Mapping Asset and Interest Disclosure (AID) systems: key lessons from EU Member and Candidate States

• In Event: Euroc - Corruption across the globe (1)

Abstract

Asset and Interest Disclosure (AID) systems are an important multipurpose tool to prevent corruption, promote transparency and overall trust in public officials and the civil service. Despite their worldwide introduction, there are still significant differences in the functioning and implementation of AID systems. The effectiveness of these systems is particularly important both in Member States, to strengthen the fight against corruption, and in Candidate States, as curbing corruption is a key prerequisite for the accession process. However, a clear and comprehensive picture of models, strengths and weaknesses, and of best practices of AID systems is not yet available. The presentation will discuss the results of a comprehensive mapping of AID systems in 19 States (11 Member and 8 Candidate States), focusing on: i) their main features; ii) the verification systems implemented; iii) the risk analysis mechanisms in place; iv) the impact assessment methods. Data was collected through the administration of an online survey to anti-corruption bodies. Findings from the mapping allowed to identify relevant best practices in the field of AID systems. The research is part of the EU project “qAID - Towards contemporary knowledge and innovative tools for assessing and enhancing effectiveness of Asset and Interest Disclosure (AID) systems in EU Member States and Candidate States” (co-funded by the European Commission – DG Home Affairs and Migration under the International Security Fund – ISF).

Authors

• Beatrice Rigon, School of International Studies, University of Trento | Centre of Security and Crime Sciences, University of Trento and University of Verona

• Andrea Di Nicola, ​Associate professor of criminology, Faculty of Law​, University of Trento​, and director of the​ ​Centre of Security and Crime Sciences​ (University of Trento and University of Verona​)​

• Gabriele Baratto, Faculty of Law, University of Trento | Centre of Security and Crime Sciences, University of Trento and University of Verona

• Bianca Donati, Centre of Security and Crime Sciences, University of Trento and University of Verona