Module on the Protection of the EU's Financial Interests against Fraud

ended

"Annually large sums are lost due to fraud and irregularity against the EU, and these losses are actually borne by all taxpayers of Europe, consisting also a strike at the roots of democratic EU societies. In order to develop an effective antifraud strategy, the employment of a relevant enforcement mechanism does not seem to be enough. Combating fraud requires a profound understanding of the relevant behaviour and mentality, in order to prevent or detect it. The most efficient tool to pursue such an endeavour is education. This is the main objective of the proposed Module. More specifically, the Module has an integrated structure entailing a) the teaching of an entire undergraduate academic course titled ""Protection of EU financial interests - Combating Fraud"" which will be included in the formal curriculum of the Dept of International and European Studies/University of Macedonia (39 teaching hours/year), b) the teaching of specific course units focusing on combating fraud in the EU in 2 undergraduate and 2 postgraduate courses (each unit with a 6 teaching hours duration/year, ie 24 teaching hours/year) and c) a specialised training activity (2 seasonal seminars) which will examine specific aspects of combating fraud in the EU, addressed mainly, but not exclusively, to professionals as well as the general public (12 teaching hours/year). All activities will have a multidisciplinary approach (law, economics, politics, accounting), thus providing an innovative educational element to the Module. Therefore the Module will benefit from the academic expertise of the Jean Monnet Chair on EU Budgetary Governance and Audit hosted at the University of Macedonia (2017-2020), as well as the involvement of experienced professionals from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). This will allow the Module's audience (students, professionals, the general public) to comprehend the antifraud action and reinforce their confidence in the European integration process."