Anti-Corruption Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Hungary: Ensuring and Promoting Integrity in the Civil Service

Multifaceted relations of Uzbekistan with Hungary have been steadily strengthening in recent years, with practical contacts and active dialogue at all levels developing dynamically. In particular, cooperation with this country in the fight against corruption, including new and advanced approaches, efficient mechanisms, is of particular importance.
In particular, in 2023, the delegation of Uzbekistan comprised of representatives of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, took part in a workshop on investigating cybercrimes and using crypto assets at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, as well as in training courses organized on corruption in public administration.
Earlier this year, a group of officials led by Akmal Burkhanov, Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency, held an online meeting with representatives of the National Protective Service of Hungary. Since its establishment in 2011, this agency has contributed to the fight against corruption in the country, prevented the spread of organized crime in law enforcement agencies, and performed high-level intelligence and security functions. This virtual dialogue allowed to discuss a number of important issues with the aim of further developing mutually beneficial cooperation. We expressed particular interest in studying in depth Hungary’s experience in assessing corruption risks and strengthening the principles of integrity in public service. Also, as a practical result of the meeting, an agreement was reached on developing cooperation in increasing the potential of personnel in combating corruption, organizing educational programs for improving the qualifications of employees, creating internship programs, and implementing joint projects.
When it comes to the importance and necessity of this cooperation, it is enough to make focus on the achievements and specific practical results of Hungary’s anti-corruption reforms.
In particular, the National Protective Service carries out integrity tests of law enforcement agencies and most of the public administration system. In 2022, the National Protective Service carried out a total of 278 integrity tests, which resulted in the initiation of 13 criminal proceedings. Based on 2023 data, a total of 8,830 integrity tests were carried out over 10 years, of which 137 resulted in criminal or administrative prosecution, and 83 resulted in a final court decision.
In 2014, the Hungarian government established a special Corruption Prevention Department within the National Protective Service in order to strengthen the fight against corruption. The main task of this department is to carry out preventive work to combat corruption in public authorities, identify corruption risks and take effective measures to counter them.
Another clear sign of Hungary’s serious approach to combating corruption is the establishment of the Integrity Authority by the Parliament in October 2022. This institution was created to ensure that EU funds are spent properly and that the fight against corruption is transparent.
In addition, measures aimed at ensuring integrity in the civil service are of great importance in Hungary’s anti-corruption policy. Just one example: in order to unite the efforts of public authorities to strengthen integrity, renew common values and strengthen cooperation, the National Protective Service’s Corruption Prevention Department organized the 1st Integrity Café in Budapest.
Another notable achievement is that the National Protective Service received the 2024 European Partners Against Corruption Award, which was established by the European Partners Against Corruption (EPAC), an organization of anti-corruption authorities and police oversight bodies from Council of Europe member states.
The aim of the Award is to commend the efforts of organizations in the fight against corruption.
The National Protective Service’s Corruption Prevention Department’s program package presented three outstanding corruption prevention projects: an integrity training for teachers, an educational program for students in law enforcement educational institutions to increase individual responsibility and awareness, and an advertising campaign to reduce the phenomenon of gratuity payment in the health sector.
Currently, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy of Hungary 2023-2025 plays an important role in the development of anti-corruption reforms in the country. This strategy, developed jointly with the European Union, aims to strengthen the priorities and practical measures in the fight against corruption, further increase the transparency of public authorities, increase integrity in the civil service and introduce other effective anti-corruption mechanisms.
At the extended meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 5 this year, it was noted that for the effective implementation of the priority tasks and goals set for the prevention of corruption in Uzbekistan, achieving the desired results, it is undoubtedly important to introduce international standards and advanced foreign experience. In particular, it is beneficial for both countries to become more familiar with the positive results of Hungary’s anti-corruption policy and expand the opportunities for mutual exchange of experience.
Today we are focused on developing cooperation between the National Protective Service and the Anti-Corruption Agency in preventing and combating corruption, as well as strengthening integrity and transparency. We believe that these efforts will bring tangible and practical results in the near future.
Sherzod Saparov,
Press Secretary of Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency,
Information Policy Advisor