WP 4 deals with the protection of the European Union’s financial interests (PIF), with a focus on the fight against fraud affecting the Union budget. A testament to the importance of such a field for EU law enforcement is the recent establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will be entrusted with the investigation and prosecution of fraud and other PIF crimes, and which is thus the first EU body exercising direct powers vis-à-vis the individuals in the field of criminal law. As the EU and the Member States share competences and responsibilities in the PIF domain, this WP delves into the interplay between the national, supranational, and transnational dimensions of the PIF sector. It aims to single out gaps and problems that should be addressed to strengthen the enforcement of EU rules and, more broadly, the rule of law. A strong protection of the EU budget is ultimately necessary to boost the confidence of citizens in the EU.

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