Lithuanian and Italian experts have successfully completed the European Union (EU)-funded Twinning project “Strengthening the Capacities of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight against Corruption (APIK)”. The initiative aimed enhancing the key technical and operational capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s anti-corruption agency, enabling the effective implementation of strategic corruption prevention policies and the transfer of EU best practices.
The Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania (STT) participated in the project as a junior partner. Together with the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC) and experts from Austrian and German police authorities, STT shared national expertise in corruption prevention, institutional capacity building and anti-corruption policy. During the 27-month implementation period, 138 expert missions and five study visits to Lithuania, Italy, Spain and France were organised. A total of 91 professionals from APIK and other national institutions responsible for combating corruption strengthened their competencies through expert-led training.
“Sharing Lithuania’s experience in developing and strengthening its corruption prevention system is a significant recognition at the international level. We are pleased to have contributed to strengthening the institutional capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to have worked alongside colleagues and partners across Europe. APIK has committed to continuing the reforms initiated under the project, which is the best possible indication of its lasting impact,” said Elanas Jablonskas, Deputy Director of STT and Junior Project Leader.
More than 30 strategic documents were developed during the project, including APIK’s institutional development plan, a communication strategy, and methodologies for corruption risk assessment and management. Experts also carried out pilot corruption risk assessments in the healthcare and customs sectors, as well as within the police, and provided practical recommendations for managing the identified risks. To enhance the agency’s visibility, LinkedIn and X social media accounts were created.
The project’s results are particularly important in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration process. APIK’s strengthened capacities will support the country in advancing transparency standards and increasing public trust in state institutions.
The project was financed by the European Commission and had a total budget of EUR 1 million. Throughout the entire project period, an STT expert was based in Bosnia and Herzegovina and coordinated the project’s implementation.
