Trust in public institutions is the bedrock of democracy and sound public governance. However, strained public budgets and various governance challenges affect governments’ ability to meet citizens’ expectations.

Together with the EEA and Norway Grants, we promote sound public governance across Europe. Combining the financial means of the Grants with the OECD’s expertise, we support beneficiary countries in strengthening the capacity, integrity and accountability of their public institutions to better meet citizens’ expectations and foster trust in public institutions. This cooperation is based on shared aims and values - the Grants’ objectives of reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and the OECD’s mission to promote better policies for better lives.

Programmes
Under the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021, the OECD serves as an International Partner Organisation for three good governance and local development programmes in Greece, Poland and Slovak Republic. We provide strategic advice and expertise to beneficiary countries, donors and the Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) to ensure the programmes achieve maximum impact.

Projects
We also work with Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic on Grants projects to advance sound public governance in the following areas:

• Public administration reform
• Multi-level and local governance
• Anti-corruption and integrity in the public sector
• Public procurement
• Digital government
• Open government
• Child-friendly justice
• Combatting economic crime

Published reports

• Towards a Child-friendly Justice System in Latvia: Implementing the Barnahus model
• OECD Public Governance Reviews: Czech Republic. Towards a More Modern and Effective Public Administration
• Better Governance, Planning and Services in Local Self-Governments in Poland
• OECD Integrity Review of the Slovak Republic : Delivering Effective Public Integrity Policies