The comparative analysis of SEE‑9 public procurement and energy SOEs’ management practices in the first R2G4P SEE Good Governance report reveals continuing corruption and state capture risks, despite the emergence of good practices.
Based on the in-depth review of the public procurement systems and the management of energy SOEs, several key policy recommendations could be outlined. These need to be urgently taken into consideration and implemented to reduce the negative effects on market competition and democratic integrity in Southeast Europe. Closing these outstanding governance gaps has become particularly important with the rise of global power competition and the increase of pressure from authoritarian regimes on the region, most notably Russia and China.
