IN THE SPOTLIGHT |
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STATEMENT of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on Anti-corruption measures in EaP countriesCorruption weakens public institutions and the rule of law, damages the competition and private investment climate, jeopardizes development and fosters instability. Impunity of public officials, lack of rule of law, opaque governance systems continue to hamper political and economic reforms in countries of EaP. Corruption in the government and business is pervasive, and a growing lack of accountability enables bureaucrats to act with impunity. From year to year countries of EaP continue to rank poorly on Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Another corruption measurement tool of Transparency International, Global Corruption Barometer 2013, shows that in too many countries the representatives of public institutions are not trusted. All EaP governments need to take the cry against corruption from their citizens seriously and respond with concrete actions to elevate transparency and accountability. Politicians need to regain trust by proving the legality of their incomes and assets and reveal potential conflict of interest. The EU should in turn serve as a model for transparent and accountable governance, both at member state and EU institution level. A first step would be applying a principled approach in EU relations with EaP countries, during their involvement in election monitoring and other democratic processes. The EU should also ensure that support to civil society goes to independent watchdogs and support them in the exercise of their political rights. Given the importance of Association Agreements with EaP countries, the EU should make the negotiations around these agreements open to the public and actively communicated to allow for informed debates and discussions at country level. Finally, the EU should establish a ban for corrupt officials, similar to the Magnisky list introduced in the US. The key thematic areas for joint actions of EU and EaP stakeholders in 2014-2015 should include:
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Project funded by the European Union