In a globalised economy, efforts by countries to fight bribery in international business are ever more important to maintain a level playing field and ensure the integrity of international markets. This report assesses Croatia’s legal and policy framework for fighting transnational bribery based on the criteria applied to countries seeking accession to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
The report analyses Croatia’s criminal legislation and the sanctions applicable to individuals and legal entities that commit bribery. It examines Croatia’s track record in the investigation and prosecution of corruption offences and the overall enforcement framework. Rules on international co-operation (mutual legal assistance and extradition) as well as the non-tax deductibility of bribes are also examined. For each area of analysis, the report identifies areas for improvement and provides recommendations.
The report was prepared at the request of the Croatian authorities under a project supported financially by the European Commission Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM), and implemented with the active support of the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia.