Fighting corruption requires a united front, through strong cooperation and shared responsibility, to better safeguard public financial interests and build a more transparent future. This was one of the key takeaways from the high-level Executive Workshop on “Safeguarding Public Financial Interests in EU-Funded Infrastructure Projects” UNOPS organized in Mavrovo, North Macedonia, on 10-11 February 2025.

As part of the Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans programme funded by Norway, this workshop brought together key stakeholders from the region and UNOPS experts who exchanged best practices on preventing and combating corruption in infrastructure projects.

Additionally, representatives from the Albanian General Directorate of Anti Corruption and LEAD Fellows working at  the Prime Minister’s Office in  Albania attended the event contributing with their insights. Discussions underscored the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in strengthening anti-corruption policies.

Here is an interview with one of the Albanian attendees, Ms Eni Kotini, a LEAD Fellow, at the Prime Minister’s Office of Albania, about her experience at the sessions.

What aspects of the workshop (presentations, discussions, participants/ networking) did you find most engaging or impactful? How has the collaboration with regional stakeholders and UNOPS experts enriched your understanding about the topics discussed?

This workshop provided a unique platform to discuss challenges, share experiences, and explore best practices in safeguarding public financial interests, particularly in the management of EU funds.

What stood out most to me was the workshop's interactive and solution-oriented approach. The discussions went beyond theoretical concepts, offering concrete examples of how institutions across the region are addressing financial management and risks. 

The networking opportunities at the workshop were also valuable. Engaging with professionals from government institutions, oversight bodies, and international organizations such as UNOPS reinforced the need for regional cooperation in addressing common challenges. These exchanges highlighted that safeguarding public funds is not the responsibility of a single entity but a collective effort, one that requires strong institutions, clear regulations, and an engaged civil society.

Were there any specific anti-corruption policies or best practices shared during the workshop that you believe could be particularly effective in Albania?

Albania has already made considerable  progress in strengthening its financial oversight mechanisms, aligning its policies with EU standards on fraud prevention and public financial management. 

The discussions at the workshop reaffirmed the importance of further enhancing transparency through open contracting platforms, digital monitoring tools, and stronger whistleblower protection mechanisms, measures already underway in several EU member states and candidate countries, including Albania.

On a personal level, how has attending this workshop influenced your perspective or approach to anti-corruption mechanisms? 

Beyond the technical aspects, I particularly appreciated the sense of shared responsibility and commitment among participants. The fight against corruption is not just about protecting public finances; it is about building trust in institutions, ensuring fair competition, and fostering sustainable development.

How do you plan to share the insights gained during the workshop with colleagues or stakeholders in Albania? What do you think you'll remember in a year's time from this workshop?

A key takeaway for me was the importance of early risk detection and prevention mechanisms, shifting from reactive enforcement to proactive safeguarding. The case studies presented highlighted how strategic oversight, digital transparency tools, and cross-institutional cooperation can significantly strengthen public financial management.

The insights gained will be useful  in my daily work, and I look forward to sharing them with colleagues and stakeholders in Albania. 

Whether through policy discussions, inter-institutional cooperation, or knowledge-sharing sessions, I hope to contribute to further strengthening Albania’s capacity to manage public funds effectively and responsibly.

Looking ahead, what I will remember most from this workshop is the spirit of collaboration and the commitment to continuous improvement. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to Albania’s ongoing efforts in this critical area.