45That interpretation cannot be called into question by the argument of the German and Netherlands Governments that the phrase ‘any other illegal activities’ contained in Article 325(1) TFEU refers solely to acts of the same nature and gravity as fraud. As observed by the Advocate General in points 68 and 69 of his Opinion, the term ‘illegal activities’ usually denotes unlawful behaviour, and the use of the word ‘any’ indicates the intention to encompass all unlawful behaviour, without distinction. Furthermore, in view of the importance that should be accorded to protecting the financial interests of the European Union, which in itself constitutes an objective of the latter (see, to that effect, judgment of 18 November 1999, Commission v Council, C‑209/97, EU:C:1999:559, paragraph 29), the concept of ‘illegal activities’ cannot be interpreted restrictively.
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