Ethics for the Prevention of Corruption in Turkey - Speech outline of Mr. Marc Pierini

ETHICS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION IN TURKEY

7 February 2008, Ankara Hilton Hotel

Speech outline of

Mr. Marc Pierini

Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey

Distinguished Prime Minister

Distinguished Chairman of the Ethics Council

Dear colleague from the Council of Europe,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to be here today and address such a distinguished audience to mark the beginning of the project on “Ethics for the Prevention of Corruption in Turkey".
Dear Prime Minister, your participation here today is demonstrating your determination to fight corruption, which is not only a political imperative but also a threat to both economic and social development.
Corruption is not particular to Turkey. Corruption is seen increasingly as a worldwide phenomenon requiring comprehensive and wide-ranging measures. Corruption also exists in the EU and it also concerns the European Commission which manages a budget of well over € 120 billion each year. Since the early 1990s the EU has adopted several anti-corruption measures. Starting with the Treaty of Amsterdam corruption is explicitly included into matters of common interest.
In addition to the EU acquis in place, there are a number of other international agreements, which once ratified by all Member States, will automatically become a part of the acquis: these are the tools of the Council of Europe, OECD and United Nations. Turkey is an active member of those organisations and has ratified all major instruments in the area.
I am used to say that the EU accession negotiations are very intrusive by their very nature. When it comes to corruption issues, it is all the more true. We must therefore work together with the utmost mutual respect, and, as outsiders, build upon the reform efforts initiated by Turkey for Turkey.

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Corruption has an extremely negative effect on most areas of state and public life. It corrodes democracy and the rule of law and discourages foreign investment. It undermines people's trust in the political system, its institutions and its leadership.
The causes of corruption are complex and rooted in benign neglect, bureaucratic traditions, political development and social history. Economic, financial and technological development can also increase the risk of corruption. Having lived in Turkey since 15 months, I observed that corruption is a major concern in public opinion. There is no doubt that expectation amongst citizens is high to fight corruption.
Efforts should start from prevention. Once the corrupt act occurs, damages are irretrievable. Prevention can only be in place through building a strong culture of ethics. In this regard, the Ethics Council, which is the beneficiary of this EU-funded project, will play a significant role in creating a transparent, accountable and efficient public administration.
For this, of course, it has to function independently and to be equipped with its own budget and staff. We are confident that, the expertise and experience of the Council of Europe in this project will accompany this young institution in asserting its important role in the Turkish administration.
The Ethics Council will only be able to fulfil its mandate once the Code of Ethics covers, as it should, a wide range of personnel: the personnel in the judiciary, military and security apparatus as well as the members of the Parliament. We know that preparations are ongoing in this direction and we hope that this project will also contribute to those efforts.
Activities under the project will reach governors, deputy-governors and ethics commission members in 81 provinces. The implementation process will produce joint work between the local administrations, universities and NGOs. National conferences will raise awareness and research studies will identify risks. Some workshops were already implemented last month to consult academics, the media, civil society and local authorities before starting detailed activities.

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But, with all those ambitious objectives and substantial achievements, further efforts are still necessary: adoption of an anti-corruption strategy, establishment of a central body, limitation of parliamentary immunities and transparency of control over financing of political parties and election campaigns, all are still matters to be taken up.
This is also confirmed by GRECO (Group of States against Corruption), an initiative of the Council of Europe in its latest evaluation report for Turkey. Those recommendations are therefore complementary to the expectations of the EU and many people in Turkey.

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A few remarks of a more general nature
Turkey has embarked upon a remarkable process of reform and modernisation of its public institutions and policies, in particular public administration reform. The EU supports these reforms, based on their own merits and because they also fit the acquis requirements. The European Commission is ready to further contribute to Turkey's efforts in this challenging endeavour, both technically and financially.
The EU is supporting Turkey through a "pre-accession programme" which amounts to nearly € 1.4 billion. This means hundreds of projects being implemented together, with the help of Turkish officials and European experts across the whole country.
While financial cooperation is getting stronger, the negotiation process is on track and moving. There may be fluctuations in the course of this process, which can be seen in any accession negotiation.

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Let me conclude emphasizing that this project in the area of preventing corruption is the first one to be financed by the EU. But it shouldn't be the last. As we all know, corruption cannot be addressed overnight. The outputs to be achieved will pave the way for future cooperation in this field. We are working together with you on this highly sensitive matter.
I am confident that with regard to fight against corruption, the Council of Europe is well placed to support Turkey and the Council of Ethics, by having extensive experience and knowledge in the field and a long history of cooperation with the EU. I wish all stakeholders the best of success.
Thank you for your attention.

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Last update: 8.2.2008