Good economic governance and combating corruption

Corruption erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and diverts resources from vital services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. This perpetuates inequality, weakens institutions, hampers development, and creates openings for organized crime, instability and unrest.

Good governance is fundamental to economic growth, political stability and security. It is essential for all elements of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security, encompassing the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions. To enhance security and stability, the OSCE fosters international co-operation on economic issues, strengthens governance and supports participating States in fighting corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The OSCE works closely with governments, civil society, the private sector and international partners, drawing on its extensive field presence in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It promotes a whole-of-society approach, engaging in particular women and youth in governance efforts.

The OSCE helps participating States strengthen governance and combat corruption and money laundering, as well as enhance transparency and the rule of law. The Office of the Co-ordinator supports these efforts through:

• promoting the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan;
• improving national legislative and regulatory frameworks on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism financing;
• supporting national risk assessments to identify and mitigate money-laundering and terrorism-financing threats;
• strengthening asset recovery and financial investigation capacities and facilitating international co-operation;
• mitigating risks linked to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies;
• delivering capacity-building, training and advisory support for governments, civil society, the private sector and youth;
• enhancing information-sharing mechanisms and developing practical tools, guidance and policy recommendations; and
• promoting youth resilience against corruption through education and awareness initiatives.

Through advisory missions, tailor-made training courses, dialogue platforms and knowledge-sharing, the OSCE helps participating States prevent corruption, recover assets and build effective, transparent institutions that foster long-term stability and security.