AFCOS conference: OLAF brought together anti-fraud experts to discuss protecting the next EU budget
© EU In the continuing preparations for protection the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) brought together more than 120 experts from national anti-fraud coordination services (AFCOS) from EU Member States and enlargement countries. Discussions focused on the need to reinforce the protection of the EU budget and to ensure that the fight against fraud is coordinated, targeted and effective in the context of the review of the EU anti-fraud architecture.
Congregating in Brussels on 6-7 October, anti-fraud professionals from 36 European countries, including candidate countries and potential candidates, discussed with experts from OLAF, the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors how the to strengthen the protection of EU financial interests. As the proposed MFF aims for more flexible and performance-based EU funding, national authorities are set to play a bigger role in preventing, detecting and tackling fraud and irregularities.
As highlighted by the Director-General of OLAF Petr Klement in his speech: “The proposal for the next EU budget is a game changer. The simpler, more flexible financial framework comes with a significant shift of responsibility from European to national level. The greater role placed on Member States to prevent and manage fraud risks means that the AFCOS will be at the front line of the defence of the EU budget. However, they are not alone. OLAF is fully prepared to continue work alongside them to make sure that EU money is protected and reaches the people and projects it is intended for.”
From the new MFF to practical anti-fraud challenges
The discussions brought together the European and national perspectives on how to defend the next EU budget. These considerations also took into account, and highlighted, the differences between the size, capacity and power of the participating AFCOS services. The importance of addressing these discrepancies and the need to level-up the AFCOSes was strongly emphasised to ensure that the level of protection of the EU’s financial interests is consistent.
Through dedicated breakout sessions, participants exchanged views on performance-based instruments, enlargement, national anti-fraud strategies and cooperation with Financial Intelligence Units. The debate confirmed the importance of access to relevant information, digital preparedness and cooperation between national and European authorities.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between OLAF and AFCOS, both within the EU and with the anti-fraud authorities of countries preparing for EU membership. As work continues on the next MFF and the EU anti-fraud architecture, continued dialogue and practical cooperation will remain essential to safeguarding the EU's financial interests.
AFCOS serve as the national point of contact between OLAF (operating at the EU level) and the relevant national authorities, facilitating exchange of information in the fight against irregularities and fraud affecting EU’s financial interests.
There are currently 37 AFCOS – 27 in EU Member States, nine in enlargement countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine).
While the specific organisation and powers of AFCOS vary between Member States, they jointly ensure effective cooperation between EU and national anti-fraud bodies. Read more about AFCOS