In addition to the regular financial control of the project “RECOM Reconciliation Network” (ICSP/2020/420-477), the European Commission conducted a special, additional audit of the project following complaints submitted during 2023 and 2024 by a group of former employees of the Humanitarian Law Center. As a result of these complaints, the payment of EUR 54,472.66 was withheld for one year.
The conducted audit showed that there were no irregularities in the implementation of the project. It was established that all costs were actually incurred and directly related to the project, recorded in the accounting records, incurred within the contractual period, in line with the approved budget, justified and necessary for the implementation of activities, supported by reliable documentation and results; that there was no overlap of tasks or double funding; that the research was conducted in accordance with the plans and methodology of social research; that all costs have a clear and verifiable link to the project activities; and that project documentation is systematically maintained and allows verification of all activities and costs. It was also established that the Humanitarian Law Center has an appropriate legal and institutional framework in place for the protection of personal data and that it is managed in accordance with applicable regulations.
In line with the findings of the conducted audit, the European Commission immediately (6 April 2026) released the previously withheld funds.
The Humanitarian Law Center emphasizes that the audit unequivocally confirms that the project was implemented in full compliance with the contract and the approved budget, without any irregularities in activities or expenditure, and without any deviation from contractual and financial rules.
The Humanitarian Law Center considers it to be in the public interest to clearly communicate this fact, bearing in mind that the complaints submitted by former employees were aimed at discrediting and undermining the reputation of the organization, while the audit has shown that these complaints were unfounded.
