European Parliament decision on approval of Council's budget management for 2023

The European Parliament has adopted a position on the management of the European Council and Council budget for the 2023 financial year. This decision comes within the framework of the discharge procedure, which verifies how EU institutions use public funds. The situation affects all European citizens as it involves transparency in the use of public money.

Context and objectives

The discharge procedure is established by the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the Financial Regulation. The main objective is to ensure transparency and democratic accountability in the management of the EU budget. The European Parliament has the exclusive competence to grant discharge for the implementation of the Union's general budget.

Key measures

• Postponement of the decision on discharge to the Secretary-General of the Council
• Presentation of observations in an accompanying resolution
• Transmission of the decision to all relevant EU institutions
• Request for publication in the Official Journal of the EU
• Maintaining pressure for Council cooperation
• Documentation of Council's lack of cooperation in the control procedure

Timeline and implementation

The decision was adopted in 2025 for the 2023 financial year. Implementation follows the schedule of the EU's annual budgetary procedures. Parliament will continue monitoring and return with a final decision once the Council cooperates. The European Court of Auditors remains the independent financial control institution.

Impact for citizens and stakeholders

European citizens benefit from greater transparency in the use of public funds. However, the Council's lack of cooperation affects democratic oversight. All EU institutions must demonstrate accountability to taxpayers. The situation underscores the importance of interinstitutional cooperation for the democratic functioning of the EU.