Latvia: Successful Latvian-Ukrainian Cooperation Project to Strengthen the Protection of EU Financial Interests is concluded

From October 28th to November 1st, the European Union (EU) Funds Audit Department of the Ministry of Finance of Latvia as Anti-Fraud Coordination Service (AFCOS) hosted colleagues from the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) and the State Audit Service of Ukraine (SAS) in Riga to conclude a successful cooperation project aimed at strengthening Ukraine's ability to protect the European Union's financial interests.

Over two years, the project involved 7 on-site visits to Riga, during which representatives of ESBU and SAS familiarized themselves with Latvia's experience in protection of EU financial interests and combating fraud. Additionally, 3 remote seminars were organized to ensure broader participant engagement.

On Thursday, October 31st, a closing conference was held, where the Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of various Latvian institutions, including AFCOS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, the Rural Support Service, the Competition Council, the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau. The main objective of the conference was to summarize the experience gained and strengthen the established cooperation links in the field of inter-institutional cooperation.

AFCOS Latvia is pleased that during this project, we have been able to establish such close and trusted cooperation ties with our Ukrainian colleagues. Together, we have not only exchanged best practices but also worked specifically on improving Ukraine's regulatory framework. Our Ukrainian partners have implemented several significant amendments that strengthen the state's ability to fight corruption and protect EU financial interests. It should also be emphasized that Ukraine established AFCOS during the project, which is a significant step forward in the fight against financial crime. This project is clear evidence that by working together, we can achieve much more.

ESBU as the main benefits of the project highlights the opportunity to meet and establish contacts with the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor's Office. The institutions have agreed on future cooperation in the field of investigations. In the near future, the ESBU could become the main EPPO partner in Ukraine, carrying out operational investigations of EU funds.

Concluding this project, participants are confident of its significance in strengthening cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine. The experience gained and the contacts established will promote further cooperation in various areas, specializing in the protection of the EU financial interests and the fight against fraud and corruption.

The project "Support to strengthen the capacity of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the field of protection of financial interests of the European Union" received funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in 2023 from the development cooperation budget.