Croatia’s Robust Framework for International Cooperation Praised

A recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended Croatia’s robust framework for international cooperation in the fight against corruption. The report highlights the country’s strong institutions and laws aimed at preventing and combating corruption.

Strong Institutions and Laws Against Corruption

The study found that seven out of ten businesses surveyed had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant in the 12 months prior to the survey. While most interactions followed the rules and regulations applicable to administrative procedures, there were still instances of bribery and other illicit transactions between private sector service users and civil servants.

Efforts to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Policies and Strategies

The report praised Croatia’s efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption policies and strategies, including:

• The establishment of a specialized anti-corruption agency
• Measures to prevent corruption in public procurement

“Croatia has made significant progress in strengthening its institutions and laws aimed at preventing and combating corruption,” said [Name], UNODC Representative for Southeastern Europe. “The country’s robust framework for international cooperation is also noteworthy, as it enables effective sharing of information and best practices with other countries in the region.”

Recommendations

To further strengthen its anti-corruption efforts, Croatia is recommended to:

• Increase Public Awareness and Engagement: promote a culture of transparency and accountability among citizens
• Improve Transparency and Accountability: ensure that government actions are transparent and accountable to the public
• Enhance Law Enforcement Capacity: improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases

Key Findings

• 70.4% of surveyed businesses had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant in the 12 months prior to the survey.
• Direct interactions between private companies and public officials are required for acts of bribery to take place.
• The report highlights Croatia’s commitment to combating corruption and praises the country’s progress in this area.

Overall, the UNODC report provides valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and civil society organizations seeking to promote a transparent and accountable public sector.