Irregularities in the European Union’s multi-billion euro regional aid budget are no more flagrant in central and eastern Europe than in older member states, according to an independent agency that has repeatedly faulted EU spending.

Vítor Manuel Silva Caldeira, president of the European Court of Auditors, said in an interview with the Financial Times that tighter controls for the EU’s 2007-13 budget cycle should help ensure that regional aid funds were properly spent and accounted for.