The Institute for Development and Research Alternatives (IDRA) held and event today for the purpose of introducing the public to the "Corruption Proofing of Albanian Legislation" project which is currently underway. The project is supported by the Dutch Embassy in Tirana. In the launching event, IDRA introduced participants with the ongoing efforts to set up an evaluation system for corruption proofing legislation in Albania, as well as setting up a group of experts who will acquire the necessary training in this regard. This event was attended by the National Anti-Corruption Coordinator, Bledi Çuçi, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania.H.E Mrs.Dewi van de Weerd,

Mr. Auron Pashaj, Executive Director at IDRA, introduced participants with the details of the projects. According to Mr.Pashaj, the closing down of corruption gaps, starts with the proper drafting of legislation and regulation which can eliminate legal gaps for corruptive behavior. The main objective of the corruption proofing project, is to equip public officials with the methodology and knowledge required to identify and avoid gaps for corruptive behavior during the legislation drafting process. Mr.Pashaj also emphasized the importance of solid and properly consulted methodology for corruption proofing, which should be drafted in cooperation with  both national and international legal experts, as well as governmental institutions such as the office of the National Anti Coordinator in Albania. IDRA will monitor the development of legislation reviewed and present findings on a web portal, ranking legislative acts by a "corruption threat" index. The portal will also serve the purpose of informing and educating the public on these issues. IDRA has already provided trainings on the methodology to 22 experienced legal experts, who will review specific legislative draft prepared by line ministries or other public authorities, as well as prepare recommendations at the end of the review process.

The ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, Mrs. Dewi van de Weerd meanwhile greeted IDRA's initiative as a valuable effort to proactively contribute to the fight against the phenomenon of co
rruption in Albania. Mrs.Vad de Weerd also emphasized the importance of the fight against the phenomenon in view of Albania's effort to become a member of the European Union. According to Mrs. Van De Weerd, the approval of the judicial reform is a very important step in this regard, and a failure to adopt it would certainly be a "show-stopper". and have serious implications in the country's integration path. Meanwhile, Mrs. Van De Weerd acknowledged the presence of Mr.Çuçi at the event, claiming it was proof of the Albanian government's willingness to fight corruption in the country. Finally, the ambassador expressed her optimism and conviction that a succesful finalization of this project will prove to be of great assistance to the fight against corruption in Albania.

Mr. Bledi Çuçi, the National Coordinator for Anti-Corruption in Albania, considered IDRA's project on "Corruption Proofing Legislation" as one of the most promising in the fight againts corruption in the country. According to Mr.Çuçi, the process of corruption proofing legislation is also part of the government's most recent Anti-Corruption strategy. Mr.Çuçi also claims the drafting of solid methodology for corruption proofing is the key to the success of the project. The government's main objective, according to Mr.Çuçi, is to adopt "Corruption Proofing" as a compulsory instrument in the legislation drafting process, in cooperation with IDRA and other civil society actors.

Finally, Mr.Çuçi reassured IDRA of the government's support willingness to cooperate throughout the implementation of the project. As proof of this support, at the end of the event, Mr.Pashaj and Minister Çuçi signed a memorandum of understanding guaranteeing the coordination of efforts between the institute and the Ministry which is an additional guarantee for the success of the project.