Skopje, 28 March 2025 (MIA) - Head of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, Tatjana Dimitrovska, said limited financial resources, insufficient political support and administrative obstacles remain the main factors slowing down the implementation of the National Strategy for the Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest.

Dimitrovska told Friday's open session of the anti-corruption commission that of a total of 154 activities for 2024, only 18 percent have been fully implemented, 32 percent are in the process of implementation, and 50 percent of the activities remain unimplemented. 

"One of the key positive aspects in the implementation of the strategy is the increased awareness of the importance of institutional accountability, as well as the active role of the anti-corruption commission in promoting the systems for prevention and sanctioning of corrupt practices. Over the past year, the implementation of the measures and activities provided for in the National Strategy for the Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest showed progress in certain areas, but at the same time we faced serious challenges that require additional engagement because significant weaknesses can still be observed in the implementation and monitoring of the activities. Data show that stronger engagement of all stakeholders and institutions is necessary, as well as coordination between state bodies, civil society, the media and international partners," said Dimitrovska. 

Anti-corruption commission members agreed that in the coming period it is necessary to strengthen institutional coordination, provide financial and human resources, increase transparency and accountability, support reforms in the legal system, encourage an active role of citizens and actively involve them in the preparation of the new national anti-corruption strategy for the 2026-2030 period. 

The State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption also adopted at today's session the 2024 annual report on the commission's work, according to which it has made 742 decisions last year, processed 451 cases of corruption due to conflict of interest, and forwarded 27 of them to the competent bodies for further action.

"The anti-corruption commission initiated amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest in order to strengthen the current anti-corruption mechanisms and prevent abuse of public resources, which includes increasing the commission's competences. We carried out an assessment of risks in the judiciary, i.e. in cooperation with the OSCE, the commission conducted a detailed assessment of risks in the judicial system, detecting significant weaknesses and proposing measures to overcome them. The report also included recommendations on improving the case assignment system, preventing influence on court decisions and strengthening the independence of judges and prosecutors. With a strategic approach, professionalism and ongoing cooperation," Dimitrovska pointed out, adding that the anti-corruption commission remains committed to building an efficient, transparent and accountable public sector. 

Photo: MIA