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The Steering Group is the leading body of the Regional Anti-corruption Initiative. It takes the decisions which are to be executed by the Secretariat of the initiative with the support of the relevant national or international stakeholders.
Composition
The Steering Group is composed of one Senior Representative per signatory party of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – or acceding party – appointed by the respective national government on a permanent basis and having the position of at least Director in the Ministry of Justice or in the institution having responsibilities for the coordination (implementation) of National Anti-corruption Strategy. This rule is applied mutatis mutandi for members of the Steering Group other than countries. Senior representatives must be appointed on a permanent basis. However, members are entitled to designate one substitute per representative.
In addition, the Steering Group is enlarged with the representatives of other countries or organizations (associate members) that contribute to the Initiative’s activities with at least 24 000 euros per year. Any new member is deemed to have accepted the Strategy documents of the Initiative.
Finally, other parties, that support RAI or/and financially contribute to its activities up to 24 000 euro per year, may be admitted to participate in the Steering Group meetings as Observers upon proposals made by its Chairman, any Senior Representative or Head of the Secretariat.
Meetings
The Steering Group has meetings at least once per year and whenever necessary. The meetings are called and chaired by the Chairman. There is a quorum if a majority of two-thirds of the members are present. The activities of the Steering Group are supported by the Executive body of the initiative – the Secretariat.
Competence
RAI Steering Group:
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Proposes, amends and approves the leading documents related to the status and the activities of the Initiative: Strategic Document, Terms of Reference of Chairman and Secretariat, Work Plans;
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Approves the election or the renewal of mandate for the Regional Anti-corruption Initiative Chairman, Head of the Secretariat and Anti-corruption expert(s), upon proposals made by member states;
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Approves RAI Secretariat annual operational and programmatic budget;
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Approves its activity reports, including financial expenses.
Voting
The principle is that decisions of RAI Steering Group should be taken by consensus, which is understood as absence of objection. However, in absence of consensus, decisions are to be taken by two-thirds of the votes cast. Only votes “in favour” or “against” are taken into account when counting the number of votes cast. Procedural decisions are taken moreover by a majority of the votes cast. Each member of the Regional Anti-corruption Initiative has the right to one vote. However, unless otherwise decided by the Steering Group, a member, who has failed to fully implement the MoU and to fulfil financial obligations deriving from its implementation every year, shall no longer take part in the decision - making process. Between two meetings of the Steering Group decision making process is ensured through e-mail and coordinated by the Secretariat. The same rules are applied, even though decisions can also be taken through silent procedure of two weeks.
Related document: Institutional Mechanism (Annex 1 of RAI Strategic Document) |