On 3 and 4 June, the State Audit Office of Latvia is hosting the European Union Supreme Audit Institutions’ (SAIs) Contact Committee Activity on Fiscal Policy Audit bringing together leading auditors from across Europe Union to discuss one of the most pressing issues in public finance – defence expenditure, its financing options and its impact on national budgets and economies. The two-day meeting has attracted more than 30 participants attending both in person and online.
The meeting was opened by the Auditor General of Latvia Mr Edgars Korčagins, the Auditor General of Finland Mr Sami Yläoutinen and Chairman of the Activity on Fiscal Policy Audit and Director of the Oversight Unit at the National Audit Office of Finland Mr Matti Okko.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr Okko emphasized the value of international cooperation, “This meeting brings together auditors who work on fiscal policy and public finance issues. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation among the SAIs of the European Union. This time, the focus is on the increase in defence spending – a topic that is currently relevant to all European countries.”
Mr Edgars Korčagins highlighted the State Audit Office’s recent efforts to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of its work, “In 2025, the State Audit Office of Latvia implemented one of the most significant transformations of its audit work in recent decades, focusing on improving the efficiency, impact and relevance of audits. The meeting’s exchange of experience offers a valuable opportunity for all of us, not only to participate in discussions, but also to gain inspiration for new audit topics that can make a meaningful contribution to promoting fiscal sustainability.”
The agenda includes presentations from different experts. Major General Andis Dilāns, Undersecretary of State for Logistics of the Ministry of Defence of Latvia, provided an overview of developments in the country’s defence area. Chief Economist of the Bank of Latvia, Ms Baiba Brusbārde discussed the economic and fiscal implications of defence spending, while Chairman of the Fiscal Discipline Council, Mr Jānis Priede, addressed the future of fiscal governance and regulatory frameworks in Europe.
Representatives from EU SAIs’ shared audit findings and best practices related to monitoring defence expenditures and ensuring effective use of public funds. Discussions covered fiscal rules, oversight mechanisms, budget efficiency and broader public finance management challenges.
The Activity of Fiscal Policy Audit serves as a forum for cooperation among the EU’s SAIs, promoting the exchange of knowledge and the development of audit methodologies in the field of public finance. State Audit Office of Latvia’s hosting of the meeting marks an important milestone in the country’s engagement within the network and highlights its growing role in European discussions on fiscal governance and accountability.