Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2024

Tabled by Carla Tavares

25. Emphasises that Removed: independent Added: free, independent and pluralistic media and investigative journalism Removed: could play a role Added: are indispensable in the fight against fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and other forms of misuse of public Removed: funds; Added: funds as they enable citizens and institutions to hold those in power to account; emphasises the crucial role played by a strong and unhindered civil society, including grassroots movements and community organisations, trade unions, activist groups, human rights defenders and non-governmental organisations, and by independent authorities and ombudspersons, in ensuring the accountability of both state and private actors through their watchdog role;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE783.022v01-00