We work in close consultation with CONT, particularly on issues relating to the management of the EU budget. We want to see taxpayers' money spent efficiently, effectively and in accordance with EU law. We audit the accounts of the EU Institutions, bodies, agencies and joint undertakings (JUs) and suggest improvements in order to ensure sound financial management. We also conduct performance audits of EU programmes and projects to assess whether they are delivering value for money.

Our Annual reports contain the results of our financial and compliance audit work on the European Union budget, the European Development Funds, all the EU institutions, EU agencies and JUs. They comprise the annual statements of assurance and specific assessments of the main areas of the budget, and also cover budgetary management and performance issues.

We generally present our special reports to CONT. Both annual and special reports serve as the basis for Parliament's yearly discharge exercise led by the CONT Committee. 

As the EU’s auditors, we also look ahead in order to help address key challenges facing the EU in future. We anticipate a number of challenges for the EU, including the digital transformation of the economy and society, climate change, pressure on the rule of law and democracy, a stalled globalisation process, rising inequality and increasing national sentiment. All these challenges could also have significant economic and budgetary consequences.

We will keep all these factors in mind when selecting our audit tasks and formulating recommendations for the future.