The report “Effective Implementation of Asset Recovery Measures in the Western Balkans: an overview of a regional monitoring methodology, key benchmarks and case studies of good practice” was published on 26 May 2020. The report has been developed within the framework of the “Strengthening anti-corruption work in the Western Balkans through improving assets seizure measures” project and covers the following jurisdictions: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The project is implemented by the AIRE (Advice on Individual Rights in Europe) Centre and RAI (Regional Anti-corruption Initiative) Secretariat and is funded by the UK Government. 

The report includes an overview of a regional monitoring methodology, best practice and steps forward, and it presents the most important standards derived from international sources, in particular from the European Union. It provides a list of benchmarks and recommendations, which aim to provide the national authorities with useful and practical guidance for the establishment of a comprehensive, accurate and reliable system for collecting, processing and disseminating asset recovery data. 

The report also features success stories which are presented in the form of case studies which cover different aspects of asset recovery. The success stories could be used as training materials but could also be further presented and promoted in order to strengthen public trust in the judiciary and improve public perception concerning the effectiveness of the fight against corruption and organised crime in the Western Balkans region.

The full text of the report is available here.