The signing Ceremony of the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for the Verification of Asset Declaration, took place at the Serbia Palace (Palata Srbija) in Belgrade, Serbia on March 19th, 2021. The signing ceremony was attended by the appointed representatives of the ministries of justice and anti-corruption agencies of Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Concerned and aware about the threats posed by corruption to the stability of the democratic institutions and the values of democracy, justice and good governance, the signatories have recognized the importance of international cooperation in their efforts to curb corruption.

The purpose of the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for the Verification of Asset Declaration is to prevent corruption by providing for a direct administrative exchange of information concerning asset declarations between the Parties to the Treaty.

The Treaty has been developed and negotiated under the Southeast Europe Regional Programme on Strengthening the Capacity of Anti-corruption Authorities and Civil Society to Combat Corruption and Contribute to the UNCAC Review Process, implemented by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and with financial support by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). The Treaty signing ceremony was delayed due to the public health crisis over COVID-19, for a year, but the signatories of the Treaty, RAI and the ADC remain committed to the cause. Implementation of the Treaty and opportunities for accession of additional parties to it will be facilitated through the Regional Programme Southeast Europe against Corruption – SEE-TAC.

The International Treaty is the first of its kind in the world, and is considered to be a key element of the anti-corruption fight in the region.

For further information on the International Treaty on Exchange of Data for the Verification of Asset Declarations, please follow this link.

For more information on the signing ceremony, please follow this link.