On Monday, 9 December 2024, at the Brdo Congress Centre there was a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Court of Audit of the Republic of Slovenia when conditions were provided for commencement of the operations of our supreme state audit institution. The anniversary of the Court of Audit is an important milestone and an opportunity to look back on the achievements and to focus on the future.
The ceremony gathered high representatives of the Republic of Slovenia and all former presidents of the Court of Audit, namely the first president dr. Vojko A. Antončič and presidents dr. Igor Šoltes and Tomaž Vesel, as well as current and former employees and heads of the Court of Audit. There were also representatives of many foreign supreme audit institutions (SAI).
Among the prominent guests were also Secretary General of International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and President of the Austrian Court of Audit dr. Margit Kraker and First vice-president of European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (EUROSAI) and President of SAI Slovak Republic dr. Ľubomír Andrassy. The event was attended by heads and representatives of SAI Croatia, SAI Monte Negro, SAI North Macedonia, SAI Poland, SAI Serbia, SAI Czech Republic and SAI Hungary.
The audience wasaddressed by the President of the Court of Audit Jana Ahčin who was the host of the ceremony as well as by two guest speakers President of the Republic of Slovenia dr. Nataša Pirc Musar and President of the European Court of Auditors (ECA) Tony Murphy.
President of the Court of Audit Jana Ahčin in her welcome address pointed out the extremely important path taken by the Court of Audit in the last 30 years. »Dedicated and professional work of several generations of state auditors set standards of transparency, responsibility and integrity in audit control over the use of public funds. Whereby they always followed the principle of good management and ensured that citizens’ money managed by different institutions is spent in efficient, legal and transparent way,« she said. In the challenging times we live in this honourable anniversary reminds us of the past significant achievements we are all happy to remember. »It encourages us also to rethink our joint future and invites us to adopt sound decisions on how to seize opportunities and successfully face challenges that await us in the future,« believes Ahčin.
Upon the celebration of the anniversary the President of the Court of Audit thanked employees, the former and the present, for their contribution in achieving high professional standards and results. In her speech she touched upon the future that must promote ambitious and responsible actions. The President of the Court of Audit assured that the Court of Audit shall also in future follow the guide that the use of public funds must be correct and efficient and must bring the maximum possible benefits to citizens. This is the only way that we, as society, can make progress in a long term and strengthen democratic values.
President of the Republic of Slovenia dr. Nataša Pirc Musar in her speech highlighted that the Court of Audit in three decades with professionalism and commitment of all employees developed into a modern, independent body that enjoys considerable reputation both at home and abroad. As an independent guardian of public funds, it plays a key role in ensuring that the taxpayers' money serves a common purpose. »Public funds are not merely numbers in financial statements or amounts on the accounts. Public funds are the fruit of citizens' work – our joint strength, creativity and solidarity. Therefore, responsibility for sound financial management of public funds is more than just a duty prescribed by the legislation. It is moral obligation by which we are all bound and which provides public confidence and trust in the social and political systems,« elaborated the President of the Republic of Slovenia.
In conclusion the President of the Court of Audit dr. Pirc Musar pointed out that the modern world brings many challenges – from digitalisation and new technologies to more complex financial systems: »But the key principle remains the same: public funds are common good, demanding exact, fair and responsible management. By timely detecting risks, international experience, implementing audits on high level and raising awareness about public funds use, the Court of Audit contributes towards the achievement of the objective which we all follow – to preserve our beautiful Slovenia as an efficient, competitive, sustainable and socially just country.«
President of the European Court of Auditors Tony Murphy in his address to the committed professionals of the Court of Audit, the former as well as the present, expressed his congratulations for their priceless efforts. Among others, he emphasised in his speech that trust is the cornerstone of democratic governance, and in today’s global context, its fragility has become increasingly evident. »Trust is built on the visibility and understanding of a decision-making processes. When citizens can comprehend how decisions are made, their trust in institutions is strengthened, enhancing our democratic foundation. The Court of Audit of the Republic of Slovenia plays a vital role in this process. Over the past 30 years, the Court has issued more than 2,500 audit reports, offering essential insights, findings, and recommendations that benefit public fund users. Through its independent and objective work, the Court fosters trust between public institutions and Slovenian citizens.«
Mr. Murphyalso shared his belief that the Court of Audit is not only a national institution, and with great pride pointed out its active and important commitment to international cooperation: »Since 1995, it has engaged with organizations like INTOSAI and EUROSAI, participating in international meetings that promote collaboration and the exchange of best practices among Supreme Audit Institutions. The Court of Audit has been significantly involved in the Contact Committee, where representatives from various countries gather to discuss effective auditing practices.« In conclusion he added that the independence of the supreme audit institutions is crucial for their efficiency and credibility. To maintain this independence, it is imperative that they are robustly resourced, enabling them to consistently deliver high-quality outputs. »The saying, “The future depends on what we do in the present,” reflects the essence of the Court of Audit’s work. It is actively planting the seeds of accountability and sustainability, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a just and equitable society. Let us embrace this journey together,« he concluded.
30 years ago, Slovenia joined modern states with centuries-old tradition in public funds auditing. On 28 July 1994, the President of the Republic of Slovenia issued an Order on Declaring Court of Audit Act that was adopted by the National Assembly 8 days before. At its session on 9 December 1994, a decree on appointing the President, Deputy President and Members of the Court of Audit was adopted. Both documents were the basis for gradual development of the Court of Audit and for providing its premises, personnel and other material conditions for carrying out its tasks.
On 1 January 1995, the Court of Audit stated operating. An autonomous state body was founded that cannot be categorised within any of the three branches of power, either legislative, executive or judicial. It was given an authority to control public sector operations related to public funds spending. The Court of Audit took over some tasks of the Social Accounting Service and took on some new tasks, thus its foundation and setting its authorities gave way to new systemic organisation of public auditing.