CHAPTER 4FINANCIAL ACTORS
Article 21Protection of the financial interests of the Union
1.
If a member of staff involved in the financial management and control of transactions considers that a decision he or she is required by his or her superior to apply or to agree to is irregular or contrary to the principles of sound financial management or the professional rules which that member of staff is required to observe, he or she shall inform the director in writing who shall reply in writing. If the director fails to take action or confirms the initial decision or instruction and the member of staff believes that such confirmation does not constitute a reasonable response to his or her concern, the member of staff shall inform the relevant panel referred to in Article 23(3) in writing. The panel referred to in Article 23(3) shall immediately inform the governing board.
2.
In the event of any illegal activity, fraud or corruption which may harm the interests of the PPP body or of its members, the member of staff shall inform the authorities and bodies designated by the applicable legislation. Contracts with external auditors carrying out audits of the financial management of the PPP body shall provide for an obligation of the external auditor to inform the authorising officer of any suspected illegal activity, fraud or corruption which may harm the interests of the PPP body or of its members.