The European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE) Joint Project against Economic Crime in Kosovo (PECK) held its Closing Conference on 28 April 2015 in Pristina. The Project, co-funded by the EU and CoE and implemented by the CoE, aims to strengthen the capacities of Kosovo institutions to prevent and fight corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The Conference presented the key findings and recommendations of the Final Assessment Reports on Kosovo’s compliance with international standards in the areas of Anti-Corruption (AC) and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The Conference also reflected on project outcomes, lessons learned from the assessment exercise and future follow-up. It brought together ministerial and other high-level representatives of relevant domestic institutions, international experts, representatives of key stakeholders on the part of international organisations, the industry and civil society. Ministers of Justice Mr.Kuçi and Internal Affairs Mr.Hyseni underlined in their opening remarks the importance of PECK project findings in the fight against corruption, money laundering and financing of terrorism, and reiterated commitment of Kosovo authorities to implement the outstanding recommendations.
The Assessment Reports represent the most comprehensive evaluation of law, policy and practice in the AC and AML/CFT areas that has ever been carried out in Kosovo. They have been prepared on the basis of GRECO and MONEYVAL assessment methodologies specifically tailored for Kosovo, over the two successive cycles carried out during 2012-2014. The Reports provide concrete guidance to the authorities in their efforts to strengthen institutional capacities and improve the legislative and regulatory framework in the areas of combating corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism. They also provide a sound baseline for streamlining international technical assistance to Kosovo in the economic crime area.
The publication of the Assessment Reports marks the end of the first phase of the Project. The second phase (PECKII) is envisaged to begin later this year and will ensure the continuity of the assessment process combined with targeted technical assistance to address the shortcomings and deficiencies identified in the first phase.
