Skopje, 6 March 2024 (MIA) - The grey economy starts at the border, and the survival of the state depends on preventing corruption at the border. Considering that according to World Bank estimates, 36 percent of the national GDP is attributed to the grey economy, this amounts to billions of euros, whose taxation would provide hundreds of millions of euros in the state budget, said National Coordinator for Integrated Border Management, Vladimir Pivovarov.

Pivovarov, during Wednesday’s press conference, referred to the upcoming activities of the newly established National Council on Integrated Border Management.

Pivovarov pointed out that border corruption poses a threat to the security of the country and neighboring countries as well.

He emphasized that the involvement of corrupt customs officers or policemen, who accept bribes to allow illegal activities such as smuggling weapons, drugs, or facilitating the passage of vehicles with terrorists, poses a direct threat to the national security of the country and its neighboring countries.

He said that conducted analyses within the institution indicated the need for polygraph testing of officials in border control agencies, aimed at ensuring the integrity of individuals.

"We plan to avoid all possibilities of any influence and for the first time in our country, to implement an honest, professional process that will truly solve the border corruption, which I believe is currently the biggest threat to our country," he said, adding that the newly formed institution should be under the control of the Parliament to prevent political or any other influence on the services responsible for combating border corruption.

In order to assess all aspects and readiness of the state and institutions to implement the project for combating border corruption, the National Council on Integrated Border Management will hold public debates involving stakeholders from all sectors of society.

Regarding the accountability of individuals involved in corrupt activities, Pivovarov emphasized that lengthy and poorly conducted investigations, as well as court proceedings resulting in suspended sentences for corrupt officials, have a negative impact on the fight against corruption.

Photo: screenshot