United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

South Eastern Europe

Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap meeting on Goals 1 & 2

26-27 September 2023, Budva, Montenegro: Corruption is one of the key challenges in today’s globalized world. It weakens the capacity of the state to provide services to citizens and undermines security. Concerted action and a joint response by the Governments and international stakeholders are critical in effectively addressing this shared threat.

UNODC, in cooperation with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), gathered anti-corruption practitioners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo[1] to discuss the implementation of Goals 1 and 2 of the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap. The participants explored achievements under the two goals of the Roadmap, assessed current local and regional needs and priorities, and identified future priorities.

In her opening statement, the Head of International Serious and Organized Crime – Bilateral Deputy Director across United Kingdom Home and Foreign Offices, Ms. Suzie Daykin, commended the diversity of experts gathered across the region to deepen cooperation and work on responses to an ever-evolving threat. UNODC and RAI representatives highlighted that corruption poses a threat to the rule of law and security and reiterated the need for stronger anti-corruption policies in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The participants emphasized the importance of effective implementation of measures to prevent corruption in public procurement and promoting good practices in the verification of asset declarations and conflict of interest management. They shared information on the progress in the implementation of those regional priorities.

The meeting was organized in the framework of the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap under the UNODC Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe with the generous support of the UK Government.