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European Commission

Control inspections by the European Commission will generally involve the authorising Directorate General DG Regio. Occasionally the Office European de Lutte Antifraude (OLAF) also visit the UK.  The role of Commission auditors is to ensure that Measures supported by Structural Funds are undertaken with proper regard to economy and cost-effectiveness. Their aim is to ensure compliance with the regulations and to help them achieve this aim they carry out systems audits in Member States.
 
Before carrying out visits, the EC notifies the Member State to obtain any assistance necessary. The EC, however, retains the right to carry out inspections without notice in the framework of prior agreement with the Member State.  It is current practice for visits by the EC to be organised by Scottish Executive Development Department’s European Structural Funds Division who will also accompany the EC on their visits and deal with any action arising, including the issue of audit findings and co-ordination of responses.