Brief comments on the recovery of unused EU structural funds

Protection of EU financial interests is an important element of the Commission's political agenda in order to strengthen and enhance public confidence and to ensure proper use of taxpayers' money. The Lisbon Treaty has significantly strengthened the tools available that allow action to be taken in this regard (Articles 85, 86 and 325 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - TFEU). Articles 310 (6) and 325 TFEU oblige both the EU and its Member States to combat all forms of illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the EU. It features a comprehensive set of tools to prevent and detect misuse of the EU budget.