Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing it on a preliminary audit report by DG EMPL that uncovered serious weaknesses in the management and control systems of training, employment and work reintegration programmes in Greece. The findings, which Arvanitis says were leaked to a Greek news website, point to discriminatory tender criteria, inadequate procurement planning, and overestimated budgets, risking distortions and fraud in public procurement. The audit proposes a financial correction of 25% (approximately €1.95 million) with possible extension to all relevant projects, and warns of systemic violations of transparency, equal treatment and sound financial management.
The question, submitted on 7 April 2026 under Rule 144, follows the preliminary audit report (reference DAC421EL3492) which identified multiple specific failings: illegal tender criteria restricting competition, unclear contract definitions, insufficient assessment of beneficiary capacity, and a disproportionate emphasis on e-learning with limited practical training. Arvanitis asks the Commission whether the report has been published in Greek, whether similar procedures are pending for related projects, and how it intends to improve control systems to detect distortions affecting EU financial interests in a timely manner.
Concrete asks and policy orientation The MEP's question contains two concrete requests: publication of the audit in the national language and information on pending procedures for related projects. The broader policy orientation is towards tightening oversight of EU-funded programmes in Greece, with an emphasis on transparency, equal treatment, and sound financial management. Arvanitis implicitly advocates for stronger Commission intervention to prevent fraud and ensure effective use of EU funds.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it plans to escalate financial corrections, impose stricter monitoring conditions, or launch broader investigations into Greek management authorities. The response will also clarify the Commission's stance on transparency regarding audit findings and its willingness to strengthen control systems across member states. The outcome could have significant implications for Greek beneficiaries and EU taxpayers, as well as for the credibility of EU cohesion policy in the region.
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