Overview
Irregularities and fraud on project or programme level can lead to withdrawals, repayments and financial corrections. If the lead partner does not succeed in securing repayment of any amount unduly paid as a result of an irregularity or fraud, the member state on whose territory the beneficiary causing the error is located is obliged to reimburse the amount. Therefore, it is crucial for national authorities to implement all measures, aimed at preventing, detecting and combatting irregularities and fraud at any stage of management of EU Funds.
With the vaccination process gathering pace across Europe, we sincerely hope that we will soon have the opportunity to meet each other face-to-face. Join us for real-life on-the-spot visits!
Target Group
- Representatives from public authorities in charge of financial management, control and audit of ESI Funds, IPA Funds, Migration and Security Funds, especially from:
- Managing Authorities
- Responsible Authority
- Certifying Authorities
- Audit Authorities
- Intermediate Bodies
- Delegated Authorities
- EU Funds experts from regional and local authorities and experts involved in ETC Programme
- Beneficiaries of EU-funded projects, i.e.: Private and public companies, associations, research institutes
- Public and private banks
- International, national and local associations and networks
- Consultants
Topics and Methodology
We would like to introduce our brand new format: Master class with On-the-spot Visits. The Chair of the Master Class is Jo Kremers, former Senior Audit Manager at the Ministry of Finance in the Netherlands.
Our approach during this unique, attractive and highly interactive event includes the set-up of a well-structured risk analysis, focused on gathering evidence, fact finding, based on professional scepticism, by the use of the internet, open sources, data analysis and sophisticated software, and not to forget the use of your most important instruments, combined with a more innovative way of thinking. Under professional coaching and guidance, enthusiastic teams are competing for the best results and a real reward.
On the first day, we will train you on innovative methods and approaches to audits and verifications and will prepare you for on-the-spot control of real projects, which will take place on the second day of the master class.
During the second day we will visit four projects in the south of the Netherlands and will write reports on our observations. These reports will be discussed and analysed during the third day. In the afternoon we will visit the Government of the Province of Limburg and will have several unforgettable moments, incl. visiting of the real Maastricht Treaty.
The third day will be organised in form of competition. We will work in subgroups and discuss & summarize the results of the first and second days. The afternoon session will be devoted to problem-solving: Just send to us your cases and questions in advance! We will discuss them and look for solutions during the master class.
Day 1: Innovative Approaches to Verifications and Audits
- Discussion of innovative approaches to verifications/audits
- Preparation for on-the-spot verifications/audits
- Set-up of checklists and questionnaires before visiting the projects
Day 2: On-the-spot Visits and Reporting
- Testcases to improve your skills and the use of instruments
- On-the-spot visits of four projects in the south of the Netherlands
- Report writing and discussion of reports
- Visit of the Government of Limburg
Day 3: Group Working Day – THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL!
- Presentation of the results of the “behind the desk work” of the first day
- Discussion of the results of the “on the spot work” of the second day
- Role games: Discussions between the European Commission and Member States
- Advice on fact finding, reporting, evidence and the risk of reputation damage for the EC, EU Funds and national authorities
- New cases to be solved in subgroups: cases from day-to-day practice on detecting and combatting of irregularities and fraud
The participants will be actively involved in various exercises and group works during the course. This round-table format will offer a platform to learn how to prevent, detect and combat irregularities and fraud in ESI Funds, IPA Funds, AMIF and ISF. Besides expert presentations, the sessions will include discussions and exchange of national (best) practices as well as expert guidance on how to best implement and apply the foreseen measures and strategies in your country.
During the event participants will have the opportunity to visit Limburg’s Government buildings, where they will have the opportunity to view the Maastricht Treaty, the constitutional basis of the European Union.
How to Get to Maastricht from Amsterdam Airport?
From Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) you can take the intercity train to Utrecht Centraal, and from there a direct intercity train to Maastricht.
To check the exact connection, please use the Dutch railways.
