9th EU Mentoring Group: Austrian experiences on the accreditation process of the Paying Agency
As a well-established and valued platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing on EU-relevant topics, the 9th EU Mentoring Group focused on the accreditation process of the Paying Agency. Special attention was drawn on the perspective of the national auditing process for accreditation.
The Mentoring Group benefited from the valuable expertise of Ms. Alexandra Finz, Head of Department for EU Financial Control and Internal Auditing of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria. The expert shared her practical experience, offering participants a clear understanding on the legislative requirements from the EU, and how EU Member States ensure transparency and fraud prevention in managing EU funds for agriculture. Drawing from Austria’s long-standing experiences, the participants of the Mentoring Group benefited particularly on the audit practices of the Paying Agency AgrarMarkt Austria. The presentation highlighted effective approaches to establishing competent authorities, meeting accreditation criteria, and maintaining robust administrative and control systems in line with EU Regulations.
Discussions emphasized that a well-functioning accreditation system is essential for safeguarding EU financial interests, ensuring compliant payments, and supporting a strong and transparent agricultural policy framework. Participants reflected on the challenges of implementing these mechanisms in Moldova as it advances toward EU integration, exploring how EU best practices can be adapted to national structures and administrative realities.
