Fraud fight statement
Anti-fraud policy
According to Article 325 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that combating fraud and any other illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the European Union is a common task for both, the European Union and the Member States. Therefore the programme Member States and the Managing Authority are committed to protect the EU and public funds entrusted against fraud and corruption according to its administrative capacity.
What is fraud?
The term fraud is commonly used to describe a wide range of misconducts including theft, corruption, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, misrepresentation, collusion, money laundering and concealment of material facts.
It often involves the use of deception to make a personal gain for oneself, a connected person or a third party, or a loss for another – intention is the key element that distinguishes fraud from irregularity. Fraud does not just have a potential financial impact, but can also cause damage to the reputation of the programme bodies. Corruption is the abuse of power for private gain.
Conflict of interests exists where the impartial and objective exercise of the official functions of a person are compromised for reasons involving family, emotional life, political or national affinity, economic interest or any other shared interest with e.g. an applicant for or a recipient of EU funds.
Impact of fraud
Fraud does not just have a potential financial impact but it can cause damage to the reputation of an organisation responsible for effectively and efficiently managing funds. This is of particular importance for a public organisation responsible for the management of public funding in general and of EU funding in particular.
Our policy on fraud
The programme Member States and the Managing Authority have a zero tolerance policy to fraud and corruption. The programme management and control system is set up in view of preventing, detecting and correcting frauds. To this end, the most likely areas for fraud at the programme and projects levels are identified and monitored.
The anti-fraud policy adopted by the MA aims at:
-Promoting a culture which deters fraudulent activities;
-Facilitating the prevention and detection of fraud;
-Supporting the investigation of fraud and related offenses, in order to address such cases in a timely, transparent and appropriate manner.
The responsibility for an anti-fraud culture lies with all those involved in the EU programmes and projects. We therefore encourage all partners, contractors, employees, or the general public to assist in preventing fraud from taking place, putting into place proportionate measures to detect it and making it transparent.
How to report fraud
If you suspect fraud or corruption linked to funding from the Interreg CE Programme, please get in touch with the Managing Authority.