What will you learn in this course?

The goal of this highly-practical course/workshop extending over two full days is to present:

• the most important questions related to ESF audit in the current programming period;
• foreseen changes for the 2021-2027 programming period: Simplified costs/financing not linked to costs, proportionate control arrangement, annual accounts and audits in 2021-2027;
• state of play of the CPR negotiations;
• the main elements of the ESF audit and how to plan an efficient ESF audit;
• the main errors and irregularities in projects cofunded by the ESF;
• ESF audit findings in different Member States, including real case studies;
• fraud in ESF cofinanced projects, with real-life examples presented by an OLAF expert;
• Arachne programme as a practical tool of fraud prevention and detection;

After the presentations, you will work in small groups with experts on practical case studies.

The unique feature of the course is the combined experience of audit experts from Member States, the European Commission and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

How will it help you?

The course has a very practical and interactive character. All presentations given by audit experts from the public sector, the European Commission and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) include concrete examples and real case studies.

Each presentation will be followed by a practical workshop in small working groups with the direct involvement of the EU experts, during which you will learn about the main errors and irregularities in ESF-financed projects, and the way ESF audits should be performed.

Who is this course for?

• Beneficiaries of ESF and IPA II,
• Managing authorities, certifying authorities, audit authorities and intermediate bodies, as well as independent auditors dealing with or interested in ESF-funded projects and programmes;
• Universities, NGOs and consulting companies.

What will you be able to do with what you learn?

You will learn in a practical way about the main errors, irregularities and fraud in ESF co-financed projects and about the way how ESF audits should be carried out. You will also learn about the Arachne programme – the amazing tool for combating fraud, and its practical use.