“Combatting corruption in the region”
Regional Meeting of Schools of Political Studies from the Western Balkans during the World Forum for Democracy, 27-29 November 2013
The meeting was opened by Mr Michael Remmert, Deputy to the Director of Policy Planning of the Council of Europe and moderator of the meeting, followed by some introductory remarks by SPS Directros from the Western Balkans region.
Corruption is a very serious problem in the region. Some would say that very little can be done about it or that it even has to be accepted as part of the mentality prevailing in the region. However, certain NGOs in the region have made the fight against corruption their central goal. Young leaders have also spoken up against certain practices and they will have a role to play in the future.
A younger generation is now acceding to positions of responsibility in the Balkans. The fight against corruption is an important theme in the Schools’ curricula. It has been recognised as one of the more stubborn problems our societies must face. One of the conclusions drawn from these discussions is that the reinforcement of democratic institutions is one, if not the key factor in combatting corruption and money-laundering.
The regional evolution towards democracy has had a hidden element, which has resulted in widespread corruption and lead to weak institutions. At the time, it was said that the first step towards democracy should be to privatise and, once this had been completed, to democratise. It appears that the first phase has been completed, although not the second. Did transition reinforce corruption?
Even after 20 years of transition, we must not stop to address this issue with determination. In Western Europe, many politicians might be tempted by the lure of corruption. However, this is countered by solid institutions, which are there to deter such developments.
The ensuing debate can be summed up by the following points :
• Transition from communism has proved to have been a difficult period in Eastern Europe and the work done has been enormous. Nonetheless, leaders from the former regime(s) could not realistically be expected to become democrats overnight. Problems are therefore understandable.
• A key question in the fight against corruption is people’s perception. Many people tend to believe that corruption is a matter mainly affecting big business. In reality, though, it hampers individuals’ economic development and is present at all levels, every day.
• Political patronage makes it difficult for people to take a stand against corruption. Politicians’ behaviour has a strong influence over how people perceive corruption. However, fighting corruption is a condition to joining the EU and this is expected to help diminish it.
• International rules also need to be reviewed, as much of the money coming from corruption ends up in foreign banks.
• When discussing the reinforcement of institutions, we must bear in mind that although independent agencies that fight corruption have indeed been created, they can only be effective if their independence is respected by all political actors and if accompanied by determined reform of public administration in terms of transparency, including in the sensitive field of public procurement.
• Political stability is vital in order to fight corruption. Constant changes in leadership and government have created a breeding ground for corruption.
There was agreement that building a society which rejects corruption must remain a key objective. Education can do a lot to change perceptions. The work must be done with the people. New role models should emerge. By continuing to address the problem of corruption, the Schools of Political Studies will play their part in realising this objective.
