The European Commission adopted, on Thursday 25 July, its 2023 annual report on the protection of the EU’s financial interests (‘PIF’ report). The report shows that the total number of cases of fraud and irregularities detected and reported rose by 8% in 2023, from 12,455 to 13,563.
The recommendations addressed to the European Union and the national authorities of the member countries focus on stepping up digitalisation and strengthening governance in the fight against fraud.
The ‘PIF’ report from the European Anti-Fraud Office ('OLAF') highlights progress in key areas of anti-fraud legislation across the EU. Twenty-four Member States have adopted national legislation to transpose the directive on the protection of whistleblowers (see EUROPE 13122/16).
According to the Commission, there is still room for improvement in the detection and reporting of suspected fraud and irregularities, as well as in their follow-up. “Notable differences between Member States persist”, it said last Thursday.
“Today’s report shows that in 2023, the EU and its Member States continued to step up their efforts to protect EU taxpayers’ money. As new challenges emerge, anti-fraud structures also adapt and must continue doing so. Digitalisation of the fight against fraud must be at the core of such efforts”, commented the European Commissioner for Budget, Johannes Hahn.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/d6c (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)