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HomeStudy in support of the Union Anti-Fraud Programme (UAFP) interim evaluation
Final study report
Publication metadata
The Union Anti-fraud Programme (UAFP) is crucial to protecting the EU's financial interests by combating irregularities, fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity detrimental to those interests. This study evaluates the UAFP's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and EU added value. The UAFP integrates programme activities and IT tools, such as technical assistance and training (Hercule component), the funding of the Anti-Fraud Information System (AFIS) and of the Irregularity Management System (IMS), in order to streamline resources and enhance strategic fund use. Study data were collected through desk research, document reviews, stakeholder consultations, and case studies, engaging stakeholders from the European Commission, the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF), and UAFP applicants and beneficiaries. The study concludes that the UAFP effectively reduces the EU’s financial exposure to fraud. The Hercule component enhances investigative and technical capacities through grants for equipment acquisition and training actions, with high beneficiary satisfaction rates. The AFIS component facilitates fraud-related information exchange between EU and national law enforcement, to a level that exceeds performance targets. The IMS is an essential tool for reporting and tracking irregularities or fraud related to EU funds, and, despite some technical challenges, satisfaction with the system remains high. Efficiency is optimised through enhanced capacities and streamlined procedures, leading to cost savings and effective operations. Transnational cooperation has improved significantly, with the Hercule component positively impacting networking and best practice sharing, while AFIS and IMS support efficient information exchange between countries. The UAFP demonstrates internal and external coherence with other EU policies, particularly with DG TAXUD, through cooperation mechanisms. The UAFP remains relevant, as it is aligned with broader programme goals, emerging fraud trends, and EU policy priorities , especially digitalisation. Overall, the UAFP provides significant EU added value by supporting interventions that would be less feasible at national level and enhancing information-sharing. This makes it vital in fostering cooperation, optimising resources, preventing and detecting fraud and illegal activities, protecting EU taxpayers’ money.
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): European Anti-Fraud Office (European Commission)
- Personal author(s): Charitakis, Stelios ; Faion, Mois ; Gounev, Philip ; Vasileva, Veronika ; Cotroneo, Clara ; Lacour, Victor ; Wells, Charles ; Meiske, Dano ; Jain, Rohan ; Astuccia, Evelyn
- Themes: Anti-fraud measures
- Subject: administrative cooperation , corruption , digitisation , EU Member State , EU programme , exchange of information , fight against crime , fraud , fraud against the EU , information system , international cooperation , report
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| ISSN | ISBN 978-92-68-21493-0 | DOI 10.2784/1075235 | Catalogue number OB-01-24-002-EN-N |
- Released on EU publications website:
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