EU Supports Anti-Corruption Efforts in Albania with Multi-Beneficiary Programme
The European Union has launched a Multi-Beneficiary Programme to support anti-corruption efforts in Albania, aiming to strengthen the country’s institutions and promote economic growth.
Overview of the Programme
As part of this programme, a pilot survey was conducted on 90 businesses in Durres and Tirana, revealing that bribery is a widespread problem in the country. The survey aimed to gauge the prevalence of bribery among businesses and identify areas where anti-corruption efforts can be improved.
Survey Findings
The survey found that:
- 15.7% of businesses paid bribes to public officials at least once in the past year.
- The average frequency of bribes was 4.6.
- 85.1% of businesses had at least one direct contact with a public official in the past year.
Definition of Bribery
The survey defined bribery as “the promise, offering or giving to a public official, directly or indirectly, of an undue advantage, for the official himself or herself or another person or entity, in order that the official act or refrain from acting in the exercise of his or her official duties.”
Running a Business in Albania
Running a business in Albania requires frequent interactions with public administration officials. Companies often find themselves enmeshed in a network of administrative obligations and prerequisites.
Impact on Businesses
The prevalence of bribery is calculated as the number of businesses who gave a public official money, a gift or counter favour on at least one occasion in the past year. As such, the average prevalence of business bribery in Albania is 15.7%, meaning that around one out of six businesses who had contact with a public official paid a bribe.
Objectives of the Programme
The Multi-Beneficiary Programme aims to support anti-corruption efforts by strengthening institutions and promoting economic growth. The programme will also work to:
- Increase transparency and accountability
- Promote good governance practices
Commitment from the European Union
“The European Union is committed to supporting Albania’s efforts to combat corruption and strengthen its institutions,” said an EU spokesperson. “We believe that a strong and transparent public administration is essential for economic growth and development.”
Programme Context
The programme is part of the IPA Transition Assistance and Institution-Building Component of the European Union, which aims to support countries in the Western Balkans region in their transition towards EU membership.
By supporting anti-corruption efforts in Albania, the European Union is demonstrating its commitment to promoting good governance practices and strengthening institutions in the country.