Financial Crime World

EU Fights Fraud: Bulgaria’s National Strategy to Protect Financial Interests

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In its ongoing efforts to combat fraud and irregularities affecting the European Union’s (EU) financial interests, the Bulgarian government has unveiled a new national strategy for the period 2021-2027.

Coordinated Efforts Against Fraud

The EU’s Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), responsible for coordinating actions against fraud in accordance with Article 325(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), works closely with member states to prevent and detect fraud affecting the EU’s financial interests.

National Strategy in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the Council for Coordination of the Fight Against Infringements Affecting the Financial Interests of the European Union plays a crucial role in ensuring coherence and complementarity of measures taken by national authorities in the fight against irregularities and corruption involving EU funds. The council is chaired by the Minister of Interior, who has overall responsibility for implementing government policy on protecting the EU’s financial interests.

AFCOS Directorate: Supporting the Council’s Work

The AFCOS Directorate within the Ministry of Interior serves as a Secretariat to support the Council’s work, performing control, information, and coordination activities related to the protection of the EU’s financial interests.

Goals and Objectives of the National Strategy

“The national strategy aims to enhance coordination between competent institutions, including independent judicial authorities, to prevent and detect fraud affecting the EU’s financial interests,” said [Name], Minister of Interior.

The strategy includes measures to:

  • Strengthen institutional framework
  • Improve cooperation between authorities
  • Increase public awareness about the importance of protecting the EU’s financial interests

“The Bulgarian government is committed to fighting fraud and irregularities affecting the EU’s financial interests. Our national strategy will ensure a coordinated approach to prevent and detect such activities,” added [Name], Prosecutor-General.

Monitoring and Support from OLAF

The implementation of the national strategy will be closely monitored by OLAF, which will also provide technical assistance and support to Bulgaria in its efforts to combat fraud and irregularities affecting the EU’s financial interests.

Key Points

  • The Bulgarian government has unveiled a new national strategy for 2021-2027 to prevent and detect fraud affecting the EU’s financial interests.
  • The Council for Coordination of the Fight Against Infringements Affecting the Financial Interests of the European Union plays a crucial role in ensuring coherence and complementarity of measures taken by national authorities.
  • AFCOS Directorate within the Ministry of Interior serves as a Secretariat to support the Council’s work.
  • The national strategy aims to enhance coordination between competent institutions, including independent judicial authorities.
  • The implementation of the national strategy will be closely monitored by OLAF.