European Court of Auditors to evaluate oversight of EU development funding
A forthcoming report on November 23 will examine how the European Commission supervises €16.5 billion in development aid managed by UN bodies and EU member state agencies.
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is set to publish a report on November 23, 2026, investigating the oversight mechanisms used by the European Commission for development funding. The audit focuses on projects implemented by more than 150 partner organizations, including United Nations bodies and EU member state development agencies.
Between 2021 and 2025, these partners managed €16.5 billion in EU resources. The ECA’s review assesses the validity of 'pillar assessments'—the process by which the Commission pre-vets an organization's accounting and internal control systems—and whether these measures effectively safeguard the EU budget.
The auditors conducted field examinations in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Uganda, covering a selection of major partner organizations. The report is expected to clarify whether the Commission's current contractual arrangements and ongoing financial checks are sufficient to ensure accountability and provide value for money in international development projects.