The council may, acting unanimously at the request of the Court of Justice and after consulting the Commission and the European Parliament, amend the provisions of Title III of  the Statute. ( * )

( * ) Second paragraph as added by Article 5 of the SEA

CHAPTER 5 ( ** )

( ** ) Chapter 5 (Articles 45a to 45c, formerly Articles 78e and 78f) as inserted by Article  H(14) TEU.

THE COURT OF AUDITORS

Article 45a

The Court of Auditors shall carry out the audit.

Article 45b

1. The Court of Auditors shall consist of 15 Members. ( * )

( * ) Paragraph I as amended by Article 22 AA A/FIN/SWE in the version resulting from  Article 13 AD AA A/FIN/SWE.

2. The Members of the Court of Auditors shall be chosen from among persons who belong or  have belonged in their respective countries to external audit bodies or who are especially  qualified for this office. Their independence must be beyond doubt.

3. The Members of the Court of Auditors shall be appointed for a term of six years by the  Council, acting unanimously after consulting the European Parliament.

However, when the first appointments are made, four Members of the Court of Auditors,  chosen by lot, shall be appointed for a term of office of four years only.

The Members of the Court of Auditors shall be eligible for reappointment.

They shall elect the President of the Court of Auditors from among their number for a term of  three years. The President may be re elected.

4. The Members of the Court of Auditors shall, in the general interest of the Community, be  completely independent in the performance of their duties.

In the performance of these duties, they shall neither seek nor take instructions from any  government or from any other body. They shall refrain from any action incompatible with  their duties.

5. The Members of the Court of Auditors may not, during their term of office, engage in any other occupation, whether gainful or not. When entering upon their duties they shall give a  solemn undertaking that, both during and after their term of office, they will respect the

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