Discharge 2024: General budget of the EU - Agencies

Tabled by Virginie Joron

… had to pay rent in both London and Amsterdam as a result; Added: expresses concern that the EMA may be liable for EUR 543 million in respect of the lease of its former premises in London, running until 2039, despite the subletting of those premises to a company that has recently renegotiated the contract downwards; regrets therefore that, at the end of 2024, a provision for an onerous contract of EUR 122.1 million was recognised by the EMA, partially reimbursed by the European Commission; acknowledges that since 2019 several agencies have introduced break-out clauses, but regrets … agencies have done so, including cases where new or renewed leases were Removed: signed; Added: signed, reflecting a naivete regarding the use of taxpayers’ money from the Member States of the Union; notes that the former EMA building belongs to a property complex partly controlled by a Qatari fund (QIA); regrets the significant legal fees paid by the EMA on this matter when the agency has a legal department; urges agencies and the Commission to systematically introduce break-out clauses when negotiating … lessons learned from past experience, in order to limit financial exposure and Removed: ensure greater budgetary flexibility; Added: to prevent any further misuse of taxpayers’ money from the citizens of the Member States of the Union;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE783.206