Filenews 18 November 2025
Serious weaknesses in the operation, management of resources and compliance with legality are identified in the new Special Report of the Audit Office for the Ministry of Defense. The Report, published today, brings to light findings that point to the need for substantial reorganisation and stricter application of the law. A series of chronic pathologies, delays and irregularities are recorded, which in many cases entail increased fiscal costs or even possible compensations for the state.
SYOP: Overpayments and delays in offsets
The report records serious weaknesses in the management of salary and contractual obligations concerning the Contracted Soldiers (SYOP), especially after their resignation from the National Guard.
Despite the computerisation of the leave system, overpayments resulting from overruns on rest or sick leave continue to accumulate. The total amount to be recovered amounted to €34,185, of which 40% concerns debts of previous years (2017-2020). The recovery rate for the period 2021-9.2024 amounted to only 27%, while it is found that the collection procedures are not systematically monitored, as the relevant statements are not updated at regular intervals.
The report also mentions additional debts incurred by SYOPs due to the contractual compensation clause when they leave before completing the intended period of service. This amount amounted to €38,836 as of September 30, 2024. Although the total recovery rate for the period 2016–2024 reaches 90%, or 94% if the recent debts of 2024 are excluded, this is mainly due to the automatic offsetting of compensation with the tips to which the resignees are entitled.
The delays in the offsetting are attributed to late submission of supporting documents by the SYOPs, to a delay in the transmission of requests from the Ministry of Defense to the General Accounting Office and to a slow examination of the cases by the General Accounting Office.
Illegal daily transfers in military vehicles
Another finding is the continuation of the practice of transporting permanent executives and civilian personnel to and from their workplace in military vehicles, a practice that is explicitly contrary to the legislation.
Fuel consumption for these movements is deducted from the fixed operational stock of the units, limiting the availability for actual operational needs. The Audit Office clarifies that if the regulation is deemed necessary, a legislative amendment must be promoted, otherwise the practice remains illegal and the related expenses irregular.
For its part, the Ministry of Defense replied that efforts are being made to reduce these transfers, however it notes that the peculiarities governing the National Guard should be taken into account.
Pending appeals for successful terminations – Risk of damages
A major issue, which the Report finds, is the dozens of appeals by officers against decisions of successful termination, filed between 2019-2021. The appeals are based on a previous annulment decision of the Administrative Court and entail the risk of high damages to the detriment of the Republic, depending on the outcome of the cases.
Instead of a reduction, the military personnel in the Ministry of Defense were increased
Despite the completion of the co-location of the Ministry of Defense and the NGNGS in 2019 and the creation of new organic positions, the intended reduction of military personnel in the departments of the Ministry of Defense has not only not been achieved, but an increase is recorded.
The 2015 reform, which aimed to streamline staff and improve functioning, remains virtually incomplete. Specifically, in October 2017, 104 executives were employed in the Ministry in various departments, in October 2019, 109 executives and in November 2024, 124 executives.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the increase in specialized personnel is attributed to geostrategic developments and the new responsibilities undertaken by the Ministry of Defense, such as the Defense Industry sector.
12 years without a new agreement in Telecommunications
The reference of the Audit Office to the telecommunications costs of the National Guard is particularly sharp. The Ministry of Defense continues to operate without a single tariff agreement with a provider, although the need has been identified since 2012.
The expenditure for 2023 amounted to €3.14 million, with a significant part of the circuits remaining at old agreement prices, despite the fact that their number has been reduced by 39%. Despite assurances that a new agreement would be completed within 2024, no process was advanced until the audit was completed.
Delay in photovoltaics and risk of loss of European funds
The Ministry's energy strategy remains without a comprehensive Action Plan for almost a decade, despite the fact that it was announced in 2016.
At the same time, the project for the installation of photovoltaic systems, funded by the "THALIA 2021-2027" program, is experiencing significant delays, raising the risk of losing European funding. A similar delay is recorded in the phases of replacing lighting with LEDs.
Regarding these conclusions, the Ministry of Defense transferred responsibility to the EAC, requesting that corrective measures be taken immediately.
Removal of 17 greywater treatment systems without study
The Ministry of Defense has proceeded to shut down 17 gray water recycling systems in camps (water used by conscripts in sanitary facilities), without prior technical evaluation or feasibility study. Since 2021 there has been a commitment to examine new systems, but no progress has been made.
According to the letter of the Ministry of Defense, the cessation of the systems took place because the company that owns the exclusive know-how can no longer serve the National Guard.
Excel files instead of a computerized requisition system
Nine years after the start of an effort for a digital system for monitoring requisitions and expropriations, the project has ended up incompatible with government infrastructure, despite the money spent, the report says.
Requisitions are still tracked in Excel files, resulting in delays, errors, and high bureaucratic costs. A number of requisition decrees remain expired and renewal does not proceed in time.
Delays in the construction of privately owned buildings – Risk of continuation of leases
The effort to construct privately owned buildings for the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff remains without substantial progress, although a long time has passed and the lease contract is about to expire. The scenario of a new rental extension, according to the Report, is now considered possible.
Change in the budget of the NG – More transparency following the recommendation of the Audit Office
For the first time since 2025, the budget of the National Guard is broken down into individual articles, and not as a single item, following the recommendation of the Audit Office. Now, credit transfers follow the rules of the state budget, enhancing control and transparency.
Unjustified absences of executives
The audit identified serious weaknesses in the monitoring of working hours at the Ministry of Defense, with employees showing unjustified absences or time deficits without the corresponding leave cuts.
The Report points out incorrect implementation of legislation and circulars, emphasizing the need for immediate compliance.
The conclusion of the report
The overall picture that emerges is of a Ministry that, despite individual modernization efforts, continues to operate with structural weaknesses, delays and significant control gaps.
From illegal transportation practices and inadequate energy planning, to failed information systems and compensation risks, the findings point to a need for substantial reorganization and stricter enforcement of legality.
The Audit Office calls on the political leadership to immediately promote the necessary corrective actions in order to reduce fiscal risks and ensure the proper functioning of one of the most critical sectors of the state.
In the reply letter of the Ministry of Defense, dated October 10, it is stated that the Ministry will adopt all the recommendations of the Audit Office.
