14.

In section 2, the following Article is added: ‘Article 60a 1. Where Heads of Union Delegations act as authorising officers by sub-delegation in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 51, they shall cooperate closely with the Commission for the proper implementation of the funds, in order to ensure, in particular, the legality and regularity of financial transactions, the respect of the principle of sound financial management in the management of the funds and the effective protection of the financial interests of the Union. To this effect, they shall take the measures necessary to prevent any situation susceptible to put at stake the responsibility of the Commission for the implementation of the budget sub-delegated to them as well as any conflict of priorities which is likely to have an impact on the implementation of the financial management tasks sub-delegated to them. Where a situation or conflict of the type referred to in the second subparagraph arises, the Heads of Union Delegations shall inform the responsible Directors-General of the Commission and of the EEAS thereof without delay. Those Directors-General shall take appropriate steps to remedy the situation. 2. If Heads of Union Delegations find themselves in a situation referred to in Article 60(6), they shall refer the matter to the specialised financial irregularities panel set up pursuant to Article 66(4). In the event of any illegal activity, fraud or corruption which may harm the interests of the Union, they shall inform the authorities and bodies designated by the applicable legislation. 3. Heads of Union Delegations acting as authorising officers by sub-delegation in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 51 shall report to their authorising officer by delegation so that the latter can integrate their reports in his annual activity report referred to in Article 60(7). The reports of the Heads of Union Delegations shall include information on the efficiency and effectiveness of internal management and control systems put in place in their Delegation, as well as on the management of operations sub-delegated to them, and provide the assurance pursuant to Article 66(3a). These reports shall be annexed to the annual activity report of the authorising officer by delegation, and shall be made available to the budgetary authority taking into account, where appropriate, their confidentiality. The Heads of Union Delegations shall fully cooperate with institutions involved in the discharge procedure and provide, as appropriate, any additional necessary information. In this context, they may be requested to attend meetings of the relevant bodies and assist the responsible authorising officer by delegation. 4. Heads of Union Delegations acting as authorising officers by sub-delegation in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 51 shall reply to any request by the authorising officer by delegation of Commission at its own request or, in the context of discharge, at the request of the European Parliament. 5. The Commission shall ensure that sub-delegating powers are not detrimental to the discharge procedure, in accordance with Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.’