EU BUDGET: OLAF AND EUROPOL JOIN FORCES IN FIGHT AGAINST FRAUD.

• Position: Brief Article

Future co-operation will focus on developing the exchange of technical and strategic information, as well as threat assessment and risk analysis within areas of common interest (excluding the exchange of personal data). In this respect, the two offices have distinct roles to play. OLAF provides Member States with assistance from the Commission in organising close and regular co-operation between their competent authorities. This is in order to co-ordinate their activities for the protection of Community financial interests against fraud. The Office also contributes to the design and development of methods of fighting fraud and any other illegal activity affecting the EU's financial interests.

In addition, the Treaty of the European Union mentions Europol as an important instrument in the EU's efforts to prevent and fight organised crime (Articles 29 and 30). Europol aims to improve the effectiveness and the co-operation between competent authorities of the...