Within the framework of the Twinning Light Project “Enhancement and Strengthening of the Administrative Capacities of the Audit Authority for the Audit of the IPARD III Programme and Preparation for Future Certification Work under the EAGF and EAFRD”, representatives of the Audit Authority of Montenegro participated in a study visit to Austria from 19 to 25 April 2026, with a view to acquiring practical knowledge and experience in auditing the IPARD programme, as well as preparing for the accreditation of new measures within this important instrument supporting agriculture and rural development.
During the visit, the focus was placed on topics of particular importance for the work of the Audit Authority, such as the application of the IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System), which must be established prior to accession to the European Union, and experience related to the accreditation of the Paying Agency, which had been subject to initial system and certification audits in accordance with EU rules for the accreditation of Common Agricultural Policy fund management. Special emphasis was also placed on the application of international agricultural standards, namely SMR (Statutory Management Requirements) and GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions), which Montenegro will also be required to apply upon accession to the EU. In addition to comprehensive training sessions held at the offices of the Austrian Certification Body, representatives of the Audit Authority also had the opportunity to attend an on-site control during which land area measurement using a specialized GPS device was demonstrated.
Furthermore, one auditor had the opportunity to participate in an internship programme within the framework of the aforementioned project from 12 to 25 April, during which, in addition to training in the above-mentioned areas, she also had the opportunity to attend daily audit activities, as well as technical meetings with auditors from DG AGRI, an internal meeting between the Competent Authority, the Head of the Certification Body and CB auditors, meetings with representatives of the Legal Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, the Managing Authority and the Paying Agency, as well as a meeting of the Expert Group for the Implementation of the CAP Strategic Plans Regulation (GREXE).
