Anti-Corruption in Eastern Europe and the CIS

 

Corruption, lack of transparency and accountability of public institutions are persistent challenges across the region. This affects access to quality public services, especially for disadvantaged groups and those living in poverty. The situation varies across the region: in 2011 the perception of corruption in Eastern Europe ranged between 2.3 and 4 on the Corruption Perception Index. In Central Asia, corruption perception ranges between 1.6 – 2.4, with the exception of Kazakhstan at 2.6.

During 2011 countries made some progress towards democratic reforms and anti corruption efforts - particularly in Kyrgyzstan, where there is a serious attempt to introduce a multi-party system. Other countries have developed legislation related to: access to information, conflict of interest, public procurement, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, protection of whistle blowers, democratic elections, and establishing Ombudsman offices.

Few countries have specialized corruption agencies, and institutionally countries vary widely in their approach to the prevention of corruption, enforcement (prosecution and investigation) and monitoring.

In the Western CIS and Caucasus, countries with reform-oriented governments have been able to use their engagement with the European Union, via the European Neighborhood Policy, as well as other resources, to advance anti-corruption measures with some success (Georgia’s example stands out in this sub-region).

What we do
 

To address corruption, UNDP works with national partners to reduce corruption, especially related to basic services for people living in poverty. This includes:

• Supporting anti-corruption in public sectors like health, education, water and sanitation, energy
• Supporting capacity development of anti corruption agencies and national integrity systems
• Developing effective and responsive public institutions through enhancing openness, transparency and accountability of the public administration
• Increasing participation of NGOs and citizens in the work of public institutions, including citizen monitoring
• Supporting integrity and corruption assessments
• Encouraging policy dialogue on anti-corruption

 

Highlights
 

Kosovo* is introducing citizen reporting for instances of corruption and bribery via SMS using a web based platform, similar to “I paid a bribe” in India.

Serbia and FYR Macedonia are currently developing national anti corruption strategies. Serbia also established the Serbian Anti-Corruption Agency, introduced whistleblower protection, and is introducing citizen charters - codes of conduct for municipal authorities.

Montenegro assessed the integrity of its health sector, focusing on informal payments. Findings (pdf) were used to develop a strategy to reform the health sector. Montenegro also assessed the risk of corruption to fine tune policies that prevent corruption, and adopted an evaluation framework for the national anti-corruption strategy and action plan. Montenegro’s Directorate for Anti-Corruption Initiative is also investing in its management capacities.

*Hereafter referred to in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244