TIRANA, October 3/ATA/ Ambassador of the European Union in Tirana Silvio Gonzato stated today that the setting up of the Special Commission with the aim of advancing good governance reforms, anti-corruption and the rule of law is an opportunity to make efforts to prevent corruption.
In his speech at the Regional Forum on Good Governance and the Fight against Corruption, Gonzato said that an independent, strong, empowered civil society that manages to engage in constructive dialogue with public institutions and businesses is a critical element for the fight against corruption.
Recently, he added, “The Assembly created a Special Commission with the aim of advancing good governance reforms, anti-corruption and the rule of law. This is an opportunity to make more efforts to prevent corruption, thus involving a variety of actors and experts. Taking into account the results that have been achieved, we must continue.”
The ambassador underlined that the European Commission has prepared an anti-corruption package including the proposal for the directive to fight corruption.
“Beginning this year, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro were also included in EU reports on the rule of law, putting them on the same level as member states, helping them to identify and deal with these problems properly”, he said.
Furthermore, added Gonzato, “The new EU growth plan for the Western Balkans offers new opportunities for strengthening and accelerating anti-corruption efforts. This plan includes up to 6 billion euros in loans and grants with access to some of the benefits of EU membership and the common market. But, these funds depend on the country’s key reforms and their implementation. Therefore, a dialogue is taking place with the partners of the Western Balkans to look at these areas of reform and to see where progress will be made. The EU remains committed to support anti-corruption efforts in the Western Balkans and to work closely with regional partners, international actors and civil society”. /r.e//a.f/p.s./
