Protecting structural funds from corruption: The case of Slovakia Prague November 2016 Gabriel Šípoš, TI Slovakia sipos@transparency.sk
Protecting structural funds Failing state institutions Engaging public is more successful Difficult media environment
Slovakia and structural funds 6,4% - share of irregularities in 2013-2015, top in EU with CZ 122 – number of people sentenced for EU funds fraud (2012-2015) 7 – ended in jail (2012-2015)
Public contracts in Slovakia
+ 25% - increase in media coverage of tenders Public takes interest 8% or 400 000 – people checked online at least one contract or invoice per year + 25% - increase in media coverage of tenders 700 000 – annual visits to two main contracts portals
Easy to compare, find savings
Beneficial ownership register online
EU publicity breeds clientelism
Recommendations Support quality and independence of police, prosecutors and judiciary Extend benchmarking, value for money, impact analyses in procurement Push for external transparency Support media and NGOs
Thank you for your attention Public contracts portals: official www.crz.gov.sk Unofficial www.otvorenezmluvy.sk TI Slovakia research www.transparency.blog.sme.sk More information TI Slovakia www.transparency.sk