European Court of Auditors’ audit mission to the Kingdom of Cambodia

An audit team headed by the Member of the European Court of Auditors, Dr Laima Liucija Andrikienė visited the Kingdom of Cambodia on June 9-11. The primary aim of the visit was to audit EU financial support to Cambodia for the year 2025. 

During her visit, Dr Andrikienė, accompanied by HE Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador, and other officials from the EU Delegation, met with HE Suos Yara, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly and spokesperson for the CPP, as well as HE Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs.

She also met with HE Cheang Vung, Chairman of the Commission on Economy, Finance, Banking, and Audit of the National Assembly; HE Rith Vuthi, Secretary of State at the Council for the Development of Cambodia; HE Ros Seilava, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; HE Tung Ciny, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation; HE Meas Piseth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; and HE Touch Sopharath, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the EuroCham Vice Chair, Mr Tassilo Brinzer.

The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the long-standing partnership and cooperation between Cambodia and the EU, to strengthen bilateral trust and solidarity in addressing global and regional challenges. In particular, the delegation was eager to learn about the implementation of Cambodia's Public Financial Management Reform Programme and the progress of the EU Global Gateway Flagships for Cambodia. 

"The EU has been a longstanding partner to Cambodia, and we commend its progress toward graduating from Least Developed Country status by 2029. The EU and its member states remain firmly committed to close collaboration with Cambodia, identifying opportunities to harness top-tier expertise and unlock transformative private sector investment. While some trade partners worldwide impose high tariffs, the EU remains unwavering in its commitment to free trade, providing a stable and reliable haven for investment." said Dr Andrikienė. 

Additionally, the delegation from the European Court of Auditors visited two selected sites – Kampong Chhnang and Kandal General Education and Technical High Schools – where solar panels had been delivered. The schools received these panels as part of an asset transfer following the conclusion of an EU-supported initiative aimed at fostering an enabling environment for the large-scale commercial adoption of solar technology among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is the independent external auditor of the EU. The auditors warn of risks, provide assurance, highlight shortcomings and good practice, and offer guidance to EU policymakers and legislators on improving the management of EU policies and programmes. Through its work, the ECA ensures that EU citizens know how their money is being spent.