SEE regional efforts in fighting corruption need to be stronger, experts say

BUCHAREST/SARAJEVO, May 24 – Participants of a two-day regional South East European (SEE) anti-corruption conference concluded in Bucharest last week that countries in this part of Europe should develop more effective mechanisms to fight corruption.
The conclusion came following the results of a comprehensive study on integrity and resistance to corruption of the judicial systems in nine SEE countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia).
The document revealed that judicial system practitioners were satisfied with the activities of inter-governmental bodies, stressing that regional mechanisms could represent additional means to facilitate faster response in high level corruption cases.
The survey also found that one in three practitioners of the criminal judicial systems was aware of situations in which theirs or their colleagues’ decisions were subject of direct and deliberate influencing attempts. This perception seems to be largely generated by direct experience (33% of cases). The random distribution of cases is seen as an appropriate means to prevent political pressures and ensure professional dealings with high level corruption cases. The national legislation was generally assessed as good, but a necessity to fully implement it was emphasized.
The study highlighted the need to adopt and enhance strong protection mechanisms for the legal practitioners dealing with high level corruption cases, as well as for whistle-blowers and witnesses. It recommended that the hiring/appointment system be based on relevant professional knowledge and track record, training is ensured on a continuous basis, and the promotion systems take into account performance indicators. Simultaneously, public awareness of negative effects of corruption and positive aspects of public integrity needs to be raised. Additionally, a regional policy on cooperation on the investigation, prosecution and trial of high level anti-corruption cases should be developed, along with a regional mechanism for assets recovery.
The study was conducted to identify common challenges in fighting high level corruption in criminal law proceedings, to improve efficiency and effectiveness of investigations, prosecution and trials; provide recommendations for improving national and regional law enforcement capacities; identify external vulnerabilities that impede the practitioners’ independence; strengthen integrity and resistance to corruption, adopt legal and governmental measures and bring national mechanisms in compliance with international and European standards; orient regional policies on fighting high level corruption and give coherency to legislative solutions.