On 20 May, the European Union is launching a new EU for Integrity Programme to support its Eastern partners in open government reforms and the fight against corruption.
The three-year program is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The EU has committed €7 million to this initiative.
The rule of law, functioning democratic institutions and an active civil society are crucial aspects of the democratic transformation of the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine).
To tackle these challenges and achieve better results, the EU for Integrity Programme will support the Eastern Partnership countries in implementing evidence-based anti-corruption policies, stepping up the enforcement of anti-corruption legislation. The programme will also scale up support to governments and civil society, using OGP action plans to advance critical reforms and work with partner countries to implement them.
“The EU for Integrity Programme marks the beginning of an important cooperation between the European Union, the OECD Anti-Corruption Network and the Open Government Partnership. Together, we will support the Eastern Partnership countries in their efforts in the areas of anti-corruption, civic engagement and public administration reform,” said Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.
The EU for Integrity Programme will develop an innovative method to measure results and promote reforms through anti-corruption performance indicators based on the OECD/ACN methodology. The programme will also provide analysis, recommendations, and exchange of experience among anti-corruption, law-enforcement and business integrity practitioners.
