Future EU enlargements need safeguards for EU funds, budgetary control MEPs say

EU funding has supported growth and convergence in countries joining since 2004

Skilled staff, stable institutions and effective controls are crucial to successful investment

Candidate countries need practical support to manage and protect EU funds before accession

Lessons from previous enlargements show candidate countries need support to manage EU funds effectively and prevent fraud, say budgetary control MEPs in a report endorsed on Tuesday.

The report, adopted by the Committee on Budgetary Control with 20 votes in favour, 4 against and 5 abstentions, examines how countries joining the EU since 2004 have managed EU funding. It draws lessons for future enlargements and the EU’s next long-term budget.

Findings and lessons learned

The MEPs welcome the significant contributions of both EU funding and single market access to growth, infrastructure and economic and social convergence in countries joining since 2004.

Successful management of EU funds depends on skilled staff, stable institutions, reliable digital systems and independent audits, the MEPs stress. These practical conditions matter more than the formal choice of a management model.

The MEPs also warn that unnecessary national requirements added to EU rules can increase paperwork without reducing errors, discouraging smaller beneficiaries in particular. Success should be measured by project quality, value for money and improvements to people’s lives, rather than spending rates alone.

Preparing candidate countries to manage EU funds

The MEPs urge the Commission to help candidate countries build professional public administrations, effective procurement authorities and robust management and audit systems before accession. Priorities should include recruiting and retaining qualified staff, continuous training and exchanges of expertise with EU member states.

They also call for digital tools to track funding, identify conflicts of interest and detect possible fraud earlier. Simpler rules should make funding more accessible, particularly for smaller beneficiaries, while maintaining accountability and transparency.

Respect for the rule of law must underpin the management of EU funds, with monitoring continuing after accession and applying equally to all member states.

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Rapporteur Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP, CZ) said: “Future EU enlargements require strong institutions, sound financial management and effective controls. The lessons learned from previous enlargements show that candidate countries must have the administrative capacity and expertise to manage EU funds properly, prevent fraud and errors, and protect the Union’s financial interests. Ensuring these conditions is essential to safeguard the EU budget and taxpayers’ money.”