Hercule III: the fight against fraud should be a key priority for the EU.

The Budgetary Control Committee of the European Parliament (CONT) has backed a legislative Report by Bulgarian MEP Iliana Ivanova on the continuation of the Hercule Programme to promote activities in the field of the protection of the Community's financial interests.

"In these times of crisis, it is critical to continue programmes such as Hercule which is a powerful tool for the protection of the Union's financial interests. At the same time, we shall ensure the effectiveness and the efficiency of spending. We need clear indicators to assess the results and the added value of the funded projects. More regular reporting is needed", stressed Iliana Ivanova.

After preparing two working documents and holding a special Hearing in the European Parliament, several areas for improvements were identified by the Rapporteur.

Mrs Ivanova's amendments aim at achieving better access to the programme for vulnerable and high-risk Member States, more transparency, better accountability and improved cooperation at all levels. 34 amendments were tabled in the draft Report by the Members of the CONT Committee.

The Report was adopted with a large majority with 19 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

The European Parliament is co-legislating on the Regulation with the Council under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure. The start of the negotiations is expected in December.