Press Release: Protection of the EU’s Financial Interests: Commission welcomes European Parliament’s call for increased cooperation by Member States

On 19 february, 2008, the European Parliament adopted a report on the protection of the EU’s financial interests. The European Commission welcomed this document as an important support in the fight against fraud affecting the EU budget. The report by rapporteur Francesco Musotto highlighted the paramount importance of a constructive cooperation between the Member States and the Commission. It stressed the key responsibility of the Member States for the sound management of Community revenue and expenditure, in particular in the areas of agriculture and structural funds, and including the recovery of unduly spent sums. Finally, the report requested concrete follow-up actions, including measures against certain Member States.