Marek Opioła, Polish candidate for the European Court of Auditors Marek Opioła received a negative opinion of the Parliamentary Committee on Budgetary Control of the European Parliament.

Since Janusz Wojciechowski became the EU commissioner over a year ago, the place for Poland in the Court of Auditors is empty. On Monday, December 7, Marek Opioła was interviewed by the Polish government for this position before the Committee on Budgetary Control of the European Parliament.

His candidacy, however, did not convince the committee members. The majority in the vote did not support Marek Opioła. Vice-president of the Supreme Audit Office, and earlier a member of the Law and Justice party, convinced 7 members of the committee, 23 voted against. The decision on his fate will be made during the plenary session of the European Parliament. If then the Polish politician does not receive a positive recommendation, the EP will demand that his candidacy be withdrawn and another person be appointed.

European Court of Auditors – What is It?

As the EU’s independent external auditor, the European Court of Auditors looks after the interests of EU taxpayers. The Court of Auditors has no law enforcement powers, but works to improve the management of the EU budget by the European Commission and reports on EU finances. ECA incl. carries out an audit of EU income and expenditure to verify that EU funds have been properly obtained, spent, economically used and accounted for, and checks every person or organization with EU funds. The members of the ECA are appointed by the Council, after consulting Parliament, for a renewable term of six years. Members elect a president from among themselves for a three-year (also renewable) term.