The objective of the expert meeting was to familiarize anti-corruption agencies with the research methodology for measuring their effectiveness, developed by IACA as part of the Global Programme on Measuring Corruption, as well as to discuss initial findings for the European region and strengthen international cooperation.

The methodology was piloted in 2025 with the participation of 50 anti-corruption agencies from around the world, while IACA’s objective is to include 100 agencies in the research during 2026. The data collected is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, the identification of good practices, and the improvement of their work.

The conference brought together heads of anti-corruption agencies, experts working on measuring their effectiveness, and representatives of national statistical offices and international organizations.

Particular attention was devoted to European experiences in strengthening the anti-corruption framework, national and regional approaches to measuring the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies, as well as cooperation with national statistical offices. Discussions also addressed current challenges, including transparency and oversight of political party financing, as well as the use of information technology and artificial intelligence in detecting corruption.

Moderating the panel session entitled “Transparency and Oversight of Political Party Financing,” Director of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Kristina Braletić, emphasized that political financing, as an area where money, political power and public decision-making intersect, must be regulated by clear rules and subject to independent and effective oversight.

She pointed out that the digitalization of election campaigns and the activities of third parties create new risks, which is why institutions need access to relevant data, strong analytical capacities, adequate resources, and effective cooperation with other competent authorities.

Braletić emphasized that the legal provisions regulating the activities of third parties in Montenegro will be applied for the first time during the 2027 electoral cycle, representing an important step towards enhancing the transparency of political financing.

On the margins of the event, the Agency’s management met with a delegation of the Falcone–Borsellino Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Italy. During the meeting, the parties agreed on the next steps and specific activities aimed at strengthening the Agency’s capacities, primarily in the area of acting upon whistleblower reports.

The Agency for Prevention of Corruption will continue to actively participate in international initiatives aimed at developing reliable effectiveness indicators, exchanging good practices, and further strengthening institutional capacities.