The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) was established in 2021 to mitigate the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To receive a share of the more than €700 billion in EU financial support available under the RRF, Member States have to submit national recovery and resilience plans, which are examined by the European Commission. According to a special report published today by the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the Commission’s assessment is generally appropriate, but there remain risks to the successful implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans, such as unclear milestones and targets.

“The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a unique instrument aimed at supporting Member States’ reforms and investments and thus their recovery and resilience”, said Ivana Maletić, the ECA member who led the audit. “The timely availability of support plays a key role, but not at the cost of sound financial management. Full transparency and effective controls must be in place to ensure that EU funds are used for their intended purpose and achieve their envisaged impact.”