The first nine members of the European Court of Auditors are appointed by Council Decision for a six-year term. However, based on its founding Treaty signed in Brussels on 22 July 1975, during the initial appointments, four members chosen by lot will serve for four years to avoid a complete renewal of the body. The swearing-in of the first members took place on 25 October 1977.
The European Court of Auditors has been the EU’s external auditor since its establishment in October 1977. Since then, it has worked continuously to improve the management of EU finances and provide independent assurance that the EU collects and spends its resources legally.
On 1 November 1993, the Maastricht Treaty came into force, recognizing the European Court of Auditors as a full European institution. The Maastricht Treaty also tasked it with the annual issuance of a statement of assurance regarding the reliability of EU accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions.
The role of the European Court of Auditors was further strengthened by the Amsterdam Treaty, which came into force in 1999. This Treaty expanded its audit powers to more policy areas and formalized its contribution to combating fraud.
The Treaty of Nice, signed in 2001, emphasized the cooperation of the European Court of Auditors with the national audit bodies of member states.
The Lisbon Treaty, which came into force on 1 December 2009, reaffirmed the Court’s mandate. It also introduced changes in the management and control of EU resources, enhancing the European Parliament’s powers in budgetary matters and emphasizing the responsibility of member states for its implementation.
The European Court of Auditors continuously develops, following the evolution of the EU. From 9 Members and 120 staff in 1977, today it has 27 Members and nearly 900 staff, coming from all member states.
Since its establishment in 1977, its constant aim has been to contribute to improving the financial management of the EU by producing timely, high-quality products.
