Concluding reflections: towards a new strategy for anti‐fraud cooperation

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the prevalence of fraud in the EU, the weaknesses of the current system in combating it, and to suggest recommendations for a more effective effort in this respect.Design/methodology/approachThe recent (post‐won) history of European fraud is chronicled and the observations of authors in this issue (JFC, Vol. 17 No. 1) are noted.FindingsEU fraud has so far received low priority in the law enforcement's hierarchy of prosecutable offences. However, it is possible, even of this late juncture, to co‐ordinate efforts effectively to pursue, detect, try, convict and punish offenders.Originality/valueThe paper, at last, makes concrete suggestions for combating EU fraud – a move long‐awaited and sorely needed.