The Court was established in 1975 with effect from 1977. Its authority was reinforced by the Maastricht Treaty which gave it institutional status. It has 15 members (one per Member State) appointed by the Council after consulting Parliament for a renewable period of six years.
The Court's main function is auditing. It examines whether the revenue and expenditure of the Community and any body set up by it has been received and incurred in a lawful and regular manner and whether the financial management has been sound. Its observations are recorded in an annual report published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
For further information please contact:
Court of Auditors