Fight against fraud: working programme 1996

OBJECTIVE: submission by the Commission of a detailed programme of specific anti-fraud activities for 1996, the purpose of which is to clarify further the guidelines contained in the general programme by means of a series of selected activities. SUBSTANCE: the activities are grouped around four main headings which the Commission developed in presenting its anti-fraud strategy in 1994, namely: - stronger presence on the ground and further support for operational activities, concentrating on risk sectors; - stronger partnership between the Commission and the Member States, development of information networks and better use of intelligence; - improvement of Community legislation in the various areas of activity; - securing greater compatibility between the legislations of the Member States. A number of guidelines require further information to be obtained so as to enable the Commission to carry out a more detailed study (for example, prevention, the question of out-of-court settlements, results following inspections and follow-up action in fraud cases, etc.). In this context the Commission is directing its work towards clarifying further the mechanisms likely to ensure an equivalent level of protection of financial interest throughout the Community. The impact of this work on anti-fraud policy will be measurable after 1996. �