Fight Against Fraud in the EU Funds : Evolution of System for Protection of EU Budget – Part I

European funds, due to their significant volume, enable harmonious development, implementation of important reforms and reduction of economic disparities between Member States. In the new finan cial perspective 2021–2027, Poland will remain the largest beneficiary of the cohesion policy as it will receive over EUR 75 billion (at current prices), which means that every fifth euro will reach Poland1 . Besides cohesion policy funds, Poland will also receive support under, among others, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (EUR 23.9 billion in grants and EUR 34.2 billion in loans), to be spent by the end of 20262 . The Facility is aimed at mitigating direct economic and social damage resul ting from the coronavirus pandemic. Such a large amount of the allo cation creates tremendous opportunities and can leverage the economy and bring social benefits. It is, however, indispensable to program these funds in an appropriate manner, firstly – so that the set development goals can be met, and secondly – so that they will be spent in an effi cient manner, in full compliance with the law, and – most importantly – free from fraud. Every fraud related to implementation of EU pro jects affects negatively implementation of set goals, and may also da mage reputation of the cohesion policy as such, which in consequence can result in reducing European support in the area in the future.