Prevention of corruption in post-socialist countries and transparency of public finances discussed by experts from 15 countries
A study on the prevention and combating corruption in post-socialist countries was presented at the online seminar of the Astana Civil Service Hub on "Transparency and Prevention of Corruption".
Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Astana Civil Service Hub Mr. Alikhan Baimenov, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Marat Akhmetzhanov and Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Robert Šumi have delivered opening remarks at the seminar.
Mr. Baimenov, in his welcoming speech, noted that an effective anti-corruption system is an essential condition for high-quality public administration, and based on this, the ACSH pays special attention to anti-corruption issues.
The speaker also stressed that the transparency of financial relationships between government agencies and private companies is an important component of any effective efforts to prevent corruption.
Mr. Akhmetzhanov, in his speech informed the participants about the measures taken to combat corruption and noted that the Concept of the Anti-Corruption Policy for 2022–2026 had recently been approved by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The strategic document specifies the transition to preventive anti-corruption measures, enhancing public engagement in anti-corruption initiatives and transparency of all procedures.
Dr. Šumi spoke about the importance of cooperation in the field of combating corruption and stressed that constantly changing conditions oblige to review the approaches to anti-corruption policy.
The keynote speaker of the event was Mr. Drago Kos, Head of the OECD Working Group on Bribery. He presented his research “Post-Socialist Countries Preventing and Fighting Corruption".
The study analyses the experience of post-socialist countries in preventing corruption, identifies specific examples, institutional, legislative measures and other aspects of combating corruption.
During the seminar, an Expert of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Gregor Pirzhevek demonstrated the operation of an electronic resource (www.erar.si), with the help of which it is possible to track every transaction of a government authority and organisation to a private company in real time.
The resource also allows to check the tax debt and the owners of the company, and other analytical information for a wide range of users. This electronic resource is an effective tool in increasing the transparency of public expenditure and helps to minimize corruption risks.
The full version of the study “Post-Socialist Countries Preventing and Fighting Corruption" can be found on the ACSH's website in the "Research and Knowledge Management" section.
A video recording of the live broadcast of the event is available for viewing on the ACSH Facebook page. Presentations are available at:
1. Best practices in combatting corruption.
2. ERAR and the Transparency of Public Spending.
