Special Report No 21/2016: EU pre-accession assistance for strengthening administrative capacity in the Western Balkans: A meta-audit

Summary:

The EU Western Balkan enlargement policy has dealt with six European countries which have historically been affected by serious ethnic, political and economic conflicts and aspire to join the EU.

The Court assessed whether the Commission’s management of the IPA in the Western Balkans in the key areas of rule of law and public administration was effective and whether it actually did strengthen administrative capacity in the region. In addition, the Court examined the achievements of the EU–Western Balkan political dialogue in strengthening administrative capacity.

EurActiv, 13.09.16: Romania and Bulgaria were not ready for accession, EU auditors confess http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/auditors-romania-and-bulgaria-were-not-ready-for-accession/

ECA: Special Report No 21/2016: EU pre-accession assistance for strengthening administrative capacity in the Western Balkans: A meta-audit [PDF] http://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR16_21/SR_WESTERN-BALKANS_EN.pdf

ECA: News, 13.09.16: EU support for Western Balkans hampered by shortcomings in national authorities http://www.eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/NewsItem.aspx?nid=7286

Politico, 13.09.16: Court of Auditors: EU payments to Balkans could be reduced http://www.politico.eu/article/court-of-auditors-eu-payments-to-balkans-could-be-reduced-allocation-misspending-rule-of-law-projects/

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