The implementation of anti-corruption measures is one of the fundamental projects of this Government and its priority policy in the reform of public administration since Croatia gained candidate country status for EU membership in 2004, said today Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ivan Šuker at the opening of a three-day regional conference on internal financial control in the public sector for candidate countries and potential candidate countries for EU membership.
He emphasized that Croatia has, among other things, improved internal financial control, introduced strategic planning, developed written work procedures, and established a council for internal financial control. "These achievements are the result of quality and dedicated work both on the Croatian side and on the part of all those who have assisted the Croatian Government in this process, primarily representatives of SIGMA, the European Commission, and the EU delegation in Zagreb led by Ambassador Paul Vandoren," he added. Šuker emphasized that numerous legal and sub-legal regulations have been adopted to this end, including four national strategies for the development of the Internal Audit and Financial Control Harmonization Administration (PIFC) and an action plan. One of the largest projects in this regard is the establishment of a personal identification number (OIB).
"The importance of the progress achieved is also evident in the successful conclusion of negotiation chapter 32 on financial supervision in July, which is proof that Croatia has achieved the results expected of it," said Šuker, emphasizing, however, that this is just one stage, of which the Croatian Government is very much aware. The head of the European Union delegation in Croatia, Paul Vandoren, in his address to those present, agreed with Minister Šuker that building mechanisms and tools to combat corruption is crucial, and emphasized that the reform of internal financial control is of great political and economic importance and a key element of the accession process.
