An international evaluation group assessed good governance and the prevention of corruption in Oulu
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption GRECO’s evaluation group visited Oulu in September 23–24 as part of Finland’s sixth evaluation round. The theme of the evaluation round was the prevention of corruption and promotion of integrity at regional and municipal levels. The visit was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice which coordinates Finland’s participation in the evaluation.
During the visit, the evaluation group explored the city of Oulu’s practices, decision-making, governance, and the promotion of good governance and ethical procedures. Oulu participated in the evaluation as one evaluation target, representing local governance in Finland.
The evaluation group met with city leadership, elected officials, office holders, and other central operators during the visit. Discussions covered the openness of decision-making, risk management, disqualification, liability, and good governance practices, among other things.
The goal of the evaluation was to identify good practices and development targets in the prevention of corruption and reinforcement of integrity at the local level. The visit was part of a larger evaluation process in Finland.
GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) assesses Oulu’s evaluation report later in 2027. The evaluation report includes observations and recommendations to promote good governance and prevent corruption risks at national, regional, and local levels.
“It is valuable for Oulu to be included in this international evaluation. Openness, good governance, and trust are strengths of Finnish local governance, and it is important that they are continually assessed and developed together with international partners”, Administration Director Ari Heikkinen states.
What is GRECO?
GRECO is the Council of Europe’s cooperative anti-corruption body which evaluates the practices of member states in preventing corruption and reinforcing good governance. Finland’s sixth evaluation round’s theme is the prevention of corruption and promoting integrity at the regional and municipal level.