WHAT IS A GIFT?

A gift, in terms of the Law on Prevention of Corruption, is an item, right, or service acquired or performed without compensation, as well as any other benefit given to a public official or a person related to the public official in connection with the exercise of public function.

TYPES OF GIFTS

Ø An appropriate gift is a gift worth up to €50.

Ø A protocol gift is a gift from representatives of another state or an international organization, given during visits, hosting, or on other similar occasions.

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DISPOSITION OF GIFTS

Protocol gifts become state or municipal property. If an appropriate gift exceeds 50 euros, it must be handed over to the public authority. All gifts are recorded in the gift register.

OBLIGATION TO REFUSE A GIFT

A public official must immediately refuse an unacceptable gift. If the gift could not be refused, it must be handed over to the public authority within 5 days. Within 8 days, the official is required to submit a written report on the gift offer to the APC.

The Gift Report is completed and submitted online on the APC (Agency for the Prevention of Corruption) website by filling out the form in the section “User Services – For State Authorities.” After submitting the online form, the report receives a barcode, is printed and signed, and then delivered to the Agency in person or by mail.

PROHIBITIONS ON RECEIVING GIFTS

A public official must not receive gifts except for protocol gifts and appropriate gifts. If public official is not sure whether its value exceeds €50, he must not accept it.

Total value of all appropriate gifts received in one year:

Ø From the same donor – up to €50.

Ø From multiple donors – up to €100.

UNLAWFUL RECEIPT OF GIFTS

If the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (ASK) determines that a gift was received contrary to the Law, the public official must: return the gift to the authority, or pay its equivalent monetary value. The Agency maintains, updates, and publishes a catalogue of all reported gifts to increase transparency.

For violations of the rules regarding gifts, fines are imposed as follows:

• Public authority: €1,000 – €20,000
• Public official: €500 – €2,000