Cooperation between the SAIs of the European Union

Cooperation between the EU SAIs principally takes place within the framework of the EU Contact Committee structure. This structure consists of the Contact Committee composed of the Heads of the SAIs (which includes the President of the ECA), the Committee of Liaison Officers, its task force and working groups on specific audit topics.

The cooperation takes due account of the independence and constitutional mandate of each institution. It promotes cooperation and implements practical joint initiatives designed to develop methodologies and strengthen the operational effectiveness of the organisations involved.

In addition to facilitating the exchange of information between the SAIs and the ECA, the structure has made it possible to achieve considerable progress with effective cooperation between the various institutions which audit the management of Community funds.

The Heads of the SAIs meet once a year to discuss further improvement of cooperation. Their meetings are prepared by the Liaison Officers, who themselves usually meet twice a year and are assisted by its Cooperation Task Force.

The Liaison Officers' tasks also include coordination of the planning of the ECA audits in the Member States, coordination of the Working Groups' activities on specific audit topics and the regular exchange of general information.