Transparency, integrity, corruption prevention and early detection of fraud play an essential role in the implementation of cohesion policy. The Cohesion Directorate organised a dedicated training event focusing on the abovementioned areas. 120 participants from the institutions involved in the implementation of cohesion policy in Slovenia took part in the event.
The Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek delivered opening speech. He stressed that all stakeholders must ensure that cohesion policy funds, often the only source of funding for development, ‘’are used in a legal, economical and effective way, and that our goals and results are successfully achieved.’’
The European Commission noted in its recent Report on the Protection of the European Union’s Financial Interests and the Fight Against Fraud for 2023 that fraudulent irregularities worth a total of 1.4 billion euros had been reported in the areas of cohesion and fisheries for the 2019-2023 period. In that same period, the total value of projects stood at 5 billion euros. The same applies to Slovenia. For the 2014-2020 programming period, Slovenia reported 15 cases of suspected fraud in 19 cohesion policy projects to OLAF. Only one criminal proceeding has been concluded so far, ending with an acquittal. The total amount of irregularities is estimated at 3.14 million euros.
Minister Jevšek said that there is a general consensus in Slovenia that corruption and fraud have wide-ranging effects and that they must be prevented. He underlined that a country needs to have an efficient and effective control system in place to prevent and detect fraud and supervise the use of funds. He added that the current system needs upgrading to become more robust, responsive and faster allowing for a timely, efficient, effective and proper response to fraud. The Minister noted that proper information flows and good cooperation among national authorities and EU authorities responsible for the protection of the EU budget play a key role in this context.
“Integrity starts (and ends) with the individual. That is why each and every one of us can meaningfully contribute to the fight against fraud and corruption. If employees and relevant authorities work closely together and fight together against fraud and corruption, then we strengthen the rule of law and social accountability. This is how we help deliver on social justice, equity and equality and condemnation of such acts,’’ said the Minister.
The Minister emphasised that finding new tools or solutions and raising further awareness of the legal requirements for the prevention and management of fraud and corruption risks will be one of key priorities and activities in the future. He said that the country owed this to its citizens and taxpayers who generally perceive Slovenia as being too ineffective in the fight against fraud and corruption. ’’Not only does this result in declining public trust in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, it also undermines the reputation of the country and its authorities and, last but not least, erodes the rule of law. So, we must reinforce all legal and other means to fight fraud and corruption, including in the area of the implementation of EU cohesion policy,’’ he said.
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