Auditors publish Background Paper on desertification in the EU

​The European Court of Auditors has today published a Background Paper on desertification in the EU - where land becomes increasingly dry and degraded. Background Papers are designed as a source of information for those interested in the policy and/or programmes. The Background Paper is being published to coincide with the United Nations World Day to Combat Desertification on Sunday, 17 June.

The auditors are currently examining whether the risk of desertification in the EU is being effectively and efficiently addressed. Drawing on material gathered during the preparation of the audit, the Background Paper sets out the main causes and effects of desertification alongside current projections for how it may develop in the European Union over the coming decades. The Paper contains information on the preventative and restorative measures which can be taken. It also explains how aspects of desertification are addressed under various EU strategic documents and policy areas and which EU funding programmes support action on desertification.

The audit report is expected to be published by the end of 2018. A related audit on flood risk management in the EU is also scheduled for publication later this year.