BUDGET: MEPS SIGN OFF EU AGENCIES 2003 ACCOUNTS.

Speaking during the debate, Ayala Sender said there should be a global common strategy towards the agencies in particular because of the risks that budgets might get out of control or that the agencies might come under pressure from national governments. The MEP said she would like common guidelines for the agencies to be reflected in an inter-institutional agreement. In particular, she said there needed to be harmonisation of staff rules.

Schlyter highlighted the fact that the way that an irregularity at the European Agency for Reconstruction had been dealt with was exemplary for handling such cases.

The report covered the 2003 accounts for the following agencies:

- the European Agency for Reconstruction;

- the European Centre for the development of Vocational Training;

- the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions;

- the European Environment Agency;

- the European...