Commission unveils anti-fraud revamp to protect the EU budget

Last July 16 the Commission has launched a structured reflection process for the review of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture. The review complements the preparatory work on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). Its aim is to ensure a strengthened and more efficient protection of the Union’s financial interests.

The review of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture is of outmost importance, due to evolving threats to the EU’s financial interests, including increasing transnational fraud, organised crime targeting EU funds, or criminal networks using advanced technologies, like AI and crypto currencies, to try to defraud the EU.

The Anti-Fraud Architecture review will promote efficiency at every stage of the anti-fraud cycle, supporting complementarity between anti-fraud actors in the prevention, detection, investigation, correction of fraud, prosecution and a more efficient and effective recovery of the amounts concerned, including for the EU budget. Effective deterrence and response will be at the heart of the exercise.

The reflection will therefore focus on questions related to a better collection and use of information, data sharing, strengthened access to data, the use of modern technologies (including AI), in detecting and investigating fraud, and better synergies in the use of investigative means, both criminal and administrative. It will also explore how to ensure better cooperation between different bodies, as well as an optimal use of resources and avoid duplication.

This review will contribute to the objectives of the Multiannual Financial Framework package proposed today, in particular an efficient protection of the Union’s financial interests, by launching 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 the reflections on the review of 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 Prosecutor’s 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 the 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 EU’s financial interests (the PIF Directive).

Background

The European Union’s 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 Prosecutor’s 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 EU’s Anti-Fraud Architecture is designed to safeguard EU funds, maintain public trust, and ensure that financial resources are used effectively to achieve the Union’s policy objectives. The Commission is undertaking a review of this architecture to ensure the Union’s 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.

More information: European Commission