On the 16th of January 2024, the first national meeting in Finland under the newly created EU network against corruption took place at the premises of the European Commission Representation in Helsinki on the topic of public procurement and civil society participation in anti-corruption in Finland.

As part of the EU network against corruption the Commission hosts national meetings to provide an opportunity for EU Member States’ anti-corruption stakeholders to engage in dialogue and raise awareness on anti-corruption issues. The EU network against corruption, set up as part of the EU anti-corruption package adopted on 3 May 2023, brings together national authorities, practitioners, civil society, international organisations, EU agencies and relevant services of the European Commission.

The Finnish chapter of the Rule of Law Report 2023 highlighted the importance of transparency in public procurement as well as increasing the systematic involvement of civil society in anti-corruption initiatives. Additionally, there have been recent prosecution cases regarding public procurement in Finland. Based on these points EU network against corruption met in Helsinki.

The meeting started with a brief introduction by the Commission Representation in Finland. Following a short presentation of all participants, the stakeholders discussed  challenges regarding corruption in public procurement and increasing the involvement of civil society in anti-corruption initiatives in Finland.

Challenges mentioned with regard to corruption included topics such as vagueness of responsibilities and favouritism (“old boys network”). Challenges mentioned on public procurement and the involvement of civil society included topics such as complexity of the topic and lack of resources.

In the last round of discussion the participants provided feedback on the format and content of the workshop. Participants were happy about the informative exchanges and new ideas for future action. Overall, it was interesting for them to consider both public procurement issues as well as, civil society participation in anti-corruption.