Selected Issues on the Protection of the European Union’s Financial Interests

Abstract

This study deals with selected issues regarding the protection of the financial interests of the European Union. The protection of the EU financial interest is the responsibility of both Polish and EU institutions. There is no doubt that the coordination of activities of national and EU institutions can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the protection of EU financial interests. The study presents Polish and EU institutions. The Author focuses predominantly on the actions taken by the Commission, in particular, its specialized body – the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The activity of law-making, coordination of activities undertaken by member states and activities undertaken jointly by the Commission and the Member States are indicated. The effects of the actions taken have been presented based on available reports. It presents Polish and EU institutions’ involvement in combating fraud to the detriment of the Union. Actions taken by the EU institutions and OLAF have been broadly explored, given their particular role. On the basis of the available reports, the Author has responded to the question whether the institutions’ current system of protecting the financial interest of the Union is sufficient and whether the actions taken by the institutions set up to counter fraud to the detriment of the Union’s financial interests are effective and efficient.