On 16 February 2026, Transparency International-Macedonia held a working meeting with State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC). The focus of the meeting was a discussion on opportunities to enhance cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The President of the State Commission, Mr. Adem Chuchulj, informed about the process of preparing the draft Law on Amending the Law on Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest carried out over the past year, as well as the expectations that its adoption would address most of the shortcomings in the current law that affect the effective functioning of the SCPC.
Mr. Blagoj Pandovski, President of Transparency International- Macedonia, emphasized the importance of the institutional setup, functionality and operational capacity of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption and its key role in preventing corruption and conflicts of interest, which represents only one segment of the broader fight against corruption in our society. He highlighted the essential importance of mechanisms for verifying asset declarations and conflicts of interest, which can be of crucial significance if applied at the time of election or appointment of an official to public office. He also shared experiences and good practices from countries in the region regarding the legal regulation of asset verification and conflict of interest procedures.
The discussion also focused on the importance of protected reporting (whistleblowing). Experiences were exchanged regarding the implementation of the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers, the analyses conducted by Transparency International- Macedonia concerning the application of this mechanism, and the need for the prompt adoption of the new Law on Protection of Whistleblowers. Concerning the competencies for protected external reporting, the SCPC informed the participants about the procedures followed by the person authorized for protected internal and external reporting within the SCPC, with particular emphasis on ensuring anonymity and the protection of whistleblowers, as well as the consistent and unconditional application of all security measures established in the relevant bylaws governing protected internal and external reporting.
During the working meeting, reference was also made to the recommendations addressed to the SCPC by Transparency International-Macedonia in the 2023 report “National Integrity System Assesment in North Macedonia.”
To the mutual satisfaction of both parties, expectations were expressed for further deepening cooperation in the period ahead. The SCPC once again reaffirmed its proactive role as a transparent and accountable institution that highly values partnership with international organizations in preventing corruption and conflicts of interest and in protecting the public interest.
