Key facts
- EU auditors found the European Commission's oversight of a €527 million Balkans transport fund to be weak.
- The Commission lacked effective tools to monitor progress.
- Oversight relied heavily on international lenders.
- Funds were disbursed beyond the actual work completed.
European Union auditors have criticized the European Commission's oversight of a €527 million transport fund dedicated to the Balkans. According to the auditors' report, the Commission did not possess effective tools to monitor the progress of projects within the transport sector. Instead, it relied on international lenders to oversee the advancements made. This reliance and lack of direct oversight led to the release of funds that exceeded the actual level of work completed on the ground. The findings highlight potential inefficiencies and risks in the management of EU external funding for infrastructure development in the region.