EU budget

The annual European Union budget is based on the multiannual financial framework. The framework sets the limits for each spending category in the annual budget.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament decide on the level of expenditure of the budget in connection with the budget procedure. The Council usually decides on the EU budget’s own resources in connection with negotiations on the financial framework. The European Commission implements the budget together with the Member States. The EU budget’s expenditure to Member States is mainly channelled through on-budget funds.

The European Commission is responsible for this expenditure, though it is managed in cooperation with the Member States. Independent audit authorities appointed by the Member States carry out audits on behalf of the Commission. This provides the Commission information on the sound financial management of funds. In Finland, audits of EU funds are carried out by the Government Financial Controller's Function at the Ministry of Finance.

The European Court of Auditors is responsible for auditing the EU. The European Parliament discharges the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget based on a recommendation from the Council.

The EU and its Member States work together to prevent fraud in order to protect the EU's financial interests from fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest and other irregularities. These efforts also protect public funds on the national level.

Contact information

Director, Head of Unit
Seija Kivinen
Tel. +358 295 530 236
seija.kivinen(at)gov.fi

Jaana Kuusisto
Government Controller-General
Tel. +358 29 553 0051
jaana.kuusisto(at)gov.fi