 |
Press Release, 23rd February 2009
The Essential Guide to EU Quangos 2009
By Dan Lewis and Glen Ruffle.
A joint publication between the ERC (www.ercouncil.org) and Global Vision (www.global-vision.net).
Contact: Dan Lewis, Research Director, Economic Research Council on T. 020 7234 0024 or 07900 245 306 on info@ercouncil.org or lewis.dan@btopenworld.com .
BACKGROUND:
Much attention has been paid to the growth of public bodies/ agencies or quangos as they are best known in the UK over recent years. However very little attention has been paid to the the growth of the EU Quangocracy, what it costs and the roles they perform. The Essential Guide to EU Quangos 2009 does this whilst revealing much more.
Main findings from the report
There were as at the end of 2008, 36 EU quangos which cost nearly EUR 2 billion per year.
Many duplicate work already done at the national level and/or crowd out private sector activity.
Germany has the most Directors and Belgium has the most agencies whilst Eastern and Central Europe have been almost completely left out.
Too many are located in Western Europe and should be relocated to save EU taxpayer funds in Eastern and Central Europe.
Too much of the budget spend goes on staff - nearly a half (46%).
The report also identifies (please see pages 6-9):
o The 10 largest annual budgets.
o The 10 largest (disclosed) staff budgets.
o The 6 most questionable quangos.
Recommendations from the report
The report ends with 8 policy recommendations for the EU and EU member states alike. Please see page 16 of the report.
Co-author, Dan Lewis says;
"Europe is entering a deep recession, but the EU bureaucracy is stuck in a 1970s timewarp, continuing to churn out more quangos, mostly in the heart of Western Europe".
Ruth Lea, Director of Global Vision says;
"The EU's quangocracy is quite simply beyond a joke. They are symptomatic of an EU which fails to appreciate that member states' economies can only recover and eventually prosper in a world which favours innovation over bureaucracy and flexibility over centralised rigidity. They are simply not fit for purpose in the 21st century."
ENDS
About the Economic Research Council
The Economic Research Council is Britain's oldest economics-based think tank, founded in 1943 by Edward Holloway, with its origins dating back to 1932. Historically, the ERC has concentrated its efforst on monetary policy. Today it is a registered charity, dedicated to discuss, dispute, debate and generally seek enlightenment on economic issues of all kinds.
About Global Vision
Global Vision is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating an open, informed discussion on Britain's future development in a globalising world economy and the implications for our relationships with Europe. Its analysis and research is supported by a group of distinguished economists who serve on its Economic Advisory Panel. Its aims are also supported by a cross section of senior business leaders who believe these issues now need to be addressed. Global Vision does not have links with or support any political party.
|
|
