We, the national chapters of Transparency International from the Western Balkans and Türkiye, following the meeting we held in Skopje on June 29th reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting public integrity, transparency, and democratic accountability. This declaration is endorsed by a broad coalition of civil society organizations from across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to the principles and priorities set out herein. We believe that open, accountable, and resilient institutions are fundamental to democratic governance, sustainable development, and public trust essential to advancing our countries towards European standards and values.
Our shared experience gained through monitoring, research, and advocacy has demonstrated that, while countries across the region have made important progress, significant governance challenges remain. Corruption, insufficient transparency, undue influence over public decision-making, and weak accountability mechanisms continue to undermine institutional integrity, weaken public confidence, and limit the effectiveness of democratic institutions. Addressing these challenges requires sustained political commitment, stronger institutions, and meaningful cooperation among governments, civil society, the media, academia, and citizens.
Progress in public integrity cannot be measured solely by the adoption of legislation or formal strategies. Lasting reforms require consistent implementation, independent oversight, institutional capacity, and measurable improvements in transparency, accountability, and public service delivery. Only by translating commitments into practice, can governments strengthen democratic resilience and rebuild public trust.
Transparency must extend beyond the formal publication of information. It should ensure that citizens have unrestricted access to how public decisions are made, how public resources are allocated and spent, and how power is exercised. Likewise, integrity should not be regarded merely as a legal obligation but as a fundamental principle guiding the daily conduct of public institutions and political actors.
We therefore call on public institutions across the region to strengthen transparency in decision-making, guarantee effective access to public information, and proactively publish data in open, structured, and reusable formats through digital transformation.
Integrity in political financing is a cornerstone of democratic governance and an essential safeguard against undue influence. The financing of political parties and electoral campaigns must be transparent and subject to independent oversight.
Transparency throughout the entire procurement cycle, comprehensive disclosure of procurement information and documentation, and effective institutional and civic oversight should therefore become common standards across the region. Transparent and accountable procurement systems are essential to ensuring value for public money, protecting fair competition, and strengthening confidence in public institutions.
At the same time, sustainable democratic governance depends not only on accountable institutions but also on informed, empowered, and actively engaged citizens. Governments should create meaningful opportunities for public consultation and civic participation, recognizing civil society organizations, independent media, academia, and citizens as essential partners in shaping public policy, monitoring institutional performance, and promoting integrity.
Furthermore, transparency, integrity, and accountability are not only principles of good governance but also fundamental components of the European integration process. Continued progress in these areas is essential for strengthening the rule of law, reinforcing democratic institutions, and advancing the countries of the region towards European standards and values. We therefore welcome the continued support of the European Union and international partners in promoting reforms that strengthen openness, integrity, and civic participation.
These challenges do not stop at national borders. That is why we remain committed to regional cooperation, independent monitoring, knowledge sharing, and joint advocacy. We call on national governments and EU institutions to treat transparency, integrity, and accountability as political priorities — not only as reform commitments, but as essential conditions for stronger democratic governance, greater public trust, and a credible European future for our societies.
Signatory Organizations
- Kosova Democratic Institute / Transparency International Kosova
- Transparency International Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Transparency International Macedonia
- Transparency Serbia
- Transparency International Türkiye
- Transparency International Secretariat
- Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI)
- Association for European Social Inclusion “ESI NELIS”
- Baby Steps
- Daktilo 1984 Derne?i
- Engelsiz Ya?am Derne?i
- FINANCE THINK – Economic Research & Policy Institute
- Institute for Development Policy – INDEP
- LENS
- Movement “Right to Life” – Meri
- Network of Peace Movement – NOPM
- New Planning Practice
- New Social Initiative – NSI
- Ohrid Institute for Economic Strategies and International Affairs
- PUBLIC – Association for research, communications and development
- Reconciliation Empowering Communities – REC
- Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and Environment – RERI
- Tebrizam
- Udruženje za promociju evropskih standarda (capital.ba)
- Užice Center for Human Rights and Democracy
- Yerelden Kalkinma Derne
