Administrative ­modernisation: integrity and anti-­corruption

Public administration serves the people: it ensures that water keeps running, schools open, and assistance is provided where needed. But it is under pressure – excessive bureaucracy, a lack of trust, inflexible structures and changing expectations. To safeguard essential public services in the long term, administrations must evolve and become open, citizen-centred and adaptive institutions. They need to operate fairly, transparently and efficiently – in line with the principles of good governance.

We support administrations worldwide with these efforts – with expertise, practical knowledge and a focus on feasibility. The spotlight is on the people that use and shape public services. Our main starting points:

• A culture shift in the public sector
• Anti-corruption and integrity
• Digitalisation
• EU accession management

A culture shift in the public sector 

Modern administration is aligned with the needs of all people. It is open, responsible and diverse – and needs suitable structures. Quality management and organisational development boost performance. We contribute practical knowledge, for instance when developing efficient authorities or establishing legal frameworks.

Through capacity building, we empower staff to actively shape change. Digital transformation – particularly AI – is opening up new opportunities, but also requires new skills. Administration is shaped by people Good personnel management, transparent career paths, fair incentives and targeted support for women are key levers.

Anti-corruption and integrity

Corruption is the abuse of conferred power for personal gain or advantage. It wastes resources and impedes reforms that benefit the general public. Disadvantaged groups are primarily affected when health services fail to reach them, for example. We support partner countries in tackling corruption holistically – from prevention , detection and monitoring to punishment and the return of assets obtained through corruption.

Anti-corruption and integrity are an integral part of all our development work. We can thus reduce the damage caused by corruption, safeguard the effectiveness of our development cooperation and boost sustainable development for a better future.

Digitalisation

Public administration can only be transformed through digitalisation. It creates efficient, transparent and citizen-centred services. A one-stop, citizen-centred approach is key: services are geared to specific needs; for example, administrative formalities following childbirth or for start-ups are bundled in service centres or digital platforms.

This requires a reliable infrastructure and, in particular, a functioning civil status and registration system. Digital processes promote transparency, accessibility and fair decision-making. No one should be left behind – people without digital access are also supported. Data protection and the right to control one’s own data remain crucial. Approaches such as GovStack promote user-centric solutions. Partnerships between the state, civil society and the private sector are important.

Administrative reforms and EU integration

Technical and organisational reforms are key to modern administration. In the EU accession process, adapting national legal systems to European law and coordinated control management are essential. Authorities must be empowered to manage data professionally – the foundation for evidence-based policy-making.

Legislative impact assessments and official statistics facilitate sound decision-making and targeted planning. Effective data management boosts transparency and accountability, which improves the quality of public services. We also promote regional learning and international dialogue to develop and disseminate innovative solutions.