OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN) Strategic Dialogue of Leaders Held in Vilnius

On 21–22 April, the Special Investigation Service (STT) of Lithuania, in cooperation with the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN), hosted the Strategic Dialogue of Anti-Corruption Leaders of Eastern Europe and Central Asia in Vilnius. It brought together more than 60 representatives from 21 ACN countries to discuss progress and challenges in advancing anti-corruption reforms across the region and to explore future strategic directions for the Network. The event was co-funded by the European Union.

The event was attended by heads of anti-corruption authorities, ministers, judges and anti-corruption practitioners, as well as representatives of the OECD, and international partners, including the European Commission,  and other donor organisations. Discussions focused on shaping the OECD ACN Work Programme for 2027–2030, with an emphasis on strengthening specialised law enforcement institutions to tackle high-level corruption, promoting business integrity through public-private partnerships, and enhancing country capacities.

“This dialogue provides an important platform for partners to jointly define priorities, which will help ensure that the OECD ACN remains responsive to the evolving needs of participating countries. Our goal is to turn commitments into measurable progress, closing the gap between standards and implementation. This discussion helps promote sustained cooperation, which is vital to an effective fight against corruption,” remarks Julia Fromholz, Head of the OECD Anti-Corruption Division.

“Lithuania’s chairmanship of the OECD ACN reflects both recognition and responsibility to bring countries together in strengthening transparency and resilience to corruption. The Strategic Dialogue in Vilnius provides an opportunity not only to assess progress but also to shape future actions in a meaningful way,” says Egidijus Radzevičius, Deputy Director of the STT and Chair of the OECD ACN.

The OECD ACN, established in 1998, is a regional initiative supporting countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in their fight against corruption through monitoring, peer learning, exchange of experience and targeted assistance. It serves as a platform for promoting anti-corruption reforms and sharing expertise among OECD, EU and partner countries. Lithuania has been actively engaged in the Network since its inception and, in 2025, became the first country to assume the Chairmanship of the ACN, marking an important milestone in its leadership in the international anti-corruption agenda.

The event contributes to broader priorities of the OECD and the European Union, including advancing enlargement and neighbourhood policies by mobilising collective efforts to fight corruption, supporting institutional capacity building and strengthening integrity standards across the region.

The event was co-funded by the European Union.