WORKING WITH DG ECHO AS AN NGO PARTNER | 2021 - 2027
FRAUD AND IRREGULARITIES
DG ECHO anti-fraud strategy outlines DG ECHO's approach to prevention, detection and correction of fraud and irregularities. DG ECHO is enforcing anti-fraud measures by its Partners and the pro-active exchange of information on the matter, in particular in cases of detected fraud and irregularities, including on follow-up measures undertaken.
Cooperation with Partners is a key success factor for the anti-fraud strategy to be effective and thus in containing the financial and reputational risks at stake towards DG ECHO or the Partners.
If the Partners wish to get more information on how to prevent fraud in humanitarian actions, they can make reference to the Handbook for humanitarian operations which contains a useful menu of good practice tools for preventing and detecting corruption in humanitarian operations (this is not an official document from DG ECHO).
REPORTING FRAUD AND IREEGULARITIES
Any person or institution which is victim or witness of mismanagement or fraud can contact ECHO-REPORTFRAUD@ec.europa.eu. For such reporting, is available on this website the Fraud Allegation Reporting Form to be used. The information provided will be handled in full confidentiality in order to protect the rights of those involved. DG ECHO handles personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.
CONSEQUENCES OF FRAUD AND IRREGULARITIES
Partners who have committed fraud and irregularities (including if committed by their Implementing Partners) can be subject to provisions listed in Chapter 5 of the Agreement, namely: grant reduction (art. 28), payment suspension (art. 30), grant suspension (art. 31.2), grant or co-Partner termination (art. 32.2).
In all these cases, DG ECHO will formally notify the Partner on its intention to adopt one of these measures, requesting the submission of observations within 30 calendar days from notification. If the Partner fails to submit observations or if DG ECHO, despite the observations received, confirms its intentions, a confirmation letter will be sent to the Partner. If the observations are accepted, DG ECHO will formally notify that the procedure is discontinued.
