Conference of the National Transparency Authority: “Internal Audit in Public Administration: Institutional Framework – Implementation – Future Prospects”

The conference organized by the National Transparency Authority (NTA) titled “Internal Audit in Public Administration: Institutional Framework – Implementation – Future Prospects” was successfully held on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at the National Gallery. More than 570 participants attended the event, both in person and online.

The purpose of the conference was to present the Report prepared by the NTA, titled 'Report on the Implementation of Part A of Law 4795/2021 on the Internal Audit System in Public Sector Entities', in which the NTA acts as the competent body providing expertise and evaluating the system and internal audit units.

The Report includes 11 findings and 25 recommendations addressed to the competent bodies. Five of these recommendations concern legislative regulations aimed at improving the internal audit system in public sector entities, with the aim of strengthening accountability mechanisms and transparency in public administration.

Heads of Internal Audit Units from the Ministry of the Interior, the Region of Crete, the University of Patras, the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR/AADE) also participated, presenting their projects, as well as the progress and challenges they have faced during their operations.

The added value of internal audit for these entities was evident from the case studies mentioned:

a) The Region of Crete increased its revenue through the universal implementation of a unique RF payment code.

b) The University of Patras implemented a digital student registry aiming at the interoperability of digital applications for student catering and housing

c) The National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (EKDDA) Grading Centres enhanced the transparency and reliability of the naturalization examination process.

d) The Thessaloniki Municipality developed an information system to improve the operations of its sanitation department, enable better route planning, and ensure more effective vehicle maintenance.

e) The IAPR/AADE redesigned its information system regarding customs procedures and improved the relevant institutional framework.

The event was addressed by the Minister of the Interior, Mr Theodoros Livanios; the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr Georgios Kotsiras; the Vice President of the Court of Auditors, Mr Konstantinos Kostopoulos; and the Vice President of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Mr Makis Solomon.

During the first session of the conference, the Regional Governor of Attica, Mr Nikos Hardalias; the Vice President of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE)  & Mayor of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Mr Grigoris Konstantellos; the Rector of the Ionian University, Mr Andreas Floros; and the President of the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), Mr Konstantinos Masselos, participated in a discussion. Mr Masselos delivered an optimistic message regarding the added value of internal audit within their respective organisations.

Representatives of the European Commission and the OECD also made significant contributions: Mr Angelos Binis and Ms Nejla Saula, respectively. According to the data presented by Ms Saula regarding the OECD Public Integrity Indicators, Greece ranks among the top countries, meeting 92% of the criteria related to the regulatory effectiveness of the internal audit system and risk management — a percentage that far exceeds the OECD average.

The report, -prepared by the NTA's General Directorate for Integrity and Accountability, through the Directorate of Accountability Policies and Standards, which is responsible for internal audit, -was introduced by the Deputy Governor Alexandra Rogakou.

This initiative was implemented as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 'Greece 2.0', funded by the European Union's NextGeneration EU.