The European Anti-fraud Office (commonly known as OLAF, from French: Office de Lutte Anti-Fraude) is charged by the European Union with protecting the financial interests of the European Union: Its tasks are to fight fraud affecting the EU budget, as well as corruption and any other irregular activity, including misconduct, within the institutions of the European Union, in an accountable, transparent and cost-effective manner.
The Anti-fraud Office achieves its mission by conducting, in full independence, internal and external investigations. It also organises close and regular co-operation between the competent authorities of the Member States in order to co-ordinate their activities. OLAF supplies Member States with the necessary support and technical know-how to help them in their anti-fraud activities. It contributes to the design of the anti-fraud strategy of the European Union and takes the necessary initiatives to strengthen the relevant legislation.
It is an administrative investigative body. It has no judicial or disciplinary powers and it cannot oblige national prosecutors to act.
Read more about European Anti-fraud Office: Structure, History, Quotes
Famous quotes containing the words european and/or office:
“Is thy home European or Asian,
O mystical monster marine?”
—Arthur Clement Hilton (1851–1877)
“Notwithstanding the unaccountable apathy with which of late years the Indians have been sometimes abandoned to their enemies, it is not to be doubted that it is the good pleasure and the understanding of all humane persons in the Republic, of the men and the matrons sitting in the thriving independent families all over the land, that they shall be duly cared for; that they shall taste justice and love from all to whom we have delegated the office of dealing with them.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)