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The European External Action Service aims at more transparency and the strengthening of geographical balance

The European External Action Service aims at more transparency and the strengthening of geographical balance

2013. 03. 20.

"This year's discharge procedure has particular significance as this is the first time that the European External Action Service (EEAS) is concerned by such a procedure given that it began its work in 2011" – highlighted Tamás Deutsch after the votes. "The discharge of 2011 creates a precedent and will determine the tools to be applied in case of the EEAS for the coming years. Therefore it was of high importance for us to carry out this process as carefully as possible" – added Tamás Deutsch.

The discharge procedure began last November when the European Court of Auditors presented its 2011 report in the Budgetary Control Committee and later in the Strasbourg plenary. The committee then held a hearing with Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in January 2013.
 
"I am very satisfied with the outcome of today's votes as the Budgetary Control Committee adopted vast majority of my amendments" – underlined Tamás Deutsch. "The strengthening of geographical balance in the European External Action Service is of great significance, particularly in the Union's diplomatic services. At least one third of the EEAS staff should come from diplomats of Member States, and we strive to ensure that new Member States are properly represented at all levels of the service."
 
"I supported an important proposal of MEP Czanecki which urges that the newly appointed EEAS staff give a declaration on their honour that they have not worked for intelligence services in the past" – pointed out Tamás Deutsch. "Furthermore I find it key to lay more emphasis in the coming years on strengthening transparency regularity with regards the real estate management of the EEAS"- said Tamás Deutsch, Vice-President of the Budgetary Control Committee.
 
Tamás Deutsch is EPP Group responsible for three reports in the 2011 discharge procedure: the discharge of the European External Action Service, the European Court of Auditors and the European Court of Justice.
 
Background: The European External Action Service came into being with the Lisbon Treaty and started its work on the 1st of January 2011. The EEAS has its headquarters in Brussels and it is directed by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. The EU is represented through 141 EU Delegations and Offices around the world. The main task of the EEAS is the guiding and implementation of the EU's foreign and security policy.