Combating corruption, exchanging best practices, and creating opportunities for civic oversight to promote greater transparency and accountability in the public sector. These are the main areas for joint actions and initiatives outlined in the Memorandum of Cooperation between Transparency International Bulgaria and the National Audit Office.
Kalin Slavov, Executive Director of Transparency International Bulgaria and Dimitar Glavchev, President of the National Audit Office, discussed on Wednesday a number of current issues and opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two organizations. Over the past ten years, the two organizations have partnered to ensure transparency and public accountability regarding the financing of political parties during a series of election campaigns.
“The National Audit Office is among the most respected organizations in our country, as shown by the public opinion polls we have conducted. The institution stands out for its high level of public trust,” said Kalin Slavov. “We have ample scope for cooperation in this area,” Slavov added.
Mr Slavov noted that the fight against corruption is one of the leading trends among authoritative international organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“The National Audit Office and Transparency International Bulgaria have much greater potential to work together and exchange ideas and information. The nongovernmental organization is a leader in the field of public accountability and transparency, which are also fundamental principles in the work of the National Audit Office,” said Dimitar Glavchev.
Mr Glavchev recalled that as early as October 2023, the National Audit Office established its own unit to combat corruption, bribery, and money laundering, and the institution’s website features a special section where citizens can report violations.
The memorandum states that its primary objective is to create conditions for strengthening good governance, transparency, and accountability in the public sector and in the use of public funds. The document provides for cooperation in several areas:
- – in the process of communicating with civil society to promote understanding of the role and responsibilities of the National Audit Office;
– exchange of information regarding the implementation of instruments for civic oversight of the activities of public institutions and the use of public funds, such as Integrity Pacts in public procurement and other mechanisms for independent civic oversight;
– expert assessments and analyses regarding the implementation of the principles of good governance, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the public sector and the use of public funds;
– promoting inter-institutional cooperation and interaction with civil society, the academic community, the business sector, and the media;
– participation in joint events related to the prevention and combating of corruption.