"Clean Bill of Health" for EU accounts but irregularities at national level

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Nov 2008

For the first time in 14 years, the European Court of Auditors was able to provide a "clean opinion" of the EU annual accounts for 2007 and praised the substantial improvements in European accounting.

However, national governments did not fare so well after having been found responsible for many irregularities in the spending of funds. The EU Commission announced it would 'take a tough stance and suspend payments until all member states implement adequate corrective measures'.

Said Fiona Hall, MEP for North East England:

"I welcome the Auditor's findings that EU accounting has improved significantly. However, the report also clearly highlights the need for national governments to take action. Too many national governments do not take their responsibility for EU funds seriously enough."

"The British Government must look into the irregularities in the distribution of EU funds in Britain to make sure that EU money is distributed and spent according to the rules."