Strasbourg, 5 July 2022 – The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), in a report published today, calls for further measures to prevent corruption in Serbia in respect of persons with top executive functions, including the President of the Republic, ministers, assistant ministers, state secretaries, chiefs of cabinet and political advisers, as well as members of the Serbian Police.

In its evaluation report, GRECO notes the central role played by the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in many respects, such as public bodies’ integrity plans adopted to offset corruption, public officials’ asset declarations, training and advice, and lobbying rules. Its action is based on the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, which imposes requirements on public officials, and the Law on Lobbying. However, there are a number of areas where improvements are needed.

First of all, GRECO calls for a public strategy on corruption prevention that covers explicitly persons with top executive functions. Moreover, integrity standards corresponding to top executive functions should be collected in a code of conduct, accompanied by practical guidance and sanctions in case of violation. Systematic and regular briefings and training should be organised for top officials on these standards.

GRECO stresses that asset declarations of persons with top executive functions should systematically undergo substantive monitoring. In addition, despite some progress, increased transparency of the legislative process in respect of government draft laws is required. Similarly, contacts of the President and the Government with lobbyists should be reported publicly. Moreover, rejections of requests for public information from the Government and Presidential administration should be open to appeal. In addition, in light of the low level of prosecution, the immunity provided to Government members ought not to cover corruption-related offences.

As regards law enforcement authorities, GRECO finds that a public strategy on corruption prevention in the police should be adopted, based on identified risk areas. Measures should also be taken to achieve a more open and transparent procedure for the appointment of the Chief of Police and other senior management posts as a measure to prevent politicisation. Moreover, the existing Code of Police Ethics should be revised in order to cover all relevant integrity topics and be accompanied by practical examples. Training for new recruits and serving police officers should be based on such a revised code and be compulsory for all. Furthermore, regular integrity vetting throughout the career of police members needs to be put in place as well as rotation of staff in risk-prone areas. Finally, safeguards should be in place to ensure sufficiently independent and transparent investigations into complaints against the police and to encourage whistleblowing.

The implementation of the recommendations addressed to Serbia will be assessed by GRECO in 2023 through its compliance procedure.

 Link to the report: English - French - Serbian

 

Ever since antiquity, corruption has been one of the most widespread and insidious of social evils. When it involves public officials and elected representatives, it is inimical to the administration of public affairs. Since the end of the 19th century, it has also been seen as a major threat in the private sphere, undermining the trust and confidence which are necessary for the maintenance and development of sustainable economic and social relations. It is estimated that hundreds of billions of Euros are paid in bribes every year. (more)

A word from the President of GRECO

Welcome to this window on GRECO’s world!
I invite you to use it to look into the work we do with our 50 member States. We use the dynamics of collective expertise and peer pressure to accomplish action by individual governments that will build durable barriers against corruption and bring to justice those who misuse their position for personal gain to the detriment of society as a whole.

Whether inspired by GRECO’s work, that of others with an anti-corruption agenda or our own experiences and principles, each one of us has a role to play in changing the mind-set to zero tolerance of corruption.

Members of GRECO Bureau

The composition of GRECO's Bureau is the following: Marin MRČELA (Croatia) - President and Ms Monika OLSSON (Sweden) - Vice-President; Panagiota VATIKALOU (Greece), António DELICADO (Portugal), Vita HABJAN BARBORIČ (Slovenia), Olivier GONIN (Switzerland) and David MEYER (United Kingdom) - members.

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