Slovakia is the largest fraudster in the EU
Slovakia should get the highest fine of all EU members for customs fraud in 2013-17 and the second-highest fine for frauds related to drawing of EU funds (only Hungary is worse off), recommended the EU’s anti-fraud authority OLAF. The financial recommendation comes to 50.3% of the sum Slovakia collected in tariffs and agricultural levies. The EU’s average was just 2.6%, and the second worst offender, the UK, will be fined just 11.7%. OLAF also recommends that the EU claim back 2% of all EU funds Slovakia was allocated. Here, the worst offender is Hungary with 3.9%. Most countries should only pay back hundredths of a per cent. This reflects the high level of corruption, and the poor quality of public administration in Slovakia. It is unlikely the EU will pay heed to OLAF’s recommendations and collect the fines, as this would be too sensitive.
