During the week of June 21-25, 2021, Ohrid was the venue of the technical and high-level negotiations on the joint approach to corruption prevention and corruption-fighting topics common to the jurisdictions of the Western Balkans.
The Regional Anti-corruption Initiative contributed both the technical discussions and facilitated the adoption of the Regional Roadmap on Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Flows, alongside its partner the UNODC.
Head of the RAI Secretariat, Ms. Desislava Gotskova joined the opening remarks, welcoming the participants of both the technical and the high-level forum, which included the adoption ceremony of the Regional Anti-corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap.
In her address at the opening session of the adoption ceremony she said: “We perceive the development of the Regional Roadmap on Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Flows complimentary to RAI’s activities in the Western Balkans region. Most of RAI Steering Group members and a number of beneficiaries’ representatives partook in the technical negotiations. Their contributions and inputs have been essential and strongly appreciated.” She expressed the belief that the Roadmap would result in the delivery of tangible improvements in the implementation of the existing anti-corruption measures, international standards and recommendations, including the European Commission recommendations with respect to the accession of Western Balkans jurisdictions to the EU.
RAI Steering Group members from all Western Balkans jurisdictions and a number of RAI’s beneficiaries from this region contributed to incarnation of the Roadmap and supported the initiative focusing on addressing the corruption-related issues common to all jurisdictions in the region.
The Ohrid forum clearly demonstrated the importance and strength and ever-growing relevance of the regional approach to fighting corruption embodied in the Regional Anti-corruption Initiative, and the unique regional exchange platform it represents. At the same time, this regional Forum was an important opportunity for the RAI Secretariat for continued strengthening of relationships with beneficiaries from jurisdictions across the Western Balkans.
