From June 25 to 27, 2024, in Tirana, Albania, the regional roundtable “Fast Tracking the Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption – Regional Platform for the Western Balkans” was held. This important event, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together senior government representatives and experts from the Western Balkans region to discuss and coordinate their efforts in the fight against corruption.

The Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption, represented by Director Yll Buleshkaj and Director of Department Afrim Atashi, took an active part in this roundtable. The Agency demonstrated its commitment and efforts to strengthen integrity and transparency in the public sector and to promote a common regional approach to the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The regional roundtable aimed to accelerate the implementation of UNCAC in the Western Balkans region through a common regional platform. Discussions focused on improving preventive measures and strengthening law enforcement capacities, international cooperation and asset recovery. Among the main topics that will be included in the new regional program are:

  • Strengthening the integrity framework for public servants in vulnerable areas,
  • Ensuring the implementation of national anti-corruption strategic documents,
  • Strengthening regional strategies for public awareness involving the private sector, academia and NGOs,
  • Improving the integrity and transparency of the private sector, including lobbying and financing of political parties,
  • Strengthening public procurement and procurement review bodies to ensure transparency and competition, in accordance with EU directives,
  • Strengthening beneficial ownership transparency in line with EU standards by the end of 2026,
  • Improving the interoperability of public data systems.

The Agency for Prevention of Corruption remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the UNCAC and to promoting integrity and transparency at all levels of government and society. Participation in this regional roundtable confirms our commitment to working together with regional partners to prevent and fight corruption and build strong and honest institutions.