RAI Secretariat took part in the first thematic workshop of the EU Network Against Corruption, focused on asset declaration systems, organized by the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) on June 25th in Brussels. Anti-corruption experts from EU countries gathered with civil society, international organisations, and academics to share good practices and guidance in the field.

The obligation of public officials to declare their assets and interests helps to detect illicit enrichment and prevent conflicts of interests. This makes it an important tool to prevent corruption. Almost all EU countries have in place a system that sets out what needs to be declared by whom, and how this data is published and verified.

One of the main topics discussed were the different systems of asset declaration. The Commission presented findings from its data collection exercise carried out under the 2024 Justice Scoreboard. These were complemented by civil society reports on the functioning and effectiveness of the European Parliament’s asset declaration system. Participants also focused on the challenges presented by the verification of assets, in particular those held abroad.

Ms. Desislava Gotskova, Head of the RAI Secretariat, participated as a speaker in a panel discussing the challenges in monitoring and verifying asset declarations, particularly those held abroad. During the panel, Ms. Gotskova showcased RAI’s extensive work in the field of asset declarations, with a special emphasis on the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for the Verification of Asset Declarations. This Treaty, drafted and negotiated under auspices of RAI, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in asset declaration processes.

The primary objective of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for sharing experiences across the EU and to exchange practical guidance in the field of asset declaration systems. It was collectively agreed that while asset declaration systems can vary, international standards are crucial in designing effective systems. These standards ensure a comprehensive scope, specifying which officials are covered and what assets are to be declared, leading to well-functioning asset declaration systems.

For more information on RAI’s work in this field, please visit the LINK.

More information about the event available HERE.