Activities of Michèle RIVASI related to 2021/2148(DEC)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (now the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking) for the financial year 2020
Amendments (3)
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. NoteRegrets that the design of the Joint Undertaking’s 2020 call for proposals did not ensure the fullest coverage of the four strategic demonstration topics, in line with its research agenda in the work plan; notes, in addition, that eligible and high-scored proposals for one of the demonstration topics had to be rejected for the benefit of another demonstration topic, for which several proposals were accepted for co- financing;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. NotDeplores that the European Anti- Fraud Office (OLAF) closed an investigation in the first half of 2020 that found evidence of irregularities and fraud in the activities of two beneficiaries involved in Horizon 2020 projects, including projects co-financed by the Joint Undertaking; notes, that in 2020 the Joint Undertaking has largely implemented the OLAF recommendations in respect of these beneficiaries, this includes processing recoveries, terminating the participation of affected beneficiaries in most grant agreements and actively looking at other potentially problematic beneficiaries; notes, moreover, that the OLAF report did not include any findings and conclusions linked to weaknesses in the internal control systems of the Joint Undertaking and that the financial impact of this case is below materiality levels; calls on the Joint Undertaking to report to the discharge authority on that regard;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes that an anti-fraud strategy is in place covering the prevention and detection of potential fraud as well as the conditions for investigating it; notes that the anti-fraud strategy for grant management is developed and implemented in cooperation with services of the Commission, executive agencies and joint undertakings that implement the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; notes, moreover, that the staff of the Joint Undertaking is continuously updated about the identification of fraud risks, and dedicated tools are made available for the prevention, detection and reporting of suspicious cases; invites the Joint Undertaking to consider implementation of a permanent and robust training scheme for its employees, especially those working directly with calls for proposals and grants, in order to strengthen ethical standards and minimise the risk of unethical behaviour occurring, having a negative impact on sound financial management;