Madam President, it has, of course, only been possible to draw tentative conclusions in the time allotted to us for reading the report. My first reaction to the report is that it is a constructive one. It does not focus so much on individuals, but rather on issues, which I feel is right and proper. The only individual mentioned, and rightly so, is Mr Bösch in connection with OLAF. There are two general comments to be made. The most explosive sentence in the Wise Men’s first report, which I may not be quoting entirely accurately, is that there is scarcely anyone to be found in the Commission who feels responsible for anything. I think that was the stumbling block of the whole report the first time round. This report emphasises that it is all about structures, the nature of the decision-making process, the way in which supervision is exercised, the different safeguards that are needed. This makes it impossible for any one individual to feel that they are responsible, for there is so much supervision that everyone thinks there is always someone else in charge. That is why the recommendations merit serious consideration. I was particularly interested to read Chapter 3(13)(2) on export repayments. No product is mentioned, the name of the company is not mentioned, but I am very familiar with the whole saga. It is about butter exports to the former Soviet Union at the beginning of the 90s. The report concludes that there was clear evidence of fraud and condemns the Commission’s attitude as far as this is concerned. Commissioner-designate Lamy stated in the course of the hearings that it had been a completely normal affair. If I understood Commissioner Kinnock correctly at his hearing, then, as far as the Commission is concerned, the case is closed. I can assure Commissioner Kinnock that the case is not closed. The case will only be closed when Parliament deems it to be so. We will certainly come back to this matter. A few general comments on contracts. Too many different contracts are concluded with various forms of financial assistance from the Commission. I believe that is quite right. To hear the average consultant in Europe, we take far longer to pay these consultants than do other donor organisations. For that reason alone, we need to alter the system. I also feel that some extremely useful points are made on European agricultural policy. It is a policy that does not find favour with everyone. We could improve the situation by reducing the irregularities etc. at the very least. I believe that what was said about the Conciliation Committee deserves particular attention. I feel that all too often the Member States use it as an excuse not to have to pay when there is a dispute. The proposals for an internal audit service also sound attractive, particularly as they are based on a recommendation from an institute for internal auditors. As to whether it is really necessary for DG XX to be abolished, I consider that to be a finding that is all too makeshift. But who knows, maybe it will be taken out. I believe it is also a good thing that the committee said something about the way in which the Court of Auditors operates. Year in, year out the Court of Auditors recommends not giving a positive statement of assurance. Like the Wise Men, I too would very much like to know why that is so. And maybe in the future the Court of Auditors could go into a little more detail about sectors, systems, procedures, and perhaps even about that holy of holies, the Member States themselves. Which Member States have sound procedures and which do not? We are very receptive to the argument in favour of a European Public Prosecutor, an idea that was raised in the Wiebenga report in April of this year. Recommendations 85, 86 and 87 are of particular interest. The Commission is always ultimately accountable to Parliament. Individual accountability to the Commissioners must be the first priority. And it is particularly important that any Commissioner who knowingly misleads Parliament must resign. I consider that to be an excellent proposal. I believe a heavy task awaits us in view of the low turnout at the elections. Together with the new Commission, we will need to develop improved structures, so as to increase Europe’s credibility.

Political group: ELDR