EU Financial Management

First, may I express my gratitude to my hon. Friend for attending this debate? My other hon. Friends have a slightly different perspective on the matter, although I have enjoyed their contributions. I agree with my hon. Friend, but the cultural change in the new Commission will be judged by actions, not words. We are discussing one very tangible area where the Commission can demonstrate that it is serious about reform that is directly related to its own credibility and relationship with EU taxpayers. As long as the qualification of accounts continues, it will continue to erode and damage perceptions about the EU. As we know, some of those perceptions are unfair and misleading, but significant progress in this area will improve the EU’s credibility and reputation.