MEP Barbara Bonte (PfE) has raised concerns about the European Court of Auditors' ability to effectively exercise its audit rights under Pillar II of the Ukraine Facility, which is implemented through indirect management by international financial institutions. In a parliamentary question submitted on 9 July 2026, Bonte highlighted risks previously flagged by the ECA in Opinion 03/2023, where the Court noted that international organisations had restricted or refused access to documentation in past cases.
whether the ECA has already been able to exercise its audit rights with implementing partners, financial intermediaries, or final beneficiaries under Pillar II, and whether any access restrictions have occurred; what contractual escalation, corrective, and sanction mechanisms apply when partners fail to comply with audit or information obligations vis-à-vis the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO, or the ECA; and what conclusions and recommendations the Commission draws from Pillar II, including any proposed compensatory supervisory measures.
The question signals a push for greater transparency and accountability in the use of EU funds under the Ukraine Facility, impacting stakeholders such as the European Commission (which manages the facility), international financial institutions acting as implementing partners, Ukrainian final beneficiaries, and EU taxpayers. Bonte's intervention reflects a concern that indirect management may weaken oversight, potentially leading to misuse of funds.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it shares Bonte's concerns and whether additional safeguards are being considered.