This text offers an understanding of legal and political progress toward the protection of the financial interests of the European Community. Historically, progress has been uneven due to the sectoral approach adopted. On the expenditure side of the EC budget, the most regulated area remains the EAGGF-Guarantee Section Fund. By contrast, procurement fraud of the Structural Funds, sometimes involving corruption of officials, is rife in many Member States. On the income side, control of VAT rests mainly with the Member States. The near collapse of the transit system has made collection of duties more difficult, stimulating proposals for computerization of the transit system and improvements in Customs' strategies. All Member States have experienced difficulties in recovering EC funds through irregularities: a case study is offered, comparing British and Danish approaches to recovery.