Fight against corruption

This Component will help to address the devastating consequences of corruption that can be detected in almost all aspects of political, social and economic life in BiH.

The main goal of this reform effort is to create legal prerequisites for the fight against corruption and ensure consistent implementation.

Steps

4.3.1.1. A state-level law on the protection of whistleblowers in line with the EU acquis is adopted, to which all other levels of government are then aligned. Based on ex-post evaluation report (evaluation will include alignment with the EU acquis), the drafting and adoption of a Law on the protection of whistleblowers will be key for this Step, together with harmonization of the legal framework.

4.3.1.2. Align with merit principles and EU standards the state, BD BiH and entity-level laws on civil service recruitment, promotion and dismissals, to which cantonal level laws are adapted Making public servants less reliant on political connections reduces the risks of corruption.

4.3.1.3. A functioning system is in place for the prevention and repression of conflict of interest, notably by aligning the legislative framework with European standards at all levels of government; by setting up an independent and professional Commission for the Conflict of Interest at the state level; and by setting up functioning and independent anticorruption bodies at the entity and cantonal levels To step up anti-corruption efforts, new legislation needs to be adopted at all levels on the declaration of assets and conflict of interests in line with international standards, in particular relevant GRECO recommendations.

4.3.1.4. Respective legislation covering public procurement, concessions and public private partnerships is brought in line with EU Acquis, and the Public Procurement Review Bodies at the state and entities level adequately staffed in order to fulfil their mandate This Step focuses on undertaking legislative activities with aim to improve and align legislative framework with EU acquis in order to strengthen anti-corruption safeguards throughout the entire procurement cycle.

4.3.1.5. Legislation on competition policy is implemented and harmonised with European standards The adoption of the Law on Competition in line with European standards will be the focus of this Step.

4.3.1.6. BiH legislation on competition policy, including state aid is aligned and implemented at all levels of government in line with EU acquis requirements and all administrative bodies entrusted with implementing it, including the BiH Competition Council and BiH State Aid Council, are based only upon professionalism in their decision-making in compliance with the EU acquis, perform their duties and exercise their powers in an impartial and transparent manner, act fully independently from political and other external influence and in the interest of the effective and uniform application of the law. BiH will further align its legislative framework in the area of competition and State aid with the relevant parts of the acquis.

4.3.1.7. An increase in the number of investigations, confirmed indictments and convictions is demonstrated in cases of corruption, including at high level Within this step, a special priority will be placed on prosecution of political corruption (high-level), bearing in mind its devastating consequences for the functioning of the judicial system as well as for the state and society as a whole.