Mr. Angelos Binis, the Governor of the National Transparency Authority, highlighted the important role of the Greek Parliament in preventing and deterring corruption at the Working Group on “Preventing Corruption” conference of the United Nations Member States Summit on 16 June 2021. He presented specific good practices and methodologies through which the Greek Parliament can emerge as a central pillar of national efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability. Parliamentary initiatives are either in the context of legislative work or oversight responsibilities.
He noted that the Parliament closely monitors recommendations regarding the implementation of international conventions against corruption and promotes initiatives to comply with them, with a characteristic example being the ongoing legislative process for regulating lobbying activities. The Summit participants also had the opportunity to understand the importance placed by our country's Parliament on citizen participation in the legislative process through public consultation. They were also informed about significant innovations undertaken to enhance transparency in the field of political financing, declarations of assets and financial interests.
Finally, the Governor of the National Transparency Authority pointed out the key role of the Parliament’s Special Committees, as well as the benefits of cooperation with the Hellenic Court of Audits, which is the Supreme Audit Institution of the country.
In conclusion, Mr. Binis noted that this thematic session is a significant contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which recognizes the crucial role of national Parliaments in legislating against corruption, strengthening accountability, and building citizens' trust in administration and governmental institutions.