The Ministers of the Western Balkans convened and signed a collective statement aimed at combatting corruption in Southeast Europe through the digitization and confiscation of assets. This significant agreement took place on Thursday, coinciding with the ongoing OSCE Ministerial Council held in Skopje, North Macedonia, scheduled between November 30 and December 1.

The approved statement underscores the crucial need for collaborative endeavors in tackling this intricate challenge. Acknowledging the borderless nature of corruption, the signatories commit to collective action, vowing to collaborate in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting corruption throughout South East Europe. The statement emphasizes that only through unified efforts can substantial strides be made towards eliminating corruption.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, highlighted that corruption poses a significant threat to both security and economic prosperity. He emphasized that signing the declaration signifies their utmost commitment “at the highest possible level” to combatting corruption effectively.

“Through our endorsement of this statement, we underscore our unwavering determination and unconditional dedication to collaborate in preventing corruption across Southeast Europe. We are firmly resolved to combat corruption through rigorous financial investigations and the implementation of digitalization,” stated Osmani.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, underlined the significance of international cooperation as an essential factor for enabling the fight against corruption.

“We may label ourselves as champions of anti-corruption, yet the reality may differ. Wherever there is wealth, corruption tends to thrive. While receiving a commission in the West might be legal, it still constitutes corruption here. It’s regrettable that some do not acknowledge this; they ought to be the first to address these issues,” he remarked.

The Serbian minister insinuated corruption within the West, stating, “I doubt whether we are inherently more corrupt than them. My request is for them to refrain from lecturing us from the sidelines.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konakovic, acknowledged corruption as a “political reality in the Balkans,” attributing it as a driving force behind people’s decisions to relocate.

The leader of Montenegro’s diplomacy, Filip Ivanovic, emphasized the need for the OSCE to bolster its involvement in combating corruption and crime. Conversely, Igli Hasani, Albania’s counterpart, underscored that this fight should hold a prominent position on the agenda, highlighting the persistent political determination to take further actions in this domain.

/m.ll/