Corruption prevention measures strengthened with the support of the EU. EU Twinning Project ‘Support to the Implementation of Integrity Measures successfully completed- Discorso pronunciato dalla Prof.ssa Nicoletta Parisi - Autorità Nazionale Anticorruzione

Introduzione

The two-year twinning project “Support to the implementation of integrity measures” was funded by the European Union with 600,000 euros, and implemented by the National AntiCorruption Agency of the Republic of Italy (ANAC), while the Montenegrin beneficiary institution is the Agency for Prevention of Corruption (APC).

The project provided support to the implementation of integrity measures in the public sector and enhanced the anti-corruption system and policy, by strengthening of the APC’s capacity to implement its competences.

At the closing event, the guests were welcomed by the Deputy Chief Negotiator and National IPA Coordinator in the Government of Montenegro, Ms. Ivana GLIŠEVIĆ ĐUROVIĆ, and Head of the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro, H.E. Mr Aivo ORAV. Keynote speeches were given by the representatives of the twinning partners on this project, Ms. Nicoletta PARISI, the member of the Council of the National Anti-Corruption Authority of the Republic of Italy, and the Director of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Mr. Sreten RADONJIĆ.

The key project results were presented by Ms. Sonja LEVSTIK, Resident Twinning Advisor on the project, while closing remarks were made by H.E. Mr Luca ZELIOLI, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Montenegro.

Project activities were focused on improving the implementation of integrity measures, the whistleblowing mechanism and protection of whistle-blowers, as well as the legislation regulating lobbying in Montenegro. The work of the Italian experts and the Agency’s staff was organized in training sessions, consultative meetings, workshops, and two study visits to the relevant institutions of the Republic of Italy in Rome.

With the aim of strengthening the implementation of integrity measures in the public sector, the twinning partners devoted special attention to the analysis of legal provisions and their application in four areas vulnerable to corruption: public procurement; privatization; healthcare; education.

Those analyses and recommendations will improve the Agency’s work in monitoring of the legislation and drafting opinions on the legislation in the area of anticorruption.

To improve the application of legal provisions on acting upon whistle-blowers’ reports and their protection, the recommendations made using best European and international practice will be used in the formulation of proposals for amendments to the Law on Prevention of Corruption, as well as for improvement of the existing whistleblowing mechanism and its functioning. Cooperation with private sector established within the framework of this project will be continued, so as to raise awareness among private sector employees about the whistleblowing mechanisms and protection of whistle-blowers, and to train persons designated to handle whistle-blowers’ reports in that sector.

Aiming to provide for effective implementation of the Law on Lobbying, the analysis of current legal provisions was carried out, and stronger promotion of this Law initiated among stakeholders and general public.

The twinning partners drafted a number of proposals for potential amendments to the Law on Lobbying in future.

In order to improve the organizational capacities of the Agency, an assessment was made of the training needs of the Agency's staff and recommendations and tools for further work provided.

A series of trainings for the Agency’s staff were carried out and a new information brochure was prepared on the key responsibilities of the Agency for stakeholders.

The experts also provided guidelines for improving cooperation between the Agency and other bodies and institutions.

The closing ceremony was attended by a number of high-ranked officials from the Government of Montenegro, diplomatic missions of countries and international organis ations to Montenegro, and guests from across the public and NGO sector.