Rethinking the EU Budget: Three Unavoidable Reforms

This study consider the main weaknesses of the EU’s financial framework and what needs to be done to reinforce the legitimacy and added value of the EU’s actions. The author, an official at the European Court of Auditors, argues that the review of the EU budget represents an opportunity to put in place three unavoidable reforms: a revenue system that, in whatever form, is applicable to all member states in the same way; the funding of policies with verifiable objectives and sufficient resources, making the EU’s action meaningful and visible; and a clear identification of responsibilities as to the use of taxpayers’ money.