Conflicts of interest
Conflict of interest (CoI) can be defined as a situation where the impartial and objective exercise of the functions is compromised for reasons involving family, emotional life, political or national affinity, economic interest or any other direct or indirect personal interest.
Who is concerned?
Financial actors and other persons, including national authorities at any level, involved in budget implementation under direct, indirect and shared management, and the proximity with decision making process, particularly relevant during project selection processes, including acts preparatory thereto, audit and control. Failing to address conflict of interest situations can lead to irregularities and corrective measures (financial corrections, recoveries, penalties).
Why avoiding conflicts of interest?
- Protect sound financial management of EU Funds
- Ensure impartiality of persons involved in the implementation of EU Funds
- Preserve public trust in public administration at the national and EU level
Where to start
Obligations and responsibilities are covered by:
Financial Regulation (EU) 2018/1046, Article 61
Directive 2014/24 on Public Procurement (PP), Article 24
Interreg Regulation (EU) 2021/1059, Article 25.3(b) – the selection of small projects, Article 28.2 – Monitoring Committee and its Rules of Procedure, Article 58.1 (b) – Procurements in partner countries under IPA III or NDICI.
The recommendations for measures that could be put in place to avoid and manage conflict of interest situations including practical examples are provided in the
Guidance on the avoidance and management of Conflict of Interest (CoI) (2021/C 121/01).
What we are working on
A session at the Interreg Knowledge Fair 2024 will explore this topic further can also provide additional insight.