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"The ECA adds value by applying its expertise to identify ways to improve financial management", stated Mr Henrik Otbo, the ECA Member responsible for the report. “With the EU Commission taking our advice and implementing our recommendations, we are achieving our mission – to help the EU run better.”
The 2012 report on the follow-up of the European Court of Auditors’ Special Reports assessed if the Commission adequately followed up on audit recommendations made by the ECA in its special reports. The review examined a sample of 62 recommendations from ten special reports from 2006-2010. The ECA assessed the actions taken by the Commission in response to these 62 recommendations and found that 83 per cent were fully implemented or implemented in most respects, 12 per cent had been implemented in some respects, while 5 per cent had not been implemented. The review also showed that the Commission has proper guidelines and procedures in place concerning its follow up activities.
The follow-up of audit reports is considered by international auditing standards as the final stage in the performance audit cycle of planning, execution and follow up.
Commissioner Lewandowski welcomed the report, saying it showed that the European Commission is implementing the Court's recommendations and keeps improving the financial management of the EU budget. "I am particularly pleased that the improvements were found in the crucial areas of the EU budget such as cohesion policy and agriculture. I have worked hard to improve the financial management of the EU budget as well as to cut red tape for beneficiaries. The EU budget remains a vital source of public investment and this report is another confirmation that the EU manages its funds well with high value for money for EU citizens."