The correct handling of irregularities and fraud within ESI Funds is still a very complex issue for all involved bodies. The number of irregularities and fraud cases reported to the European Commission remains high, therefore member states need to continue their efforts to minimize the rate of irregularities and to prevent and combat fraud on project and programme level. As a consequence, this topic remains high on agenda for national authorities managing ESI ;

Managing authorities and Intermediate Bodies have to put in place effective and proportional risk management measures. Certifying Authorities are obliged to certify completeness, accuracy and veracity of accounts and that expenditure entered in accounts complies with applicable law. Audit authorities have to ensure that internationally accepted audit standards are applied, and have to conduct annual control report and annual opinion, presenting findings and corrective ;

Irregularities and fraud on project or programme level can bring to withdrawals, repayments and financial corrections. If lead partner does not succeed in securing repayment of any amount unduly paid as 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 to prevent, detect and combat irregularities and fraud at any stage of management of ESI Funds.