Aid to poor countries slips further as governments tighten budgets

Development aid fell by 4% in real terms in 2012, following a 2% fall in 2011. The continuing financial crisis and euro zone turmoil has led several governments to tighten their budgets, which has had a direct impact on aid to poor countries. There is also a noticeable shift in aid away from the poorest countries and towards middle-income countries. A moderate recovery in aid levels is expected in 2013.

Regrettably low awareness in the private sector is an obstacle to the fight against foreign bribery in the Czech Republic

The Czech government must urgently engage with the private sector to raise awareness, says a new OECD report. The awareness of the Czech foreign bribery offence remains regrettably low among companies, despite the recent adoption of a comprehensive corporate liability regime that holds Czech companies liable for this crime.

Denmark must investigate foreign bribery more proactively

Denmark’s enforcement of its foreign bribery laws has been weak. Only 13 foreign bribery allegations have surfaced, and sanctions have been imposed in just one case that falls under the Convention. Law enforcement authorities have not been sufficiently proactive, and cases have been prematurely closed without complete investigations. Denmark must take more investigative steps and make greater efforts to gather evidence from abroad.

Working Group on Bribery seeks new Chair

Responsible for monitoring implementation of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, the Working Group on Bribery is seeking to designate a dynamic individual to become its new Chair.

Kyrgyz Republic launches project to boost competitiveness in partnership with the OECD and GIZ

Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek - In a joint effort to attract investment and competitiveness, the government of the Kyrgyz Republic has launched a new project with the OECD and “the Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development in Kyrgyzstan” Program GIZ.

OECD to assist Tunisia in investment reform and infrastructure projects

The OECD, together with the African Development Bank and International Finance Corporation, will assist the Tunisian authorities in implementing a new law on public-private partnerships(PPPs)and a new investment code in order to increase transparency, openness and predictability for investors.

OECD urges stronger international co-operation on corporate tax

Global solutions are needed to ensure that tax systems do not unduly profit multinational enterprises, leaving citizens and small businesses with bigger tax bills.

OECD seriously concerned by absence of foreign bribery convictions in Spain

Spain’s enforcement of its foreign bribery laws has been extremely low, with not a single prosecution out of only seven investigations in 13 years since joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. Spain must vigorously pursue foreign bribery allegations and strengthen its legal framework for fighting bribery by addressing gaps in its Penal Code, says a new OECD report.

Netherlands must significantly step up its foreign bribery enforcement, says OECD

The Netherlands is failing to vigorously pursue foreign bribery allegations and must do more to enforce its foreign bribery laws. Fourteen out of 22 foreign bribery allegations have not triggered the opening of an investigation, calling into question the Netherlands’ ability and proactivity in investigating and prosecuting this crime.

Austria’s enforcement of foreign bribery laws far too weak, but could pick up soon says OECD

The OECD Working Group on Bribery regrets that Austria has not had a conviction of bribing foreign public officials despite a number of allegations, 13 years after ratifying the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. However, enforcement appears to be picking up, with one case being tried, two more cases soon to be tried, and four ongoing investigations.

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• Gesetze gegen Auslandsbestechung in Österreich unzureichend umgesetzt – OECD setzt auf baldige Verbesserung
• Gesetze gegen Auslandsbestechung in Österreich unzureichend umgesetzt – OECD setzt auf baldige Verbesserung