TAIEX Multicountry Regional Seminar for Audit Authorities was organized in cooperation with the Audit Authority of Montenegro, on 16–17 October 2025 in Podgorica. The seminar brought together representatives from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey to exchange experiences and best practices in auditing programs financed by EU funds under the IPA II and IPA III frameworks, as well as future audits related to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
The seminar aimed to strengthen the capacities of Audit Authorities (AAs) in candidate countries in preparation for their future responsibilities following EU membership. The event provided a platform for interaction between experts from EU Member States and representatives of Audit Authorities from candidate countries, along with the exchange of best practices.
The seminar gathered leading experts from EU Member States. This event represents a significant step in strengthening robust and effective Audit Authorities in candidate countries, ensuring the legality and regularity of EU budget implementation and preparing them for the challenges of EU membership.
The participants in the seminar were from the European Commission, The Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST): Ms Victoria Gil Casado,(online), Ms Christelle Goulard, Mr Philippe Hollinsky-Cesak, Ms Bojana Milićević Manunta, Mr Joeri Goossens. Other speakers were: Mr Neven Šprlje, Director of the Audit Authority, Croatia, Ms Marina Mandac, Head of Methodology Department, Audit Authority, Croatia, Ms Mirjam Novakovič, Head of Sector, Audit Authority, Slovenia, Ms Olubusola Laiyemo, Head of Audit, Expenditure Management Division, Audit Authority, Ireland.
Over two days, participants covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Planning and organisation of Annual Audit Activity Reports (AAARs)
- Audits of Cross-Border Cooperation programmes
- Lessons learned from AAAR reviews, treatment of errors, and new IPA III requirements
- Reporting of irregularities and use of the Irregularity Management System
- Audit of Facilities and programme closure, including durability assessments
Each session allowed for questions and discussion, encouraging active participation and exchange of experiences between audit professionals.
This seminar represents a significant step in supporting the development of strong, effective Audit Authorities in candidate countries, ensuring legality and regularity in the execution of the EU budget and preparing them for the challenges of EU membership.
