Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union

What it is

The Committee on Budgets, in conjunction with the Committee on Budgetary Control, adopted the report drawn up by Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE) and Richard ASHWORTH (ECR, UK) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. The Committees on Employment and Social Affairs, Industry, Research and Energy, Transport and Tourism, Regional Development and Agriculture and Rural Development, exercising their prerogatives as associated committees in accordance with Article 54 of the Rules of Procedure, also gave their opinions on the report. The Commission proposed, in a single text, a revision of the general financial rules accompanied by corresponding amendments to the sectoral financial rules contained in 15 legislative acts on multiannual programmes. The committee recommended that the European Parliament's position adopted at first reading in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure should amend the Commission proposal. The European Parliament adopted, by 485 votes to 41, with 109 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and amending Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002, Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1305/2013, (EU) No 1306/2013, (EU) No 1307/2013, (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, (EU) No 652/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Decision No 541/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. The proposed Regulation provides, in a single text, for a revision of the general financial rules accompanied by corresponding amendments to the sectoral financial rules contained in 15 legislative acts covering multiannual programmes. The European Parliament’s position, adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure, has brought changes to the Commission proposal. The amendments concern, inter alia , the following points: Simplification in favour of the recipients of EU funds : in the interest of increased efficiency, Member States and other recipients of Union funds shall be able to make more frequent use of simplified cost options . In this context, the conditions for using lump sums, unit costs and flat rates shall be made more flexible. Performance : the concept of performance as regards the budget shall be clarified. Performance shall be linked to the direct application of the principle of sound financial management. The Regulation defines the principle of sound financial management and a link should be established between objectives set and performance indicators, results and economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of appropriations. Transparency : with regard to budget implementation, the application of that principle implies that citizens should know where, and for what purpose, funds are spent by the Union. Such information fosters democratic debate, contributes to the participation of citizens in the Union's decision-making process,…

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