The President of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), Minister Bruno Dantas, was awarded the National Order of the Star of Romania, the highest distinction granted by the European country, on September 17 in Bucharest. The honour was presented by the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, at Cotroceni Palace, his official residence, with the attendance of the President of the Romanian Court of Accounts, Mihai Busuioc, among other local dignitaries.

The award recognized Dantas's leadership at the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), particularly highlighting the ClimateScanner initiative and his efforts to strengthen Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and promote their independence. In recent days, the President of TCU attended several engagements related to INTOSAI in Eastern Europe.

The U.S. Comptroller General and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Gene Dodaro, who serves as Vice-Chair of the INTOSAI Policy, Finance, and Administration Committee (PFAC), was also honoured. Dodaro received the National Order of the Star of Romania for the GAO’s contribution to the modernization and professionalization of the Romanian Court of Accounts.

According to Klaus Iohannis, Dantas and Dodaro have built collaborative pathways that transcend borders, with their accomplishments serving as models of professional excellence and guiding lights for a better and sustainable future.

"Mr. Dantas, through your work at INTOSAI, you have strengthened the role of Supreme Audit Institutions and international cooperation. The ClimateScanner initiative has laid the foundation for a global movement in public auditing, highlighting the importance of monitoring climate action and bringing to the forefront the need for global accountability. This has united the international auditing community to face a crucial challenge for our collective future,” said Iohannis.

Shared Values

In his speech, Dantas expressed his gratitude to Iohannis, saying he was honoured both personally and on behalf of TCU and INTOSAI.

“This recognition is a testament to the productive partnerships that have blossomed from our shared commitment. It inspires us to continue working together toward a future marked by integrity, transparency, and sustainable development,” he said.“I accept this honour on behalf of all those committed to this noble cause and pledge to continue promoting our common values,” concluded Dantas.

The President of TCU also extended his thanks to Busuioc, recognizing his efforts to modernize and enhance the value and benefit of the Romanian Court of Accounts. Dantas noted that the institution's culture has transformed "from one rooted in punishment to a modern vision of public auditing that seeks solutions instead of blame."

The Brazilian Ambassador to Romania, Ricardo Guerra de Araújo, also attended the ceremony.