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A total of 27 fact-finding visits were conducted with the objective of enhancing cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and providing support to the municipalities.
The first phase of the National Transparency Authority's programme to inform Local Authorities has been completed, with 27 meetings held in Attica. The initiative was implemented by the Authority's General Directorate for Awareness Raising and Community Relations, with the aim of enhancing information sharing and cooperation with first-tier local government bodies. The objective of the initiative was to provide information regarding the Authority's mission and work, the digital tools it has developed, and modern methods for preventing and tackling corruption and maladministration.
The meetings were attended by a range of representatives, including mayors, deputy mayors, secretaries-general and municipal officials, and were characterised by a cooperative and open exchange of views. In addition to presenting the NTA’s work, these meetings provided an opportunity to highlight the needs, challenges and concerns faced by municipal services in their day-to-day operations.
The dialogue identified areas where cooperation with the Authority could be strengthened, as well as issues of concern to the municipalities that require further information and support. The exchange of experiences and the identification of their actual needs helped to draw useful conclusions on how to make better use of the available tools and the NTA’s expertise.
During the visits, the electronic applications and digital tools developed by the Authority to prevent maladministration and enhance transparency in the functioning of public bodies were presented.
Emphasis was placed on the opportunities for ongoing training and practical support for local government officials, through specialised workshops and training webinars, handbooks and practical guides, freely available on the Authority's website.
Awareness-raising initiatives for the educational community were also presented, with a focus on students, through information visits to schools and the national student creativity competition 'Integrity Leaders of Tomorrow', whilst potential future collaborations with deputy mayors responsible for education and local schools were explored. At the same time, information material was distributed and the NTA’s units were presented; these are the units to which local authorities can turn for information, clarification and support, depending on their operational needs.
The programme’s initial phase signifies the commencement of a broader initiative encompassing information visits, which will be pursued in a phased manner to ensure comprehensive coverage of all local authorities nationwide. The National Transparency Authority seeks to maintain regular communication with local government bodies, listen to their needs and contribute to their day-to-day work by providing tools, expertise and information.
To combat corruption, enhance transparency and strengthen citizens' trust in institutions, cooperation, open dialogue and joint effort at all levels of public administration are required.