Committees · Budgetary Control

CONT

1 ESN seat

Budgetary Control.

The Committee on Budgetary Control ensures that EU funds are spent legally, efficiently and transparently.

ESN seats

Members total

Subcommittees

2024–29

10th term

Mandate & Tasks

What This Committee Handles.

It scrutinises implementation of the EU budget, examines reports of the European Court of Auditors, oversees the annual discharge procedure and monitors protection of the Union’s financial interests. CONT plays a central role in promoting accountability and holding EU institutions and bodies responsible for the management of public funds.

Key facts · CONT

Full name

Committee on Budgetary Control

Size

30 members

ESN seats

1 of 30

Subcommittees

Meeting cycle

Legal basis

Annex VI of the EP Rules of Procedure

ESN in CONT

Protection of the Union's financial interests and the fight against fraud.

— ESN Committee Booklet · Committee on Budgetary Control

Remit

Four Policy Areas of the Committee.

ESN Position

Our Line in the Committee.

The Group’s priorities in this committee, as set out in the ESN Committee Booklet.

Strict Financial Oversight

ESN advocates strict financial oversight, transparency and accountability in the management of EU funds.

Protect Taxpayers' Money, Combat Fraud

It works to protect taxpayers' money, combat fraud and financial irregularities, strengthen democratic scrutiny and ensure that EU institutions are fully accountable for their expenditure.

Lawful and Responsible Financial Management

ESN opposes the use of EU funds for ideological purposes and supports efficient, lawful and responsible financial management.

ESN Members in CONT

One Seat in This Committee.

The ESN seat in CONT is held by the Members listed below. The named assignment is updated at the start of each session period.

Full Member

Arno BAUSEMER

Substitute Member

Alexander JUNGBLUTH

As of 2026 · Full list with named assignments available on request from the secretariat

Track record

Key Achievements.

ESN has played an active role in strengthening parliamentary scrutiny of EU expenditure. It closely followed the annual discharge procedure, reports of the European Court of Auditors and files concerning the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office. Through more than 100 amendments and committee interventions, ESN called for stronger financial oversight, clearer accountability and greater transparency in the use of taxpayers’ money. It also advocated stronger safeguards to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and in accordance with sound financial management.

ESN in action

Scrutinised the discharge procedure and Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Raised concerns about fraud risks and financial irregularities.

Demanded stronger accountability for EU-funded bodies.

Outlook

Looking Ahead.

CONT will continue to focus on the discharge procedure, implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, protection of the Union’s financial interests and the fight against fraud. Particular attention will be paid to findings of the European Court of Auditors and oversight of EU agencies and institutions. ESN will continue to advocate greater transparency, stronger parliamentary scrutiny and effective protection of taxpayers’ money.

Documents

From the Parliament.

Studies, briefings and meeting documents of this committee, published by the European Parliament.

Opinion Letter · 2026

Opinion on General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2027 - all sections

Draft Report · 2026

Discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024, Section II – European Council and Council

Draft Report · 2026

Nomination of Gerald Loacker as a Member of the Court of Auditors

Draft Report · 2026

Protection of the Union’s financial interests in the post-2027 multiannual financial framework through the revision of the anti-fraud architecture

Draft Report · 2026

Evaluating the successes achieved and lessons learned from EU enlargements since 2004 in the implementation of the EU budget

Opinion · 2026

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034 and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509

Draft Report · 2026

Combating VAT fraud – the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation when it comes to VAT fraud and its impact on the EU budget

Opinion · 2026

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)

Related committees

Also of Interest.

Three closely related committees in which the ESN Group is represented.

HOUS

Housing Crisis in the European Union

The Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union examines the causes of housing shortages and declining affordability and proposes solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing.

FISC

Tax Matters

The Subcommittee on Tax Matters focuses on EU tax policy, tax transparency, corporate taxation and the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion.

EMPL

Employment and Social Affairs

The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs is responsible for employment and social policy.