The Role of OLAF and EPPO in the Western Balkans
The Role of OLAF and EPPO in the Western Balkans

Author(s): Đorđe Dimitrov, Strahinja Subotić
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, EU-Legislation, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption
Published by: Centar za evropske politike CEP
Keywords: OLAF; EPPO; Western Balkans; EU accession; anti-corruption; fraud prevention; rule of law
Summary/Abstract: Despite having an EU perspective since 2003, the Western Balkans continues to face persistent corruption-related challenges, underscoring the need for stronger oversight mechanisms. As reflected in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Montenegro ranks as the least corrupt country among the Western Balkans Six (WB6) at 65th place globally, followed by Kosovo (73), Albania (80), North Macedonia (88), Serbia (105), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (114), which ranks the lowest. Although some countries have registered modest improvements in recent years, others still struggle with long-standing problems such as weak institutions, limited oversight, and poor governance practices. These issues continue to slow institutional development and undermine public trust. These risks are not just abstract. The tragic canopy collapse in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024 further highlighted the consequences of unchecked corruption, weak procurement oversight, and misuse of funds. As the WB6 advance on their path toward EU membership, in particular Montenegro and Albania as frontrunners, the urgency of strengthening cooperation with European anti-fraud bodies becomes increasingly important. Against this backdrop, this paper seeks to assess the current state of cooperation between the WB6 and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

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