Recognizing the necessity to strengthen and concretize relations with the civil sector, Ms Jelena Perović, Director of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and her associates held an online meeting with Mr Stevo Muk and Ms Ana Đurnić, representatives of the NGO Institute Alternative on 14 October.

It was another in a series of meetings with non-governmental organizations, which the Director of the Agency held during the previous weeks, with the aim of creating an environment of mutual trust, open exchange of opinions, knowledge and practice.

One of the topics of the meeting was the legislative framework in the field of anti-corruption and the possibilities for its improvement, with the common position that there is room for the Agency to make fuller use of the existing legal powers and competencies.

The representatives of the Institute Alternative informed the Director of the Agency about their experiences in initiating cases before this authority and expectations for impartial and efficient decision-making. In addition, they made suggestions for development and improvement of the Agency's practice regarding control of property records, analysis of compliance of conflict of interest regulations with the Law on Prevention of Corruption, and proactive action in publishing opinions on conflict of interest and restrictions in performing public functions.

The interlocutors agreed that an important step had been made in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation, and that there would be more actions taken in this regard.

Director Perović reaffirmed her firm commitment to the Agency's transparency and its openness to initiatives that strengthen this institution and anti-corruption mechanisms, announcing new meetings with representatives of the non-governmental sector.