Civil Society as a Political Actor in the Process of Combating Corruption in the Countries of Southeast Europe

Abstract

The article analyses contemporary approaches to the formation and implementation of anti-corruption policy in the countries of Southeast and Central-Eastern Europe. The purpose of the article is to examine the role of civil society in the process of implementing anti-corruption activities in the countries of Southeast Europe. The methodological basis of the study includes systemic, institutional, and comparative approaches. The research employs methods of analysing legal and regulatory documents, strategic programmes, analytical reports, and sociological studies. A comparative analysis of the experiences of North Macedonia, Lithuania, Croatia, Armenia, Latvia, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine in the field of anti-corruption policy implementation was conducted. The study found that contemporary anti-corruption practices are characterised by a transition toward risk-based governance models, the active use of digital monitoring instruments, and the expansion of civil society participation in the processes of monitoring and evaluating public policy. It was determined that the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies largely depends on the level of institutional capacity of the state, the stability of the public administration system, interagency co-ordination, and sufficient resource provision. The experience of several states demonstrates that even in the presence of comprehensive strategic documents, the level of their implementation may remain low due to кадрової instability and the insufficient effectiveness of implementation mechanisms. The research proves that an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of anti-corruption policy is the development of electronic public consultation platforms, the openness of public data, and the involvement of civil society in external monitoring of reform implementation. The analysis of the Ukrainian experience demonstrated the active introduction of digital control mechanisms and inclusive approaches to the development of anti-corruption strategy.