Forum in Warsaw: Supreme Audit Institutions Have a Crucial Role in EU Defence, Economic and Energy Security, and Cybersecurity

Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) play a vital role in maintaining and strengthening national and European security. Through comprehensive audit activities across all sectors involving public funds and state property, they help ensure that public institutions function effectively, efficiently, and within the scope of their legal competences. This includes critical areas such as defence, the economy, energy, and cybersecurity.

In the context of a rapidly evolving environment within the European Union - marked by increasing threats and unprecedented developments - the importance of public trust in control bodies is more significant than ever. Supreme Audit Institutions, whose mission is to contribute to the improved functioning of the state, are central to building this trust.

These themes were at the heart of the high-level conference “The Security of EU Countries from the Perspective of Supreme Audit Institutions,” hosted by the Supreme Audit Institution of the Republic of Poland. The event took place on 3 June in Warsaw and was held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Bulgarian National Audit Office was represented by its Vice-President, Ms. Silvia Kadreva. The forum gathered over 100 delegates from 30 countries, including high-ranking officials from INTERPOL, the OECD, INTOSAI, IBAN, and the heads of SAIs from most EU member states.

Participants discussed how audit institutions can enhance their contribution in times of serious geopolitical challenges. The discussions emphasised that ensuring national and EU-wide security is a shared responsibility - one that requires strategic cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and mutual support between institutions.

The conference concluded with a unified message: only through dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing can we effectively respond to current and future threats, strengthen our defences, and develop sustainable solutions to safeguard the security and stability of EU countries.