Erasmus+: we value highly the cooperation of the internal auditors

For two consecutive years, Grant Thornton Baltic’s business risk and internal audit team served as the independent auditor of the programmes of the Estonian National Agency for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps.

Performing an independent audit means, among other things, verifying the trustworthiness of the internal controls developed for the implementation of the programmes and the programmes’ financial statements, as well as audit and analysis of other areas and giving independent opinion on these.

Erasmus+ is a programme that provides funding for education, training and youth projects in the European Union. The programme’s aim is to develop cooperation between countries, broaden students’ and teachers’ horizons and connect different cultures.

The European Solidarity Corps programme supports youth projects for fostering an open society, promoting intercultural learning, increasing civic activity and engaging with different communities.

Using EU funding, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes are implemented by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps National Agency, within the structure of the Estonian Education and Youth Board.  

Participants in the project from Grant Thornton Baltic were the Head of Business Risk Services Kai Paalberg, advisers Merili Kiipus, Riin Stamm, Kristina Mjasojedova and data protection adviser Indrek Keis.

Anu Peljo (Head of EU Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Research), Kirsi Viikholm-Karu (Quality Manager for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps National Agency) and Tuuli Reiljan (Head of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps National Agency’s Contract Management and Supervision Unit) shared their impressions of working with Grant Thornton Baltic.

What do you consider important about this partnership?

We value readiness and desire to work together, and the Grant Thornton Baltic team had it. It was also extremely important to stick to the agreed schedule and make sure there was appropriate justification for the findings and recommendations.

Were you satisfied with the Grant Thornton Baltic team?

We worked effectively with all of the team members on the audit – we had pleasant interaction and even the challenging subjects were resolved in the course of additional discussions. Flexibility was built into the audit, and the duties of the staff and their availability was considered. The Grant Thornton Baltic team was thoroughly prepared for the work and the feedback was constructive and aimed at improvement.