Serbia’s defence faces high corruption risk, Global Index results show

In this first global analysis of defence corruption risks, published on January 29 by Transparency International UK’s Defence and Security Programme, it is stated how in Serbia’s defence system, most preconditions for leading an effective anti-corruption policy are met; however, measures being proposed and implemented have yet to become system-wide in their foundation and reach. 

For conducting this survey into integrity of Serbia’s defence system BCSP researchers were earmarked after being recommended by Transparency Serbia (TS). Researchers’ findings were grounded in data collected in the course of several ongoing and past BCSP’s projects, primarily Mapping and Monitoring of Security Sector Reform in Serbia, as well as the Corruption Risk Map. BCSP researchers were asked to grade, from 0 (zero) to 4, anti-corruption measures implemented in Serbia’s defence system. Answers to 77 questions were then passed on for peer review, as well as to Serbia’s Ministry of Defence, which filed its own commentary of BCSP’s work. Transparency International then calculated the results and provided a summary of most important findings.

In Serbia’s defence system 8% of the budget is spent on confidential costs, while managing and evidencing various assets at the system’s disposal is under-regulated and disorganised. Although first steps in the course of introducing a modern internal audit service have been taken, results are yet to be seen, while insights into dealings and financial management of defence industry remain limited. As in the rest of state administration, what is lacking is a mechanism to protect whistle-blowers, whereas prevention of corruption on so-called “sensitive” positions (as in procurement) remains underdeveloped. A special issue for concern is that anti-corruption and integrity-building procedures and practices have not been introduced in military’s field manuals and regulations which are valid “in theatre”. In the same group of countries with Serbia is Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Croatia has deserved a somewhat better grade, with corruption risk assessed as “moderate”. 

Together with Transparency Serbia, BCSP is preparing a panel discussion with the aim to present and discuss Index’s most important findings. Exact time and venue will be posted soon on BCSP’s web site.