BACKGROUND
Corruption in North Macedonia persists, eroding citizen and investor trust in institutions, diminishing accountability and transparency, hindering economic growth, and contributing to political fragility and instability. Corruption prevails because authorities do not act to implement reforms or address corruption when it occurs, and institutions struggle with ineffective processes and insufficient resources. According to reports on public perception, the justice system does not treat everyone equally before the law and undue political influence prevents justice in corruption cases. Further, citizens and businesses believe corruption is an ingrained part of life and do not do enough to demand more.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the program is to partner with the government and independent state institutions to identify common priorities, co-create, and to co-invest in activities that strengthen national-level systems aiming to reduce institutional vulnerabilities to corruption. The program supports the government and other anti-corruption entities to take action in addressing corruption when it occurs. The program works in equal partnership with the government and independent state entities to detect, mitigate, and prevent corruption of all forms, and hold state actors accountable. The program engages independent state entities to improve government functioning, cooperation, and coordination; increase transparency in ways that decrease opportunities for corruption; and support accountability mechanisms within the purview of the government and independent state accountability mechanisms. The program creates opportunities by diversifying anti-corruption partnerships and exploring the use of innovative approaches, tools, and technologies.
EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACT
• Effective systems are put in place to ensure that public sector employees adhere to the ethics and integrity standards;
• Strong, interrelated and well-functioning systems are developed to fight corruption with timely response;
• Government processes, procedures, and ability to mitigate risk of corruption are strengthened;
• Accountability of the key institutions that fight against corruption is improved;
• Efficiency of service delivery, standardization of services, and accessibility of government services are enhanced;
• Transparency and efficiency of the public sector are increased.
