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.