No exceptions when it comes to protecting EU taxpayers' money
Renew Europe today reaffirmed that the European Parliament must apply its financial rules consistently, objectively and without exception, following discussions in the Committee on Budgetary Control concerning the financial management of the Patriots for Europe Group.
The case concerns the Patriots for Europe Group's 2024 financial accounts, in which the European Parliament's administration identified approximately €277,000 of irregular expenditure. The findings bear strong similarities to irregularities previously identified in the former Identity and Democracy Group, raising important questions about the consistent application of Parliament's financial rules and oversight procedures.
Protecting European taxpayers' money requires rigorous oversight and equal treatment in every case. Alleged financial irregularities should be assessed on the basis of facts, using the same procedures and standards regardless of the political group concerned.
Renew Europe Coordinator in the Committee on Budgetary Control, Olivier Chastel, said:
"Political groups in the European Parliament have to comply with financial and procedural rules. We are accountable to citizens. For Renew Europe, transparency is a priority, all the more so because Members of the European Parliament are the European Union's only directly elected representatives.
Mismanagement of the European Parliament's funds has become systemic within far-right groups. We have yet another flagrant example of this, and we refuse to allow these facts to be hidden from the public through any political manoeuvre."
Olivier ChastelRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Mouvement Réformateur
Renew Europe believes Parliament's procedures should ensure that comparable cases are treated in a comparable manner. Consistent enforcement of the rules is essential to safeguard public money, uphold accountability and maintain confidence in Parliament's oversight role.
The rules governing the use of EU funds must be applied fairly, consistently and without fear or favour.
Renew Europe will continue to support strong financial governance, transparency and accountability across all EU institutions.