SEEU Review vol. 6 Nr. 2 (pdf) - South East European University

Rexhep Gashi, Dr. sc.Whereas, according to Global Corruption Barometer 2010, organized byTransparency International, which monitors the level of corruption in theworld, Kosovo is listed as 110th, with an estimation of 2,8 points, among178 states of the world (Transparency International Corruption PerceptionsIndex 2010). It is listed in the group of countries with the highest level ofcorruption, including: Zambia, Algeria, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Moldavia,Senegal, Benin, Bolivia, Tanzania, Mozambique etc. Also when comparedwith other neighbor states, Kosovo is still not in a good position, as it isunder the countries of the region. Transparency International appliesevaluation 10 (highly clean) to 0 (highly corrupt) for the level of corruption(Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2010). Estimations of thisinternational organization bring perception of every country regarding thelevel of corruption, legacy against corruptive affairs and demonstration ofpolitical will. Having regarded details of this organization, in Kosovo, aconsiderable number of interviewed individuals testified that whenever theyneeded services they had to give bribes. Additionally, the majority ofinterviewed individuals believe that the efforts of Government to combatcorruption are ineffective.The presence of corruption in Kosovo is the result of numerous causesand favoring circumstances. Assessments conducted by the internationalbodies, indicate a lack of clear political willingness to combat corruption.Insufficient legal and executive measures are among the main reasons forsituation. Also, in this aspect, low salaries of public officials are mentioned,lack of strict administrative controls, lack of effectiveness of court system,derived problems from communism, motive for fast wealth etc. Therefore,with the aim of prevention and combating the corruption phenomenon inKosovo, it is necessary to make several reforms, in particular: to strengthenthe judiciary and other rule of law institutions; reformation of publicadministration, especially in public procurement practices; apoliticaladministration, an increase of transparence among public institutions; ensureindependence of media and freedom of speech, further completion oflegislation etc.62