The Council of the European Union has appointed Mr. Daniel Caspary as a member of the European Court of Auditors, effective 1 March 2026, following the end of Klaus-Heine Lehne's term on 28 February 2026. The decision, adopted via an I/A item note on 2 October 2025, ensures continuity in the EU's external audit body, which oversees the Union's financial management and accountability.
Appointment Process and Parliamentary Consultation The appointment follows Article 286(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which requires the Council to appoint members after consulting the European Parliament. The Parliament was consulted on 24 October 2025 and delivered a favourable opinion on 25 November 2025. This procedural step underscores the interinstitutional cooperation between the Council and the Parliament in key appointments.
Impact on EU Oversight The appointment of Caspary, a German national, maintains the Court's composition and expertise. The Court of Auditors plays a critical role in auditing EU revenue and expenditure, ensuring transparency and accountability. The renewal of membership avoids gaps in oversight, benefiting EU taxpayers and institutions that rely on audited financial reports. For the Council, the appointment reflects a routine but essential governance function, while the Parliament's involvement reinforces democratic scrutiny over EU bodies.
Stakeholder Implications - EU taxpayers: Benefit from continued independent audit of EU funds, promoting efficient use of resources. - EU institutions: Gain from uninterrupted oversight, supporting trust in financial management. - Court of Auditors: Maintains operational continuity with a new member bringing fresh perspective. - National governments: See their nominee appointed, balancing representation within the Court.
Next Steps The Council's decision is final, and Mr. Caspary will assume his duties on 1 March 2026. No further institutional action is required.
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