The International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of combating corruption, fraud and other serious irregularities as major threats to economic, social and human development. The European Investment Bank (EIB) as the EU bank and the biggest multilateral financial institution works hard to ensure that its projects and activities are free from fraud and corruption. Therefore, on this special day, the EIB reasserts its commitment to integrity, accountability and zero tolerance towards prohibited conduct.
The EIB has the statutory duty to ensure that its financial resources are used as rationally as possible in the interests of the European Union. To carry out this mission, the EIB emphasises the importance of building awareness, enhancing communication and fostering a speak-up culture. The EIB also relies on the Inspectorate General’s Investigations Division (IG/IN) to effectively investigate allegations of Prohibited Conduct involving EIB Group-financed activities and/or members of governing bodies or staff.
At the same time, the EIB has long acknowledged the relevance of international cooperation in addressing common challenges posed by fraud and corruption. As such, the EIB through its Inspectorate General cooperates with, and provides relevant assistance to national authorities, international organisations, international financing institutions and agencies in the context of exchanging information and collaborating on investigation cases. Amongst those organisations, it is relevant to highlight the close collaboration with the European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Watch this video released jointly with the EPPO to learn more about our efforts to fight against corruption and fraud.