European Union Committee Annual Report 2005 PDF Download

This NAO report examines the state of financial management in the European Union. It is divided into three parts, with appendices. Part one, looks at the background; Part two, presents key findings in respect of the main expenditure areas, irregularities and possible fraud; Part three, looks at improving the financial management. Amongst the findings and recommendations of the National Audit Office are: for 2005, the European Union's expenditure totalled £71.1 billion, with a revenue of £72.3 billion, and the UK's net contribution coming to £2.5 billion, comprising payments of £8.3 billion, with a £3.5 billion abatement. Against this background of financial contribution, was a report from the European Court of Auditors, in October 2006, which found the accounts of the European Union did reflect the revenue and expenditure for the year, but had noted some errors in relation to balance sheet items, which led the Court not to issue a Statement of Assurance, which confirms the legality and regularity of the European Community's expenditure. For the NAO, the main findings included the views of the European Court of Auditors, that financial management had been strengthened and consolidated. Further anti-fraud measures, as introduced by OLAF (the European Union's Anti-Fraud Office) had also been strengthened, and that European Union expenditure was not subject to excessive fraud. The NAO sees the success of gaining a Statement of Assurance, as linked to the implementation of the European Commission's action plan of simplifying the rules and regulations governing European Union programmes (as noted in the HCP 498, session 2004-05, ISBN 0215023870). The Court of Auditor's also noted some weaknesses in the UK's management and control of structural measures programmes, and the NAO states that relevant UK authorities should ensure their risk management arrangements focus on the need for proper control and management of European Union funds.