Enhancing fiscal transparency through participatory budgeting in the EU

In a set of recommendations adopted in October, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlighted the need to improve fiscal transparency and participatory budgeting across the EU to boost democracy and public trust in how EU funds are used. Key suggestions include creating a common framework for fiscal transparency across all Member States, encouraging participatory budgeting to give citizens a say in spending, and using digital tools to make budget information easier to understand. The EESC also highlights the need for public awareness, stronger oversight, and aligning these efforts with broader EU goals like cohesion and sustainability to promote cooperation and accountability.

Key points

In the opinion, the EESC suggests to

• establish a common framework for fiscal transparency that would set clear, consistent standards for all EU-funded programs, ensuring uniform reporting and easy access to financial data across Member States. The EESC focuses on promoting best practices rather than introducing new regulations;
• promote the adoption of participatory budgeting, where citizens have a direct say in public spending decisions, particularly at the local level. The EESC also advocates for incorporating participatory elements into EU-level budgeting processes;
• develop accessible digital tools to streamline budget data access, using technologies like data analytics and AI to improve public understanding and engagement with financial information;

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Additional information

- EESC section: Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO)

- Opinion type: Own-initiative opinion

- Rapporteur: Elena-Alexandra CALISTRU (Civil Society Organisations - GR III Romania)

- Reference: ECO/643-EESC-2024-00571

- Date of adoption by section: 11/10/2024

- Date of adoption in plenary: 23-24/10/2024

Contact

Thomas Kersten

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 8931

Email: thomas.kersten@eesc.europa.eu

Gerald Klec

Policy Officer

Tel.: +32 (0) 25469909

Email: eco@eesc.europa.eu