Event Details

• Location: Rome, Italy
• ️ Dates: March 25-26-27, 2026 (3 intensive days)
• Format: Professional workshops with role-play and hands-on training
• Certification: ETCP Certificate of Qualification upon completion

DAY 1: Foundations and Risk-Based Approaches

Session 1: Definitions and Historical Analysis (09:00-12:30 | 3h30)

Module 1.1: Setting the Framework (09:00-10:30 | 90 min)

Content (60 min):

• Welcome and interactive expectations mapping (20 min)
• Legislative framework overview: Financial Regulation (EU) 2018/1046, CPR essentials (35 min)
• Key definitions (20 min):
  • Irregularities vs. fraud vs. administrative errors
  • Real costs vs. SCOs
  • Conflict of interest: legal vs. perceived
  • Materiality thresholds and significance levels
• Q&A (15 min)

Coffee Break (10:30-10:45 | 15 min)

Module 1.2: Learning from the Past (10:45-12:30 | 1h45)

Content (30 min):

• Statistical overview: OLAF reports 2020-2024 (10 min)
• Top 10 irregularities in EU fund management with key examples (20 min):
  1. Public procurement non-compliance
  2. Ineligible expenditure
  3. Double funding
  4. Conflicts of interest
  5. Inadequate documentation
  6. State aid violations
  7. SCO miscalculations
  8. Publicity requirements
  9. Revenue underreporting
  10. Personnel cost irregularities

Case Study 1.2: The Cascade Effect (75 min)

• EU funds project: error leading to correction (10 min presentation with detailed walkthrough)
• Group exercise: identify where controls failed at each management level (30 min)
• Group presentations (20 min)
• Timeline reconstruction, lessons learned, and expert synthesis (15 min)

Lunch Break (12:30-14:00 | 90 min)

Session 2: Risk Management and Sampling Strategy (14:00-17:00 | 3h)

Module 2.1: Risk-Based Management Systems (14:00-15:15 | 75 min)

Content (35 min):

• Risk assessment methodology: identification, analysis, evaluation, treatment (15 min)
• Building a risk matrix: likelihood vs. impact, inherent vs. residual risk (12 min)
• Red flags library across different cost categories (8 min)

Interactive Workshop: Building Your Risk Matrix (40 min)

• Facilitator demonstrates with one example (5 min)
• Participants develop risk scoring using provided datasets (25 min)
• Group presentations of top 5 risks identified (10 min)

Coffee Break (15:15-15:30 | 15 min)

Module 2.2: Sampling Strategies that Work (15:30-16:25 | 55 min)

Content (40 min):

• Regulatory requirements: Article 74 CPR, Annex XI audit methodology (12 min)
• Statistical sampling: random, stratified, cluster sampling (10 min)
• Judgmental/risk-based sampling: when and how to apply (8 min)
• Sample size determination and error extrapolation (8 min)
• Documentation requirements for audit trail (2 min)

Case Study 2.1: The Sampling Dilemma (15 min)

• Programme with 350 operations, limited resources (3 min scenario)
• Groups design sampling strategy (8 min)
• Quick comparison of approaches and expert feedback (4 min)

Module 2.3: Practical Exercise – Risk and Sampling Integration (16:25-17:00 | 35 min)

Combined Exercise:

• Participants receive a realistic programme portfolio (5 min)
• Apply risk matrix AND design sampling plan (20 min)
• Justify their integrated approach (8 min)
• Key takeaways (2 min)

Day 1 Closing (17:00)

• Summary of key learning points
• Preview of Day 2: specific focus areas and technology demonstration

DAY 2: Deep Dives into Critical Areas

Total: 5h40 (09:00-17:00)

Session 3: Conflict of Interest – Detection and Management (09:00-12:30 | 3h30)

Module 3.1: Legal Framework and Typology (09:00-10:30 | 90 min)

Content (50 min):

• Article 61 Financial Regulation: definition and scope (15 min)
• OLAF guidance and CJEU case law (15 min)
• Types of conflicts with practical examples (20 min):

Case Study 3.1: The Hidden Connection (40 min)

• Infrastructure project with undisclosed conflict – detailed scenario (5 min)
• Group analysis worksheet: timeline, responsibilities, consequences (20 min)
• Group presentations (10 min)
• Expert feedback and legal implications (5 min)

Coffee Break (10:30-10:45 | 15 min)

Module 3.2: Detection Methods and Tools (10:45-12:00 | 75 min)

Content (30 min):

• Declaration forms: design and verification (10 min)
• OSINT techniques: company registers, networks, media (15 min)
• Red flags checklist (5 min)

Interactive Workshop: Digital Detective Work (45 min)

• Facilitator demonstrates OSINT on sample case (10 min)
• Hands-on exercise using public databases with fictional cases (25 min)
• Findings sharing and discussion on limits (10 min)

Module 3.3: Management and Remediation (12:00-12:30 | 30 min)

Content:

• Immediate actions when conflict identified (10 min)
• Mitigation measures vs. financial corrections (10 min)
• Preventive measures and organizational culture (8 min)
• Q&A (2 min)

Lunch Break (12:30-14:00 | 90 min)

Session 4: Technology for Risk Management and CoI Detection (14:00-15:30 | 90 min)

AI/Web Solution Demonstration – Modular Risk Detection Platform

Introduction and Context (5 min)

• How technology transforms risk management and conflict detection
• Overview of modular platform architecture

MODULE 1: Automated Risk Scoring Engine (25 min)

• Live demonstration: Import operation data from sample programme (3 min)
• Functionality showcase:
  • Configurable risk indicators (financial, operational, beneficiary-specific)
  • Automatic scoring and ranking
  • Visual dashboard: heat maps, risk distribution charts
  • Filtering by risk level, operation type, beneficiary
  • Drill-down to individual operation details (10 min)
• Q&A on risk module (2 min)

MODULE 2: Conflict of Interest Detection System (30 min)

• Live demonstration: Cross-referencing database
  • Upload beneficiary list, project partners, evaluation committee members
  • System cross-references against:
    • Company registers (beneficial owners)
    • Family relationship databases (where available)
    • Professional networks
    • Previous project participation
• Network Visualization:
  • Interactive graph showing connections between entities
  • Color-coding for risk levels
  • Click-through to relationship details
  • Timeline view of relationships
• Alert System demonstration:
  • Real-time alerts for potential conflicts
  • Risk scoring for each detected connection
  • Documentation generation for follow-up
• Q&A on CoI module

MODULE 3: Financial Anomaly Detection (25 min)

• Live demonstration: Analyze cost data
• Functionality showcase:
  • Statistical analysis of cost patterns across similar operations
  • Benchmarking: unit costs, overhead rates, personnel costs
  • Outlier detection with visual flagging
  • Comparative analysis tools
  • Trend analysis over time
  • Export investigation reports
• Q&A on anomaly detection

Integration and Implementation Discussion (10mn)

• Data protection and GDPR compliance
• Integration with existing management systems
• Resource requirements and training needs
• Pricing models and scalability

Coffee Break (15:30-15:45 | 15 min)

Session 5: Simplified Cost Options and Flat-Rate Financing (15:45-17:00 |

Module 5.1: SCO Framework and Common Errors

Content:

• Types of SCOs: unit costs, lump sums, flat rates (10 min)
• Article 53-58 CPR: conditions and methodologies (12 min)
• Documentation requirements and top errors (8 min)

Case Study 5.1: The 40% Flat Rate Misapplication

• ESF+ training project scenario presentation (3 min)
• Group exercise: recalculate correct amount (10 min)
• Solution walkthrough (2 min)

Module 5.2: Verification Approaches for SCOs

Content:

• Paradigm shift: output/result verification (6 min)
• Unit cost verification specifics (5 min)
• Lump sum verification (5 min)
• Flat rate verification (4 min)

Role Play: The Unit Cost Verification

• Scenario briefing: vocational training project with unit costs (5 min)
• Teams of 3: verification officer, beneficiary, observer
• Role play execution: verify participants, attendance, training quality (18 min)
• Group debrief on findings and communication (7 min)

Day 2 Closing (17:00)

• Summary of CoI detection strategies and SCO verification
• Preview of Day 3: full verification cycle and on-the-spot visits

DAY 3: Practical Implementation and Integration

Total: 5h40 (09:00-17:00)

Session 6: Verification from A to Z (09:00-12:30 | 3h30)

Module 6.1: Verification Planning and Organization (09:00-10:30 | 90 min)

Content (40 min):

• Risk-based verification planning: frequency and depth (12 min)
• Resource allocation and team composition (8 min)
• Annual verification plans and flexibility (8 min)
• Desk review vs. on-the-spot: selection criteria (8 min)
• Quality assurance mechanisms (4 min)

Interactive Workshop: Planning Your Verification Year (50 min)

Coffee Break (10:30-10:45 | 15 min)

Module 6.2: The Verification Toolkit (10:45-11:45 | 60 min)

Content (35 min):

• Document review techniques (18 min):
• Interview techniques for beneficiaries and partners (10 min)
• Digital forensics basics: metadata, digital signatures (5 min)
• Common red flags (2 min)

Demonstration: Digital Verification Tools (25 min)

Module 6.3: From Findings to Conclusions (11:45-12:30 | 45 min)

Content (20 min):

• Findings classification: systemic vs. isolated, material vs. immaterial (7 min)
• Evidence sufficiency standards (6 min)
• Verification report structure and content (5 min)
• Financial corrections and follow-up (2 min)

Case Study 6.1: The Complex Finding (25 min)

Lunch Break (12:30-14:00 | 90 min)

Session 7: Performance and On-the-Spot Verification (14:00-17:00 | 3h)

Module 7.1: The Performance Framework Link (14:00-14:45 | 45 min)

Content (30 min):

• Performance framework overview: output, result, impact indicators (10 min)
• Verification’s role in data quality assurance (8 min)
• Result verification: evidence standards and methodologies (8 min)
• Horizontal principles verification (gender equality, non-discrimination, sustainability) (4 min)

Interactive Discussion (15 min):

• Balancing administrative burden with data quality
• Participant experiences and challenges
• Feed-back loops between performance and verification

Module 7.2: On-the-Spot Visits – Preparation and Best Practices (14:45-15:30 | 45 min)

Content:

• Visit preparation: documentation review, questionnaires, logistics (12 min)
• Visit protocols and beneficiary rights (8 min)
• Site inspection techniques for different project types (15 min):
  • Infrastructure: physical verification, quality assessment
  • Service delivery: observation, beneficiary interviews
  • Equipment purchases: tagging, usage, maintenance
• Interview best practices: open questions, active listening (5 min)
• Documentation requirements: photos, videos, reports (5 min)

Coffee Break (15:30-15:45 | 15 min)

Module 7.3: MAJOR ROLE PLAY – The On-the-Spot Visit (15:45-16:50 | 65 min)

Scenario Briefing (10 min)

• Team assignments: Teams of 4 (2 verification officers, 1 project coordinator, 1 observer)
• Planted irregularities: 3 issues (observers know, verifiers must find)

Role Play Execution (35 min)

Comprehensive Debriefing (20 min)

• Each team reports findings in order of seriousness (8 min)
• Discussion: what was missed and why? (5 min)
• Communication effectiveness: opening/closing meetings (3 min)
• Time management and prioritization lessons (2 min)
• Expert feedback on verification quality and evidence gathering (2 min)

Seminar Closing Session (16:50-17:00 | 10 min)

Building Excellence and Action Planning

Final Wrap-Up

• Certificate presentation
• Thank you and closing remarks

End: 17:00

DAY-BY-DAY FOCUS

Day 1: Foundations

• Understanding irregularities and learning from errors
• Risk management frameworks
• Sampling strategies
• Building foundational skills

Day 2: Critical Issues + Technology

• Deep dive: conflict of interest detection (legal + practical)
• AI/Web solution demonstration for risk and CoI management
• SCO verification approaches
• Role play practice

Day 3: Complete Verification Cycle

• Planning and organization
• Verification tools and techniques
• Performance integration
• Major on-the-spot visit simulation
• Action planning

PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH

Learning Method Distribution:

• Theory/Content: 35% (lectures, frameworks, regulations)
• Case Studies: 35% (analysis, problem-solving, group work)
• Interactive Workshops: 20% (hands-on tools, exercises)
• Role Plays: 10% (practical application, communication

Target Number: 20-25 participants (optimal for group work and role plays)

This comprehensive programme focuses on all the red flags and strategically places the AI/Web solution demonstration on Day 2, directly after the deep dive into conflict of interest detection. This positioning allows participants to see how technology can immediately support the CoI detection methods they’ve just learned, making the connection between theory, manual techniques, and technological enhancement explicit and compelling. The programme maintains engagement, practical focus, and achievable timing throughout.

Investment & Pricing

• Standard Rate: €1,435
• Early Bird (15% off): €1,219.75 (Save €215.25!)
• Group Rate (10% off): €1,291.50 (2+ participants)
• Limited to 20 participants for optimal interaction

The Venue in Rome

Pre-Save your Seat (early-bird price)