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If we had to draw one lesson from experience in EU funding, it would be this: errors happen, regardless! Coupling the volumes of laws, regulations and guidelines with the erratic traits of human nature, inevitably, a prescription for misfired calculations, interpretations and judgements.
This seminar sheds light on the continuous struggle in the management of EU-funded programmes, where the ever stronger calls for more results are continuously met by challenging control and compliance arguments. We explore past cases of fraud and irregularity, review the current prevention, detection and correction techniques, interpret statistics, and discuss controls and audits within the evolving regulatory scenario (including 21-27).
The sessions will be delivered live from our offices in Malta through the Zoom application (see https://zoom.us/), which may be downloaded either on a personal computer, laptop or smartphone. A reliable internet connection is important, but the sessions will also be recorded.
EU institutions; CF, ERDF, ESF+, EMFF, AMIF, ISF and EAFRD Managing Authorities, First Level of Control Bodies, Intermediate Bodies, Certifying Authorities, Audit Authorities, Central Coordination Bodies, Methodology Departments, Central or Regional Ministries, Finance Officers, Auditors, Methodology Departments, Irregularities officers
Delivering knowledge, experience and good feelings!
Our Plan for the day
Connecting and setting up through Zoom
Irregularities in EU-funded projects: definitions & relevant statistics The course kicks off with an overview of the most common errors, irregularities and fraud cases, ensuring a common understanding of the major terms and definitions and discussing interesting statistics from recent reports.
Live Q&A session and break
Verifications, Applications for Payment and the Annual Clearance of Accounts Over 60% of all fraudulent cases in Cohesion Policy are detected during administrative controls. This session dissects the roles of the IBs, MAs and CAs in detecting fraud before applying for interim payments and the annual clearance of the accounts.
Live Q&A session and break
How the EC reasons out corrections of systemic or one-off errors and irregularities Through a review of the relevant Delegated Regulations and guidance notes, this session finds the common principles used by the EC to correct major errors and irregularities discovered during audits of programmes, public procurement, financial instruments and other.
Live Q&A session
Concluding remarks and wrap-up of Online Live Session Day 1
Connecting and setting up through Zoom
Common Irregularities #1: Eligibility of projects & expenditure We discuss eligibility of projects and expenditure, particularly the question whether national eligibility rules are more demanding than the minimum rules set by the EC.
Live Q&A session and break
Common Irregularities #2: Public Procurement An overview of the errors relating to public procurement, referring to the latest reports and updates from the EC and EU audit bodies
Live Q&A session and break
Common Irregularities #3: Horizontal Priorities & Publicity This is an essential element to ensure absorption of funds is maximised. One error in a horizontal priority of a programme and a systemic correction might need to be applied on the programme. First-level control by IBs, MAs and CAs is crucial.
Live Q&A session
Concluding remarks and wrap-up of Online Live Session Day 2
2023 Training Programme
