Today, the Commission launched a structured reflection process to review the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture. This review supports the preparatory work for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and aims to better protect the Unions financial interests.
The review of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture is crucial due to increasing threats, such as transnational fraud and organized crime targeting EU funds, along with criminal networks using advanced technologies like AI and cryptocurrency to defraud the EU.
The review promotes efficiency at every stage of the anti-fraud cycle, supporting collaboration among actors in prevention, detection, investigation, correction, prosecution, and effective recovery of amounts, including for the EU budget. Effective deterrence and response are central to this exercise.
The reflection focuses on better collection and use of data, data sharing, strengthened access to information, and the use of modern technologies (including AI) in detecting and investigating fraud, as well as better synergies in the use of investigative means, both criminal and administrative. It will also explore how to improve cooperation between various bodies and optimize resource use while avoiding duplication.
This review will contribute to the objectives of the Multiannual Financial Framework package proposed today, particularly for the efficient protection of the Unions financial interests, by initiating a process to gather input from all stakeholders on how to better shield taxpayers money against increasing threats.
Next steps
The Commission invites anti-fraud actors and all stakeholders to contribute to reflections on the review of the Anti-Fraud Architecture.
These stakeholders and anti-fraud actors include the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the EU Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA), as well as relevant authorities in the Member States.
The results of the Anti-Fraud Architecture review will be presented in a Commission Communication in 2026 and may be accompanied, as appropriate, by possible legislative proposals, taking into account the results of ongoing evaluations of the legal frameworks applicable to certain actors relevant to the Anti-Fraud Architecture, as well as the Directive on the fight against fraud against the EUs financial interests (the PIF Directive).
Background
The EUs Anti-Fraud Architecture refers to the framework of policies, institutions, and mechanisms established to protect the financial interests of the EU by preventing, detecting, and addressing fraud and other illegal activities that could affect the EU budget.
Key institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies include the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the EU Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA), as well as Member States.
The EU has several policies and programs in place to strengthen anti-fraud efforts across member states, such as the EU Anti-Fraud Strategy which includes preventive measures, training, awareness programs, and legal frameworks. A set of EU laws and regulations (e.g. the Financial Regulation) underpin these efforts, providing the necessary legal basis for anti-fraud activities and cross-border collaboration.
Overall, the EUs Anti-Fraud Architecture is designed to safeguard EU funds, maintain public trust, and ensure that financial resources are used effectively to achieve the Unions policy objectives. The Commission is undertaking a review of this architecture to ensure the Unions financial interests remain well-protected from fraud and irregularities.
The mission letter for Commissioner Serafin calls for a review of the overall Anti-Fraud Architecture, taking into account the results of relevant ongoing evaluations and building on the work of Europol and the EPPO.
The White Paper sets preliminary orientations and key questions to guide the Anti-Fraud Architecture review.
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