Agency for Prevention of Corruption hosts regional colleagues at a two-day workshop onstrengthening transparency and institutional integrity

Pristina, 22–23 May 2025
As part of the Project against Economic Crime (PECK III), co-financed by the European Union
and the Council of Europe, a regional workshop was held in Pristina with the participation of
over 80 officials from the public administration of Kosovo and regional countries: the High
Inspectorate for Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict of Interest – Albania, the State
Commission for Prevention of Corruption – North Macedonia, the Agency for Prevention of
Corruption – Montenegro, and the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of
the Fight Against Corruption (APIK) – Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event focused on two key topics of good governance: the declaration and verification of
assets and gifts of public officials, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Mary Ann Hennessey, Head of the Council of Europe Office in
Pristina, emphasized the importance of aligning regional standards in building democratic
and sustainable institutions. The Director of the Agency, Mr. Yll Buleshkaj, underlined that
transparency of officials’ assets is the foundation of public trust, stating:
“Suspicious cases are often identified by citizens, civil society organizations, and the media.”

Participants shared practical experiences and challenges in implementing legislation on
asset declarations and conflicts of interest, and discussed the use of technology and artificial
intelligence in monitoring and verifying officials’ assets.
The second day focused on conflict of interest, with particular attention to sensitive sectors
such as academia, healthcare, and culture. Representatives from peer agencies in the region
shared national practices and recommended enhancing cross-border cooperation in
verifying assets abroad.
Held under the motto “Trust begins with transparency,” this event reinforced institutional
commitment to corruption prevention and regional cooperation in preserving and
promoting the integrity of public institutions.