- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2021
Reforming Integrity Checks and Code of Ethics in Bulgaria
The project, funded under the Technical Support Instrument, provided tailored recommendations to Bulgaria’s Commission for Anti-Corruption and Illegal Assets Forfeiture (CACIAF) to strengthen its Code of Ethics and integrity check procedures. Implemented with OECD support, the project aims to improve internal integrity systems and foster a more consistent, transparent, and risk-based approach to public sector ethics.
Context
The project supports EU priorities on strengthening the rule of law, good governance, and anti-corruption, as outlined in the European Semester and Rule of Law Reports. It addressed key challenges within Bulgaria’s CACIAF, including fragmented integrity check procedures, limited coordination, and the absence of a dedicated integrity function. These gaps hindered the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Through tailored strategic guidance, the project aimed to establish a coherent integrity framework, reinforce ethical standards, and promote risk-based, transparent practices—ultimately enhancing CACIAF’s capacity to prevent corruption and build public trust.
Support delivered
The project was implemented by the OECD between 2022 and 2023 to support Bulgaria’s Commission for Anti-Corruption and Illegal Assets Forfeiture (CACIAF). The technical support focused on strengthening the Code of Ethics and integrity check procedures through tailored recommendations, analysis of institutional arrangements, and good practice examples. Activities included expert consultations, policy reviews, and capacity-building measures. The support aimed to address fragmentation in existing integrity procedures, enhance internal coordination, and promote a risk-based, consistent approach to integrity management aligned with EU standards for transparent and accountable governance.
Results achieved
The project contributed to strengthening Bulgaria’s anti-corruption framework by enhancing the internal integrity system of CACIAF. It delivered tailored recommendations to improve integrity checks, clarify roles and responsibilities, and reinforce the implementation of the Code of Ethics. These measures are expected to increase transparency, consistency, and accountability within the institution. By addressing key weaknesses, the project supports the restoration of CACIAF’s credibility, boosts public trust, and improves its capacity to prevent and detect corruption. In the long term, it lays the groundwork for a more professional, risk-based, and ethical public administration aligned with EU standards.
More about the project
You can read the documents related to the project here: