TI Norway launches report “The Norwegian integrity system – not entirely perfect?”

Transparency International Norway launches the report “The Norwegian integrity system – not entirely perfect?” at Litteraturhuset, Oslo on 14 June from 0830 to 1200.

National Integrity System (NIS) surveys measure vulnerability and corruption risks in key institutions based on a methodology developed by Transparency International.

The institutions or pillars that have been assessed include the Stortinget (parliament), the government, the judiciary, the public sector, law enforcement, the electoral management body, the ombudsman, audit institutions, political parties, the media, civil society and business.  The purpose of the study is to raise awareness about corruption risks and strengthen efforts to increase integrity and transparency in Norwegian institutions.

The study was authored by Helge Renå, researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research. An advisory group comprising experts from the respective pillars provided input and comments in the process.

The project has been supported financially by the Finance Market Fund and the Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs.

Based on the findings and results of the study, Transparency International Norway recommends:

1. Mandatory registering of elected members’ offices and financial interests

2. Increased transparency within public authorities and administration by

a. Removing the exemption clause for government companies without employees, and
b. Better practices surrounding the Public Administration and Freedom of Information Acts

3. Establish a regulation on conflicts of interest and a lobby register for parliamentary representatives

4. Reduce the use of temporary judges in order to strengthen the independence of the courts

5. Provide more resources for the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes

6. Legal harmonization between corporate penalties and tender refusal in the public sector

7. Strengthening whistle-blower mechanisms

8. Increased awareness surrounding suspicious transactions by the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim)

9. Country-by-country financial reporting by companies

Similar studies have been carried out in 25 European countries and provided the basis for a regional report that was launched on 6 June. See www.transparency.org

The Norwegian study will be distributed free of charge at the NIS launch and will be available at www.transparency.no.