Skopje, 4 March 2026 (MIA) - Environmental crime is one of the most expensive but also the least prosecuted crime across the globe. Eurojust statistics shows that only 57 cases related to environmental crime have been processed in Southeast Europe, said Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) director Albert Hani on Wednesday.

"Our mandate is not only to fight corruption but also to create a culture of integrity and build new values in society. Environment protection is of enormous importance, because it is one of the most expensive but also least prosecuted," Hani told reporters on the sidelines of a training on corruption risk assessment.

Asked if the training would produce specific tools and mechanisms for corruption risk assessment in the environment sector, Hani said it is up to managers of various institutions, but also the country's leaders, to take responsibility in the fight against corruption.

"This is because the environment sector is less regulated and more exposed to corruption, meaning there is more room for discretionary powers and taking decisions that are often influenced by different interests," said the RAI director.

Austrian Ambassador Martin Pammer urged for consistent implementation of anti-corruption legislation and building a culture of integrity.

"We support North Macedonia on its path to European Union membership and all efforts on this road. I call on everyone, from the highest political representatives to the citizens, to be responsible and conscientious, because the best laws and regulations cannot help if they are not implemented and followed," said Ambassador Pammer.

The training is part of the Southeast Europe-Together Against Corruption (SEE-TAC) programme, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by RAI and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

RAI is an intergovernmental regional organization that deals solely with anti-corruption issues, covering the nine member states - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia.

Photo: MIA