Cross-Border Cooperation Serbia - North Macedonia, funded by the European Union

IRREGULARITIES

SECTION 10 · PIM

Suspected fraud or irregularities can be reported by anyone, at any time — including anonymously. Programme bodies must act promptly on every signal received.

Two terms worth knowing

Not every signal turns out to be a confirmed irregularity — but every signal must be reported and assessed.

VS
Confirmed infringement

Irregularity

Any infringement of applicable rules and contracts, by act or omission, that has or would have the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the Union through an unjustified item of expenditure.

  • Committed by an economic operator during management, implementation, or after implementation.
  • Covered by record-keeping obligations under the General Conditions.
  • Confirmed through a NAO Decision, or identified as an unduly paid amount.
Not yet confirmed

Irregularity signal

Information about a discrepancy, inconsistency or possible infringement — received before any Preliminary Administrative Case Assessment (PACA) exists.

  • Indicates an irregularity might have occurred — still needs verification.
  • Can come orally, in writing, or anonymously.
  • May originate from the public, media, or staff outside the IPA management system.

How a signal is handled

Step 1

Anyone can signal it

Any IPA body may receive information on irregularity signals from any source — including the general public or media, even anonymously.

Step 2

Forwarded without delay

The IPA body that receives the signal forwards it promptly to the Contracting Authority, following established procedures.

Step 3

Assessed & confirmed

The signal is assessed (PACA); if confirmed by a NAO Decision or identified as unduly paid, it becomes a formal irregularity.

Where to report

Suspicion of irregularity or fraud, during or after implementation, can be reported directly — including anonymously.

CA/IBFM — Serbia

irr@mfin.gov.rs
cfcu.nepravilnosti@mfin.gov.rs
prijava.nepravilnosti@mfin.gov.rs

Control Body — North Macedonia

aleksandarandovski@yahoo.com
gazmend.dalipi@mls.gov.mk

National & EU anti-fraud bodies

AFCOS Serbia: afcos.serbia@mfin.gov.rs
OLAF: olaf-courrier@ec.europa.eu

Whistleblowers are protected

Those reporting in good faith are protected against retaliation; their identity and personal data are safeguarded by law.

What happens to the money

Confirmed during implementation

Deducted from the next payment

The irregular, non-eligible amount is deducted from the Coordinator's next payment request.

Confirmed after the final payment

Recovered from the Grant beneficiary

The irregular amount is recovered directly from the Grant beneficiary, following Article 18 of the General Conditions.