2019 budgetary discharge: EESC welcomes initial decision and is committed to continuing reforms

EESC president Christa Schweng welcomes the result of the vote by the European Parliament's Budgetary Control Committee (CONT), adopting a draft report to grant our institution budgetary discharge for 2019. The Committee takes all the recommendations very seriously and will continue to cooperate with the European Parliament to address remaining doubts.

The European Parliament recognised the Committee's efforts, especially the revision of the Code of Conduct adopted in January 2021. The document provides more clarity, greater financial transparency, strict rules on harassment and stronger sanctions for non-compliance.

"Since the beginning of the new Presidency in October 2020, the Committee has been working hard on rebuilding its reputation, image and trust", said the EESC president, Christa Schweng. "The fact that the European Parliament has recognised our efforts shows we are on the right track. At the same time, the Members of European Parliament have highlighted a series of serious challenges that still need to be addressed, and the favourable vote can thus be considered as a credit of trust – with clear further expectations that we will continue our efforts to re-strengthen the impact and reputation of the EESC".

President Schweng reaffirmed that the Committee would continue its reforms in order to better fulfil the needs of its stakeholders, members and staff. Implementing the highest ethical and professional standards together remains a key priority of her presidency.