Brussels, 30/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 30 June in Brussels, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the World Bank's Integrity Vice-Presidency (INT) signed a cooperation agreement whereby the two institutions might join forces more effectively to combat fraud relating to aid, especially development aid. On this occasion, OLAF Director General Franz-Hermann Brüner pointed out that the EU and its member states are the world's largest donor for development aid, hence the need to “work together as closely as possible with the investigative departments of other donors worldwide in order to prevent fraudsters from exploiting international help”. The World Bank administers significant sums of EU aid.
Tuesday's agreement will allow investigative services to cooperate more closely and more effectively over the entire range of their competences, not only in the fight against aid fraud but also in the field of anti-corruption. To this end, they will conduct joint investigations where common interests of both the EU and the World bank are involved. Within the rules and laws which govern OLAF and INT's activities, the agreement allows for the exchange of information and intelligence. Another goal is to examine ways in which standards can be harmonised, common definition s found and best practices and procedures identified in the area of investigation. From the perspective of the European Union, the cooperation arrangement between OLAF and INT is of particular importance in the field of development aid. In addition to being involved in many projects together, the World Bank is also the trustee of significant funds from the EU. Closer cooperation between the investigative arm of both institutions will help maximise the protection of those funds, OLAF states in a press release. (O.L./transl.jl)