Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the way public authorities manage, control and audit EU funds. As digital technologies become increasingly important in detecting fraud, identifying risks and improving oversight, EIPA is launching a new practical course, AI and Data Mining Tools in the Audit of EU Funds Work: Part I, taking place in Lisbon on 23–25 September 2026 (the second part is planned from 9 to 11 December 2026).
Designed for professionals responsible for the management, control and audit of EU-funded programmes, the course brings together leading experts from the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and Member States to share their practical experience of how AI and data mining tools already used can strengthen the protection of the EU’s financial interests and help in our daily work.
The growing complexity of EU funding programmes, including Cohesion Policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and the Recovery Funds, requires increasingly sophisticated approaches to fraud detection, risk assessment management and audit. Traditional verification methods are no longer sufficient when authorities must analyse vast amounts of data, identify anomalies and detect potential fraud and irregularities quickly and effectively. At the same time, the European regulatory landscape continues to evolve. The entry into force of the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) establishes a new framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, while EU institutions are expanding the use of digital tools to support fraud prevention, risk assessment and audit activities. These developments are creating new opportunities, and new responsibilities, for public administrations across Europe.
Throughout the course, participants will explore the latest developments, tools and practical applications, including:
- the legal framework governing the use of AI in public administration and its implementation challenges
- the use of ARACHNE+ and other European Commission tools for fraud prevention and risk-based controls
- AI and data mining approaches applied by DG REGIO, OLAF, EPPO and the ECA
- national practices for detecting conflicts of interest, double funding, irregularities and fraud
- emerging trends and future developments in the use of AI for the management, control and audit of EU funds
Iwona Karwot, Senior Expert and Project Leader at EIPA, explains:
Artificial intelligence and data mining tools are rapidly becoming essential tools for officials responsible for managing, controlling and auditing EU funds. This course provides participants with practical insight into how different these technologies are already being applied across Europe,to improve management, audit and fraud detection,while also addressing the legal, ethical and operational challenges that accompany their use.
As AI continues to transform public sector oversight, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from practitioners at the forefront of protecting the EU budget and to exchange experiences with peers from across Europe.
Interested in learning how AI can support a more effective, data-driven and risk-based approach to auditing EU funds?
