Bulgaria Takes Bold Steps Against Corruption
A Landmark Forum for Change
In a recent high-level gathering, Bulgaria’s government, business sector, civil society, and individual citizens came together to tackle the pervasive problem of corruption in the country. The event emphasized the need for collective action and cooperation to build trust and achieve change.
A Culture of Integrity at All Levels
“The fight against corruption is not just about laws and regulations; it’s about building a culture of integrity at all levels,” said Boni Bonev, Chair of the Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce. This sentiment was echoed by participants from government, business, civil society, and international organizations.
Concrete Measures for Change
The event brought together leading figures to discuss concrete measures to strengthen transparency and governance in Bulgaria. Participants agreed on the need for a zero-tolerance approach and united efforts from government, business, and civil society to tackle corruption in public procurement.
- Government’s Role: The government’s role is crucial in combating corruption, but collective initiatives that promote transparency and fairness for all are also essential.
- Collective Action: Collective Action plays a vital role in complementing regulations and creating a culture of integrity. This approach can address various issues such as raising standards of integrity in industries or markets, developing self-regulatory standards for specific sectors, and enhancing fair competition.
A Platform for Dialogue
To turn words into action, participants emphasized the need for a robust platform for dialogue between government and private sectors. Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel stressed the importance of sharing experiences, good ideas, and practices from national and international perspectives.
International Support
The stakes are high, both within Bulgaria and internationally. Corruption harms the global economy and deters foreign investment, warned François Valérian, Member of the Board of Transparency International. U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten highlighted the importance of close coordination with the business community and civil society to prevent the entry of corrosive capital and attract constructive foreign investment.
A Strong Appetite for Change
The strong appetite for change in Bulgaria is a significant step forward in fostering trust across sectors. The Basel Institute on Governance stands ready to assist the government and stakeholders to launch innovative Collective Action initiatives to support the fight against corruption.