Latvia Strengthens Efforts to Combat EU Funds Fraud

Latvia’s Cabinet Approves Operational Strategy for Anti-Fraud Coordination Service

Riga, January 11 - In a bid to enhance the fight against fraud in the use of European Union (EU) funds, Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the operational strategy for the Latvian Anti-Fraud Coordination Service (AFCOS). The new strategy aims to promote cooperation between public administration institutions involved in AFCOS and combat fraud while increasing efficiency in protecting the financial interests of EU taxpayers.

Key Objectives of the Strategy

• Developing a uniform policy for combating fraud: This objective focuses on creating a cohesive approach among institutions to prevent and detect fraud.
• Promoting mutual cooperation between institutions: The strategy aims to foster collaboration and information sharing between public administration bodies to combat fraud more effectively.
• Strengthening the exchange of information: AFCOS plans to bring the “information just one phone call away” principle into practice, facilitating swift access to necessary data.

Achievements and Upcoming Initiatives

AFCOS has already achieved several key milestones:

• Received EC funding for the implementation of the Hercule III programme project, which will provide capacity building measures for employees of participating institutions.
• Organized an exchange visit of representatives from Latvia’s State Police and Prosecutor General’s Office in Bulgaria with the support of the TAIEX Peer-to-Peer instrument proposed by the EC.

Cooperation with European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

AFCOS plans to sign a cooperation agreement with the European Commission, providing operational support for OLAF investigations. The agreement aims to promote preventive measures, including training and experience-sharing opportunities for investigators as well as increased public involvement in combating fraud.

Public Awareness and Prevention

The national AFCOS Communicators’ Network has been established to educate the public about opportunities to report fraud involving EU funds. The network plans to organize Fraud Prevention Days in Latvia this spring, in cooperation with other Member States and the EC.

Quotes from Key Officials

• “It is essential that all institutions ensuring the protection of financial interests of the EU are like cogwheels, forming together a single machine. With successful mutual cooperation, we can promote implementation of a ‘zero tolerance’ principle against any attempts to defraud funds invested in Latvia’s economy.” - Nata Lasmane, Head of AFCOS at the Ministry of Finance
• “Criminal cases related to misuse of EU funds and foreign financial assistance funds are a top priority. Efforts to promote perfection of capacity and knowledge of investigators and prosecutors through training and exchange events are commendable.” - Prosecutor General Ēriks Kalnmeiers