Friedrich Ebert Stiftung - Office Skopje in cooperation with the Center for Research of Public Administration, the Faculty of Law at the SEE University – Tetovo and the "Democratic Club" Skopje, on 17th of November 2005 organized a conference that was held in the premises of SEE University in Tetovo.

The Conference aimed at debating the phenomena of corruption based on its existence in the Republic of Macedonia. Corruption is seen as one of the main factors impeding economic and democratic development and thus the serious fight against corruption is a precondition for the accession to the European Union. Also polls show that corruption is perceived as a major problem among Macedonian citizens. Researchers and other experts presented their views to the problem and developed recommendations.

The Rector of the SEE University Mr. Alajdin Abazi reminded in his opening speech that accepting the corruption as a society problem is a positive sign that RM is prepared to fight against this problem.



Stefan Dehnert, director of FES Skopje, in his welcoming speech stressed “…Corruption is hardly a problem exclusive to the Third World or the transitional nations. In Western Europe, Japan and Russia, among other countries, allegations of corruption are also present. An important difference is the extent and patterns of corruption and the political will and capacity to investigate and punish corruption. Besides this, different varieties of corruption are not equally harmful. Corruption that undercuts the rules of the game - for example, the justice System or property rights or banking and credit - devastates economic and political development. In comparison, bribes for public Services are less damaging. Combating corruption begins with better Systems. Monopolies must be reduced or carefully regulated. Transparency must be enhanced. The probability of being caught must increase, and the penalties for corruption (for both givers and takers) must rise. A long list of tasks that has to be implemented – a task that cannot be accomplished in short term, but a necessary task for the sake of the citizens and their future perspectives.”

Not unexpected, the most noticeable kind of corruption was identified in the privatization processes of state owned companies. The biggest mistake according to Prof. Kambovski was made at the beginning of the privatization processes, when some structures kept their eyes closed, and irregularities and corruption wasn’t punished. Not respecting of the private property law, not existing measurements of auditing the privatization process, conflict of interest and especially purchasing companies with direct agreement were mentioned as a Macedonian reality.

Many questions have been raised by the auditorium:

- Do we have a successful and objective investigation for corruption   cases on local level?
- Is there a legal instrument to fight corruption?
- Is the police prepared to be objective and to pursue the criminals?
- Do we have independent and brave institutions?
- Is police independent and what role do play party links?
- Who will make a turnover?

The conclusions drawn by the experts were that corruption in Macedonia is present mainly in the sphere of economy, education and the juridical system. There are efforts for fighting against corruption, but still without significant results.

Recommendations given by the participants have been:

1. There is a need for creation of an independent national
    committee for corruption prevention
2. There is a need to raise the awareness of the citizen that     corruption is an obstacle for entering of RM into EU and NATO
3. There is a need to have a good regional cooperation in combating     corruption in order to obtain the specified goal.


PDF download: (Macedonian)