The first instructional training dedicated to Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia “My role in the Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia” was held.

The training was organized in online format in cooperation with the Ministry of European Integration, as the National Coordinator and the Technical Secretariat within the Reform and Growth Facility, the Ministry of Finance – Central Harmonization Unit and the Anti-Fraud Coordination Service Unit in the Handling of EU Financial Resources (AFKOS) and Governmental Audit Office for EU Funds – Audit Authority.

Objective of the training was to present the roles, responsibilities and obligations of the institutions representing management and control system of the Reform and Growth Facility, including the processes of implementation, monitoring, control and reporting, in accordance with relevant national and EU regulations.

The invitation to attend the meeting was sent to all public authorities involved in the implementation of the Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia, at the management and professional level, namely to representatives at the rank of State Secretary, Chief of Staff, Head of the Financial Management and Control System and Internal Auditor. The response from institutions was satisfactory, with the participation of over 100 representatives of public authorities.

The training was also attended by representatives of the State Audit Institution and the Anti-Corruption Agency.

On behalf of the Audit Authority, Milena Milojević, Acting Director, addressed the participants, highlighting the role of the Audit Authority within the Reform and Growth Facility, as defined by the Regulation on the Management of the Facility, with a focus on the defined obligations relating to the protection of the financial interests of the European Union, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1449, the Law on the Facility Agreement and relevant provisions of national legislation, from which the obligation to improve the internal control system arises.

During the presentation, the types of audits specific to the Facility were presented – system audits and audits of steps, as well as the planned dynamics of their implementation. The role of assurance providers within the management and control system, the importance of internal audit, risk management, mechanisms for preventing irregularities, fraud, conflicts of interest and double funding, as well as the importance of effective communication and information exchange between all stakeholders were also highlighted.

The training represents the beginning of continuous cooperation and further activities aimed at the effective implementation of the Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia and strengthening the management and control system.