Exploring EU Audit and Transparency Practices

My name is Rodrigo Fontenelle de Araujo Miranda, and I am currently the Comptroller-General of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Participating in the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) in February 2024 was a truly enriching experience that exceeded my expectations. I was initially drawn to the Programme by the opportunity to connect with people from around the world and to gain a deeper understanding of the European Union's organisation and functioning.

During my week in Brussels, I had the privilege of visiting institutions related to my professional interests in internal audit, internal control, and anti-corruption. The government body which I lead is responsible for defending public assets and for increasing transparency, through audit, internal affairs, and preventing and fighting corruption. It was fascinating to observe firsthand how the EU approaches these critical areas. I met particularly outstanding European Commission officials (civil servants) from the Internal Audit Service, the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Additionally, I had the interesting opportunity to attend a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control and to meet a Member (MEP).

During my meetings, I expanded my knowledge of the administrative organisation of the EU and gained greater insight into its challenges and successes implementing internal and external controls. I particularly improved my understanding of the mechanisms which the EU uses to detect, measure, prevent and punish corruption. I was also able to impart knowledge to my interlocutors about how Brazil approaches challenges which the country shares with the EU, such as climate change. It was interesting to exchange perceptions and best practices with EU colleagues, and I also had the opportunity to discuss future collaboration. There is potential for joint solutions to common problems. 

It was reassuring to see that many of the initiatives we are implementing in Brazil are aligned with international best practices. The knowledge and experience I gained during the EUVP will undoubtedly be invaluable in my work as an auditor and Comptroller General. I see excellent opportunities for cooperation between the European Union and the State of Minas Gerais, given that we have a larger dimension, even larger than many EU countries. We have also made significant advances in transparency, integrity, and combating corruption, which are also important topics for the European Union.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the EUVP organisers.