Lack of a Portuguese member of the European Court of Auditors

Subject: Lack of a Portuguese member of the European Court of Auditors

The situation of the Portuguese position at the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has been a cause for concern. Since the tragic and untimely death of Portuguese judge João Figueiredo on 30 June 2021, the ECA has not had a Portuguese member. This has now been the case for over 26 months. Given that the late judge’s term would have continued until 29 February 2024, Portugal’s absence could last as long as 32 months. This prolonged absence raises serious concerns about Portugal’s capacity to properly fulfil its responsibilities at the ECA.

In view of this, I would like to ask the Council:

1. Is there any precedent for a Member State being left without representation at the ECA for a period of time, as is Portugal’s case at the moment? If so, which country and for how long?

2. Has Portugal taken steps to appoint a replacement judge for the ECA? If so, what is the Council’s stance on such efforts?

3. Given that the Portuguese position is vacant, should the Council not encourage Member States to swiftly propose new candidates to ensure the ECA can continue to function properly?

Submitted: 7.9.2023

Reply

(26 February 2024)

By its Decision (EU) 2023/2899 of 19 December 2023, the Council appointed Mr João Leão, proposed by the Portuguese Government, as member of the European Court of Auditors for the period from 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2030.

Regarding the question on similar precedents, the Honourable Members are invited to request further information on the details of these cases directly from the European Court of Auditors.