Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative

Annual Meeting of the Southeast Europe Coalition on Whistleblower Protection
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-22 | Podgorica, Montenegro
The Annual Meeting of the Southeast Europe Coalition on Whistleblower Protection, hosted by the Coalition member Civic Alliance Montenegro took place on March 21, 2024 in Podgorica, Montenegro.
The event brough together the coalition members from the Southeast Europe (SEE), representatives from state and public institutions in Montenegro, and other key figures from civil society in the field of whistleblowing and anti-corruption. The meeting was opened by introductory remarks, a motivational speech, and the delivery of the Free Speech Awards of the Coalition.
The Coalition is actively advocating for the Transposition of the EU 2019/1937 Directive on Whistleblower Protection into national laws in the SEE by taking a supportive approach and highlighting the benefits of this process.
During his opening address, Mr. Riccardo Serri, Deputy Head of the Delegation of European Union to Montenegro noted that the role of whistleblowers is more important than ever as they are key actors in the anti-corruption chain. Mr. Serri also highlighted that, in addition to good national laws, it is also crucial to create enabling environment for whistleblowers.
Mr. Nikola Naumovski, RAI Senior anti-corruption Advisor said that RAI Secretariat has been supportive of the work of the Coalition since its establishment, in recognition of the importance of collaboration between the government and the non-governmental sector in effectively protecting whistleblowers.
RAI’s activities related to whistleblowing were intensified with the implementation of the regional EU funded ‘Breaking the Silence: Enhancing Whistleblowing Policies and Culture in the Western Balkans and Moldova’ Project aimed at promoting the whistleblowing protection and disclosure channels and increasing the public awareness, especially among youth, about the importance of whistleblowing and enhancing the corrective role of the CSO in all these processes. During the project implementation, RAI, among other things, supported the annual meetings of the Coalition as a platform for discussion of common challenges, strategies, and solutions for improving the protection of whistleblowers, and how to best utilize the SEE Coalition resources, and conducted a Gap Analysis of Whistleblower Protection Laws in the Western Balkans and Moldova, which examined whether and to what extent EU Directive standards are incorporated in whistleblower protection laws of the target jurisdictions.
The Southeast Europe Coalition for Whistleblower Protection, established in 2015 with RAI support, is the world’s first regional civil society initiative dedicated to enhancing whistleblower rights and protections, and promoting whistleblowing as an effective anti-corruption tool.
The annual meetings of the Coalition are also an opportunity to celebrate success and capture lessons learned and serve the purpose of strengthening the SEE Coalition, membership expansion and diversification.

43rd RAI Steering Group Meeting
2024-04-18
The 43rd Regional Anti-corruption Initiative (RAI) Steering Group Meeting took place online on April 18, 2024. The primary objectives included discussions on strengthening RAI’s organizational structure, ensuring financial sustainability, and planning upcoming activities. The meeting, organized by the RAI Secretariat, was chaired by RAI Chairperson, Mr. Dražen Jelenic.
Representatives from all RAI member countries, as well as observers and partners, attended the meeting.
Additional information:
Agenda
Summary of Discussions and Conclusions

Regional Workshop - Integrity and Control Measures in Defence and Law Enforcement Institutions
2024-05-20 - 2024-05-21
The objective of the Workshop is to increase capacity of ministries of defence and ministries of internal affairs in the field of integrity and corruption prevention, by learning about best practices in application of control measures related to conflict of interest, asset declarations and protection of classified data, also reporting of relevant CSOs. The workshop aims at increasing awareness about innovative anti-corruption mechanisms and tools, but also needed legal solutions and regulatory measures. It is anticipated that the participants will gain better understanding of the specific elements related to institutional integrity measures, prevention and resolution of conflict of interest, declaration of assets, income, liabilities and interests, identification and mitigation of corruption risks related to protection of classified data.
The participants will:

get the additional knowledge on the relevant international standards and useful tools;
get the oversight of the main regional stakeholders and actors, competent bodies and institutions;
elaborate relevant case studies and address common challenges and problems;
exchange of good practices and lessons learned;
develop mutual contacts and network among participants from South East Europe;
outline the most demanding common challenges in Southeast Europe and future actions in this field.

19th RAI Summer School for Junior Anti-corruption Practitioners From SEE
2024-06-10 - 2024-06-14 | Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
The Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) Secretariat successfully organized the 19th Edition of the Summer School for Junior Anti-Corruption Practitioners from Southeast Europe (SEE) in Bucharest, Romania, from June 11-14, 2024. This year’s edition, titled “Unveiling Corruption: Introduction to Asset Recovery and Financial Investigation Techniques,” aimed to equip junior prosecutors, anti-corruption practitioners, and financial investigators from law enforcement agencies across SEE with the essential knowledge and expertise in asset recovery. This year’s program hosted 20 participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine, reflecting a diverse and dynamic cohort.
The 19th Edition of the Summer School was hosted by the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC) and financially supported by the Central European Initiative (CEI) and America for Bulgaria Foundation.
Speaking at the opening, Ms. Desislava Gotskova, Head of RAI Secretariat, emphasized that the Summer School aims to enhance and strengthen the capacities of anti-corruption bodies in the region and to provide a platform for young practitioners to learn, share knowledge and experience, and network with colleagues from the region. Ms. Gotskova expressed gratitude to the Central European Initiative (CEI) for co-funding the RAI Summer School for the third consecutive year as well as to the Sotheat European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC) for providing RAI with the opportunity to use the SELEC excellent training center.
Wishing everyone a fruitful week of training and professional success when back to their countries, Mr. Ugo Poli, CEI Focal Point Anti-Corruption, noted that CEI Plan of Action always addressed great attention to strengthening the institutional capacity and effective tools to fight corruption in the CEI Member States as a key element to pursue the goal of good governance and to match the milestones of the accession to the European Union.
Finally, Mr. Oguz Serkant Akin, SELEC Director General said that RAI Summer School is a good opportunity to provide the junior anticorruption practitioners from the SEE region with an overview of the current financial investigation and asset recovery landscape as well as to share the SELEC experience in this field. Furthermore, this initiative aims to enhance and deepen the cooperation between RAI and SELEC, contributing to the achievement of shared objectives.
Esteemed experts from AML Consulting Global played a crucial role by providing participants with a comprehensive overview of the current financial investigation and asset recovery landscape. Their sessions covered international best practices in investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses, current money laundering typologies, and cutting-edge investigative techniques.
In addition to technical knowledge, participants received essential insights into critical thinking and Emotional Intelligence (EI). These sessions aimed to improve their effectiveness in both personal and professional spheres, equipping them with the foundational skills and mindset necessary to apply critical thinking in various scenarios.
The regional approach of the Summer School fostered valuable partnerships and networking opportunities among participants, which will be beneficial throughout their careers. Delivered in an engaging and interactive format, the program allowed participants to delve into various domains, gaining practical skills for self-improvement and interpersonal relations.
A significant portion of the school focused on practical application. Using AML Consulting Global Ltd’s View360Global immersive platform, trainers simulated an anti-corruption investigation, challenging participants to apply their skills and knowledge to make strategic and tactical decisions. These practical sessions encouraged strategic thinking, dialogue, and teamwork, fostering a collaborative environment among participants from across the region.
Upon completion of the program, participants obtained the RAI Summer School Certificate of Attendance as well as the UK Skills for Justice (SFJ) Accreditation. SFJ-accredited training ensures that the recipients have undergone a program of learning that has been independently assessed and quality assured by the SFJ Panel, applying stringent academic standards to the design and learning objectives.
The Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative Summer School continues to be an important event in fostering the next generation of anti-corruption leaders in Southeast Europe, combining theoretical training with practical, real-world applications to create a lasting impact on the fight against corruption.

More information
Summer School Agenda

International Anti-Corruption Conference
2024-06-18 08:00 - 2024-06-21 17:00 UTC
Vilnius, Lithuania: On June 20, 2024, a workshop titled “Addressing Strategic Corruption and Illicit Finance: Safeguarding Democracies and Economic Stability” took place as part of the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) Programme.
Moderated by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative Secretariat and coordinated by the Center for the Study of Democracy, this gathering convened a distinguished panel of experts and stakeholders deeply committed to tackling corruption as a threat undermining democratic governance. The panelists shared their views on investment screening, tracking illicit wealth and assets of sanctioned individuals, use of big data for risk assessments, and corruption-proofing of legislation.
Under the moderation of Ms. Desislava Gotskova, Head of RAI Secretariat, the workshop featured prominent figures such as Christian Beck from MEP Daniel Freund’s office, Dr. Oksana Huss from OECD and BIT-ACT, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth David-Barrett from the University of Sussex, Dr. David Jackson from U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre, Daniela Mineva from the Center for the Study of Democracy, Dr. Nedim Hogic from the University of Oslo, and Dr. Ramadan Ilazi from the Kosovo Centre for Security Studies. Together, they explored innovative approaches to:

Broadening corruption risk assessments beyond monetary losses to include damage to public institutions’ capacity and public interest.
Developing robust tools and strategies to counter state capture and illicit financial flows.
Strengthening regional cooperation to mitigate foreign influence and enhance governance transparency.
Advocating for political solutions alongside technical measures to combat strategic corruption effectively.

The workshop emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action among governments, civil society, and international organizations to fortify democratic resilience and economic security against corruption’s insidious impacts.
As discussions concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing practical solutions and fostering a network of reform-minded entities dedicated to achieving measurable progress in the fight against corruption.

Conference - Fast Tracking Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption - Regional Platform for the Western Balkans
2024-06-25 - 2024-06-27 | Tirana, Albania
The RAI Secretariat participated in the “Fast Tracking the Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption – Regional Platform for the Western Balkans” conference this week in Tirana, Albania. Hosted by the Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption of Albania and organized by the UNODC, this significant event brought together representatives from all Western Balkan jurisdictions, facilitating a collaborative approach to these important issues.
Initially endorsed by high-level government representatives from the Western Balkans in Ohrid, North Macedonia in 2021, the Western Balkans Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance (ACIF) Roadmap aims to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) across the region.
The aim of the Regional Platform and the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap will remain to deliver tangible improvements to the implementation of existing national anti-corruption and anti-illicit finance measures. Additionally, it supports the implementation of international standards and recommendations, including those from the European Commission’s annual reports concerning EU accession benchmarks, as well as GRECO. During the conference, participants defined the goals and activities of the new Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap and discussed the priorities and requirements for future technical assistance to advance its practical implementation.
RAI has been an implementing partner during the development and implementation of the ACIF Roadmap, led by UNODC. In her closing remarks, the Head of RAI Secretariat, Ms. Desislava Gotskova, LLM, underlined that RAI remains committed to partnering and supporting this initiative.
More information about ACIF Roadmap and related RAI activities available HERE.

EU Network against Corruption - Workshop on Asset Declaration Systems
2024-06-25 | Brussels, Belgium
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.

Regional Conference: Private Sector Integrity in the Western Balkans
2024-09-30 - 2024-10-01 | Hotel Vucko, Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Jahorina, October 1st) – The first event within the Southeast Europe – Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II) programme, a regional conference on “Private Sector Integrity in the Western Balkans” took place from September 30 to October 1 on Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conference gathered over 50 participants from relevant national anti-corruption agencies and bodies, ministries, civil society, and the private sector in the Western Balkans.
The event was opened by H.E. Mr. Georg Diwald, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Drazen Jelenic (Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative Chairperson), Mr. Constantine Palicarsky (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Adviser), and Ms. Damirka Mioc from the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight against Corruption of BiH.
H.E. Mr. Diwald stressed the importance of the regional conference and presented the work of the Austrian Embassy in BiH and its dedication to anti-corruption mechanisms while highlighting the role of the Austrian Development Agency, the SEE-TAC II donor, and the issues the private sector faces.
Mr. Palicarsky referred to UNCAC and private sector links while Mr. Jelenic emphasised that integrity within the private sector significantly contributes to long-term profitability and the need to empower the private sector to address pressing societal challenges. He highlighted the SEE-TAC II program, which is dedicated to combating corruption in the Western Balkans and aims to enhance the capacities of governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Ms. Mioc talked about the challenges in the public sector and various initiatives the governments in the region can take to ensure proper anti-corruption measures, as well as the recently adopted Anti-Corruption Strategy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The sessions focused on anti-corruption strategies in the region, the private sector integrity, implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) with regard to the private sector, the basics of business integrity, ISO standards related to business integrity, and how to lead in a way that leads to positive change. Expert discussions were led by Sandra Damijan, Lecturer at the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The two-day event concluded with a group discussion on cross-cutting themes related to building integrity.
The SEE-TAC II project is implemented by RAI in partnership with UNODC and funded by the Austrian Development Agency.
Agenda

Presentation of the new developments and planned activities in SEE-TAC II
2024-12-04 | Tirana, Albania
Regional Anti-corruption Initiative (RAI) Secretariat, in collaboration with HIDAACI Albania, will be organizing a meeting to discuss recent developments in the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for the Verification of Asset Declarations and the new SEE-TAC II project, funded by ADA. This meeting will take place on December 4th, 2024, at the HIDAACI premises in Tirana.

44th RAI Steering Group Meeting
2024-12-05 - 2024-12-06 | Tirana, Albania
Representatives of Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative member countries gathered in Tirana for the 44th RAI Steering Group Meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Public Administration and Anti-Corruption of Albania as part of the Week of Integrity. This important event brought together representatives of anti-corruption bodies, ministries, and agencies from across the SEE region to review the progress and implementation of ongoing projects, evaluate the Work Plan 2023-2025, and align RAI’s strategic objectives.
In the opening remarks, Ms. Adea Pirdeni, Minister of Public Administration and Anti-Corruption expressed support for the work of RAI and praised the organization for bringing the region together to discuss the challenges and look for solutions together.
RAI Chairperson, Mr. Dražen Jelenić, expressed in his opening remarks optimism for fruitful and important discussions with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation through enhanced anti-corruption mechanisms and planning activities for the upcoming year. Mr. Jelenić also underlined that the anti-corruption efforts and initiatives taken by Albania can serve as an inspiration to the entire region.
Additional Information:
Summary and Decisions

Western Balkans Next Gen: Leading the Fight Against Corruption
2025-02-26 | Skopje, North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia

Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the Implementation of the Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest (2021-2025) and the Roadmap for Developing New Anti-Corruption Strategy
2025-02-27 | Skopje, North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia
The significant loss of assets due to corruption severely undermines the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals threatens global economies, weakens democracies, and erodes the rule of law. A collaborative, multisectoral approach, as outlined by the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), is essential for driving meaningful change and achieving lasting results over time.
The key to UNCAC implementation is the development and enforcement of national anti-corruption policies. North Macedonia is set to begin developing a new anti-corruption National Strategy in 2025. The previous strategy, formally known as the National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interests, with the Action Plan for its implementation, selected priority issues and identified measures to overcome them for the period 2021 to 2025. This strategy was adopted by the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia and provided specific commitments to be carried out by relevant institutions, alongside guidelines and themes pertinent to the fight against corruption.
To that end, a comprehensive and transparent consultation process was conducted, involving representatives from the public and private sectors, the media, NGOs, experts, and relevant international organizations. This inclusive approach should continue to guide the development of the new strategy.
Building on this, UNODC aims to convene the first national multi-stakeholder consultation to support the development of the new strategy and assess the implementation level of the current strategy, along with the identified challenges and success stories. The consultation will bring together anti-corruption experts from governmental institutions, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, with a particular focus on gathering input from non-state actors.

The event will be organized in partnership with the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption of North Macedonia and held under the framework of the Southeast Europe – Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II) Regional Programme. This Programme is implemented in collaboration with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) Secretariat and funded by the Austrian Development Agency.

Sarajevo: Regional Policy Dialogue on Good Governance and Women Leadership in SEE
2025-04-01 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Regional Policy Dialogue on Good Governance and Women’s Leadership in Southeast Europe successfully gathered over 70 high-level participants from across the region and the EU in Sarajevo today. The event was organized by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) in partnership with the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) and Women on Boards Adria (WOBA) and co-funded by the Central European Initiative (CEI), the America for Bulgaria Foundation, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
This high-level forum provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the intersection of gender equality, good governance, and institutional resilience. Distinguished leaders, policymakers, and experts exchanged insights on how to advance gender-responsive governance and strengthen institutional integrity across Southeast Europe.
Ms. Desislava Gotskova, in her opening address, emphasized that this event is about changing the narrative — together. “It is not just a conference but a dialogue, intentionally designed to foster collective strategy rather than isolated statements and to build sustained momentum for systemic change rather than merely showcasing success stories.”
Mr. Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of RCC, underlined that empowering women is not just about fairness – it’s a strategic investment that benefits entire societies. “It drives economic growth, strengthens governance, and builds more resilient communities. Through regional cooperation, we can create more opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for our region.”
In his welcoming message, Mr. Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of CEI highlighted that regional sustainable development requires gender equality through women empowerment and meaningful participation at all levels of society and the policy-making process.
Marija Pejčinović Burić, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe and former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, set the tone of the event by emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping democratic and transparent institutions.
The engaging and interactive discussions that followed focused on the commitments needed for sustained progress in gender-responsive governance, policy reforms, and strategies for increasing the representation of women in leadership positions.
Beyond formal discussions, the event fostered meaningful networking opportunities. The social gathering following the sessions provided an informal setting for participants to continue the dialogue, experience local hospitality, and build new partnerships.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, welcomed the participants to the social networking event, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong regional connections and partnerships in an informal setting.
This dialogue reaffirmed that gender-responsive governance is not just a policy goal but a fundamental principle for achieving sustainable development and institutional resilience in the region. The discussions and commitments made here will serve as a foundation for continued collaboration and concrete action toward inclusive leadership and good governance.

Multi-stakeholder Workshop on Implementing the UNCAC in Southeast Europe
2025-04-08 - 2025-04-10 | Vrdnik, Serbia
This workshop aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), its Implementation Review Mechanism, and the broader links between corruption and organized crime, including the relevance of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). It will provide a platform for constructive dialogue among civil society, the private sector, and government representatives, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing on challenges, needs, and successes in crime prevention across the region.
This event is organized under auspices of the Regional Programme Southeast Europe-Together against Corruption (SEE-TAC II), implemented in partnership with the UNODC and with the financial support of the Austrian Development Cooperation.

Multi-stakeholder Consultation on the Implementation of the National Strategy for Fight Against Corruption
2025-07-01 | Podgorica, Montenegro
The Government of Montenegro adopted the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption for 2024–2028 on 4 June 2025. This strategic document sets out Montenegro’s national priorities in combating corruption and aligns with the principles and obligations of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Its implementation requires strong coordination across government institutions and active engagement with non-state actors including civil society, the private sector, the media, and academia. A multi-stakeholder, participatory approach is essential to ensuring relevance, transparency, and accountability.
In this context, the national multi-stakeholder consultation will be organized in support of the new Strategy’s implementation. The consultation will serve as a platform to:

Facilitate dialogue among government entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners;
Review the current status of anti-corruption measures and institutional commitments under the new Strategy;
Identify implementation challenges and emerging priorities;
Gather recommendations for effective monitoring and coordination mechanisms.

The consultation will place particular emphasis on the inclusion of non-state actors to foster public ownership and enhance oversight and transparency.
The event will be organized in partnership with the Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption and the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and held under the framework of the “Southeast Europe-Together Against Corruption II (SEE-TAC II)” Regional Programme. The Programme is implemented by RAI in in collaboration with UNODC and funded by the Austrian Development Agency.

20th Edition of RAI Summer School - Introduction to UNCAC and UNTOC Review Mechanisms
2025-07-02 - 2025-07-04 | Podgorica, Montenegro
The 20th Edition of the Summer School aims to equip junior representatives of respective ministries, prosecutors and anti-corruption authorities from Southeast Europe (SEE) with the necessary knowledge and expertise in anti-corruption and organized crime topics. The main objectives of the 20th edition of Summer School is to provide the junior practitioners with an overview of the UNCAC and UNTOC Conventions, taking into account different obligations and activities that countries have in the implementation, including a review mechanism for both Conventions. This edition will also provide the participants with essential insights into content of the Conventions, enabling them to familiarize with the responsibility of each country in prescribing criminal offences, which preventive and repressive measures are at authorities disposal, about MLA and JITs, proactive investigations, controlled delivery, also providing insight how countries prepare for the implementation review mechanism, how they establish coordination on the national level, and prepare the meetings with evaluation countries. The program is envisioned to be delivered in an engaging and interactive format, where participants will delve into the various domains, gaining practical skills for self-improvement and interpersonal relations.

Whistleblower Protection in Southeast Europe: As Good as It Gets? Launch of the Regional Report
2025-10-24 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

National event: Albania’s multi-stakeholder approach to corruption prevention
2025-10-31 | Tirana, Albania

Training on CRA in the Nature/Biodiversity Protection Sector
2025-11-17 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Target groups:

Representatives from the Ministry responsible for environmental protection; the Ministry of Justice; the anti-corruption body; other independent oversight institutions; services of parliamentary committees in charge of environmental protection and anti-corruption; public enterprises, and other state entities responsible for nature protection and management of protected areas.
Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) involved in environmental protection and anti-corruption efforts.

The Overall Goal of the Training:
To introduce participants to the content and purpose of the CRA Guidance with Checklists in the Nature/Biodiversity Protection Sector and to build their capacity to apply the Checklists in their work when analysing areas and processes particularly vulnerable to corruption, and in identifying measures for improvement.

Training on CPL in the Nature/Biodiversity Protection Sector
2025-11-18 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Target groups:

Representatives of the ministry responsible for environmental protection; specialised Government agencies responsible for environmental issues; the anti-corruption body; other independent oversight bodies; Ministry of Justice, the services of parliamentary committees in charge of environmental protection and anti-corruption; public enterprises, and other state entities responsible for nature protection and management of protected areas.
Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) involved in environmental protection and anti-corruption efforts.

The Overall Goal of the Training:
The overall goal of the training is to introduce participants to the content and purpose of the CPL Guidance with Checklists in the Nature/Biodiversity Protection Sector, and to empower them to identify and assess regulatory corruption risk factors in legislation using the CPL Methodology and Checklists, thereby contributing to the adoption of appropriate legislation.

Training on CRA in the Police Sector
2025-11-19 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Target groups:

Representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Police (preferably employees from internal control units, internal (financial) audit units, designated persons for integrity plans/integrity managers, and members of disciplinary and ethics commissions); anti-corruption body; Ombudsperson; other independent oversight bodies; Ministry of Justice, and the services of parliamentary committees responsible for security and defense and anti-corruption.
Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) engaged in institutional oversight, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

The Overall Goal of the Training:
To introduce participants to the content and purpose of the CRA Guidance with Checklists in the Police/MoI Sector and to build their capacity to apply the Checklists in their work when analysing areas and processes particularly vulnerable to corruption, and in identifying measures for improvement.

Training on CPL in the Police Sector
2025-11-20 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Target groups:

Representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Police; anti-corruption body; Ombudsperson; other independent oversight bodies; Ministry of Justice, and the services of parliamentary committees responsible for security and defense and anti-corruption.
Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) engaged in institutional oversight, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

The Overall Goal of the Training:
The overall goal of the training is to introduce participants to the content and purpose of the CPL Guidance with Checklists in the Police/Ministry of Interior Sector, and to empower them to identify and assess regulatory corruption risk factors in legislation using the CPL Methodology and Checklists, thereby contributing to the adoption of appropriate legislation.

CoSP 11 Special Event: Inclusive Anti-Corruption Strategies for Lasting Impact in SEE
2025-12-17 16:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Qatar)
EVENT AGENDA
EVENT LEAFLET

The Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI), in cooperation with the Government of North Macedonia, is proud to announce a dedicated special-event at the upcoming Conference of the States Parties — CoSP11. The event, titled “Inclusive Anti-Corruption Strategies for Lasting Impact in SEE”, will bring together government officials, civil society, regional anti-corruption institutions and international partners to highlight best practices and push for sustainable, evidence-based reforms across South-Eastern Europe.
🗓 Date: 17 December 2025⏰ Time: 16:00 (Doha Time)📍 Room: Special Event Room 1💬 Language: English (no interpretation)👥 Format: In-person

Why this event matters
As the main global anti-corruption gathering under UNCAC (the United Nations Convention against Corruption), CoSP brings together States Parties, non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, and international institutions to review progress, share challenges, and set the agenda for future action.
This special session co-organized by RAI and North Macedonia (with support from Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, UNODC’s Civil Society Unit, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), and Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD)) aims to shine a spotlight on the progress and challenges faced by Southeast Europe in moving from political commitment to real, impactful reform. By sharing regionally relevant experiences and evidence-based approaches, the event seeks to reinforce regional collaboration and support effective implementation of anti-corruption strategies.

Featured Speakers & Moderators
Speakers for the event include a diverse mix of regional leaders, anti-corruption experts, and civil society actors — ensuring a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead:
Arben Fetai — Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Good Governance, North Macedonia
Fotjona Tace — Director of Cabinet of Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Albania
Dušan Drakić — Acting Director, Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Montenegro
Uglješa Zvekić — Ambassador, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC)
Daniela Mineva — Senior Analyst, Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), Bulgaria
Snezhana Kamilovska — NGO representative and member of UNCAC Coalition
In addition, the event will be moderated by Albert Hani, the Director of RAI and Mirella Dummar Frahi, Chief, UNODC Civil Society Unit.
This careful mix of senior government, regional anti-corruption agency heads, civil society, and international experts is designed to foster a balanced, inclusive discussion — reflecting the variety of stakeholders needed for effective anti-corruption reform.
By situating Southeast Europe’s experiences within the global framework of CoSP, the event aims to strengthen visibility of regional efforts and encourage more coordinated, impactful anti-corruption action going forward.
