MEPs demand more say over EU foreign policy spending

European External Action Service (EEAS) budgeting rules were beefed up by the Budgets and Budgetary Control Committees of the European Parliament on the 27 September 2010, to ensure transparency and financial accountability.

MEPs inserted a provision requiring a 'working document'" to detail external action spending, and new rules on conflicts of interest. They also stipulated that heads of EEAS delegations must complete specific budget training courses before taking up their duties.

• Primary Source

EUObserver, 13.10.10: MEPs to oversee details of Ashton spending http://euobserver.com/9/31030

ESO: Background information: MEPs to call six ambassadors for hearings http://www.europeansources.info/record/meps-to-call-six-ambassadors-for-hearings/

ESO: Background information: European External Action Service (EEAS) http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-decision-of-26-july-2010-establishing-the-organization-and-functioning-of-the-european-external-action-service-2010-427-eu/

European Parliament: Press Release, 28.9.10: EEAS needs stringent budget control, say MEPs http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20100927IPR83705

EurActiv, 29.9.10: Brok: Right personnel mix is key for EEAS http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/brok-right-personnel-mix-key-eeas-news-498235

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