On 27-28 January, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) organised the annual meeting of the OLAF Anti-Fraud Communicators Network (OAFCN) in Brussels, bringing together over 50 participants from 22 Member States alongside colleagues from EU bodies and institutions, including the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Europol, Eurojust and the European Commission.
Over two days, participants exchanged experiences and best practices on how to communicate effectively about the fight against fraud, with a strong focus this year on social media, disinformation, and cross-border and cross-service cooperation.
Established by OLAF in 2001, the OAFCN plays a key role in strengthening links between communicators working in national authorities involved in protecting the EU’s financial interests. By sharing approaches, tools and lessons learned, the network helps ensure that citizens across the EU receive clear, credible and timely information about anti-fraud actions and results.
Opening the meeting, OLAF acting Director-General Salla Saastamoinen underlined the importance of communication in the fight against fraud: “Fraud does not stop at national borders, and neither should our communication. By working together and reinforcing each other’s messages, we strengthen citizens’ trust and send a clear signal that the protection of the EU’s financial interests is a shared responsibility.”
In the context of the ongoing review of the Union’s anti-fraud architecture, the programme combined strategic reflections on cooperation with practical case studies. Participants received an update on OLAF’s recent communication activities before taking part in interactive exchanges on their main communication challenges. Several sessions showcased cross-border and cross-service campaigns, highlighting how cooperation between authorities can amplify messages and reach wider audiences.
Discussions touched on the evolving social media landscape, including the use of video formats, storytelling techniques and narrative-building to make complex topics accessible to the public. Participants also explored effective communication during crises and emergencies, employer branding, and long-term awareness-raising campaigns.
Countering disinformation was another central theme of the meeting. Through presentations and discussions, OAFCN members examined ways to build resilience against false or misleading narratives, including through youth engagement, strategic communication, and closer cooperation between services at national and EU level.
Looking ahead, participants discussed how the OAFCN can continue to evolve as a platform for cooperation, mutual support and innovation, ensuring that communication keeps pace with new challenges.
The meeting confirmed once again that the OAFCN remains an important forum for cooperation, helping communicators across the EU to speak with clarity, credibility and impact about the fight against fraud.