Division 1 INTRODUCTIONX1

I, the undersigned, representing the … (name of the body designated by Member State), have for the operational programme … (name of the operational programme, CCI code number, period) examined the results of the audit work carried out on this programme by or under the responsibility of the audit authority in accordance with the audit strategy (and have carried out the additional work I judged necessary). The results of the examination and any additional work I have performed are summarised in the attached final control report (which also contains the information required by the annual control report for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 ). I have planned and performed this work with a view to obtaining a reasonable assurance as to whether the payment application for the final balance of the Community contribution to the operational programme is correct and valid and the underlying transactions covered by the final statement of expenditure are legal and regular.