

To read Mr Caldeira's speech, please see: http://eca.europa.eu/products/ECA1111

To find out more about the 2011 work programme, please see: http://eca.europa.eu/products/WP2011