ASK: EC recognizes progress in the Agency's work, points to the need to strengthen administrative and financial capacities

The European Commission recognized the appointment of the director for a full term as a step that ensured the functionality of the Anti-Corruption Agency (AKS) and enabled the improvement of its work and strengthening of its independence, while at the same time pointing out the need to further strengthen the administrative and financial capacities of the AAK, the institution announced.

As they state, ASK welcomes the findings of the latest non-paper report of the European Commission for chapters 23 and 24, which states that the Agency's efficiency continues to grow and that the balance of results in the field of corruption prevention continues to improve in quantitative terms.

"At the same time, the EC points to the need to further strengthen the administrative and financial capacities of the KAS, which the Agency itself recognizes as one of the key prerequisites for the full implementation of its mandate. The EC particularly emphasizes that the financial independence of the KAS has not yet been fully ensured, which represents a potential risk to its operations. The non-paper also notes that the overall impact of the Agency's work remains limited. This finding confirms the importance of further improving the legislative framework, as well as the interoperability of the Agency's databases and the competent law enforcement authorities, on which the Agency continuously insists and actively works," they said.

They add that the European Commission has emphasized the importance of connecting ASK's information systems with other competent institutions for more efficient data exchange.

"The Agency is already making significant efforts to connect the information systems of the ASK, the Special State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Directorate. As recognized in the Non-paper, this will contribute to improving the control of asset records through better connectivity with existing databases, establishing links with new databases, including public procurement and the register of beneficial owners, as well as ensuring secure data exchange. The European Commission also recognizes the need to further improve the legislative framework, including amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, the adoption of a new Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers and the improvement of the legal framework regulating the financing of political entities," they point out.

ASK points out that the Agency's positively assessed efforts are aimed at strengthening the integrity of its own procedures, including improving employment rules and introducing stricter criteria for the integrity test, in line with GRECO recommendations.

"The European Commission's findings confirm that positive progress has been made in the work of the Agency, but at the same time point to areas where additional improvements are needed. These are challenges that the Agency itself recognizes and continuously emphasizes, which is why it will remain committed to overcoming them in the coming period through strengthening institutional capacities, improving the legislative framework and consistent application of European standards in the field of corruption prevention," they conclude.