Intelligence Sector Reform Programme (Pool-Funding)
The aim is to build the capacity of members of intelligence services, as well as relevant oversight and control bodies to ensure that surveillance measures by intelligence services in Macedonia are conducted in accordance with international standards of accountability and respect for human rights. To achieve this, the project will train and provide expertise to members of intelligence services, relevant parliamentary oversight committees and the judiciary, and will support the review and redrafting of relevant laws and regulations.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
North Macedonia |
Governance Conflict & fragility
Legal and judicial development
Security system management and reform |
01.09.2018
- 31.03.2021 |
CHF 500’000
|
The three parliamentary committees tasked with supervising the intelligence and security sector
Relevant line ministries
The judiciary
Members of Parliament
- CSOs where appropriate
Revised and strengthened intelligence sector accountability mechanisms through new strategies and practices.
Key management staff and elected MPs have increased expertise in accountability.
Oversight Committees have an increased ability to plan and conduct effective oversight.
Publication of knowledge products, i.e. the Handbook on Inspection Visits and the Judicial Benchbook on Authorization and Review of IMIC.
Practitioners have better knowledge and skills to prevent abuse and misuse of IMIC
Outdated intelligence laws and non-existent external scrutiny leaving intelligence services unaccountable.
Parliamentary oversight committees are in place but their functioning is deficient, and intelligence oversight is ineffective due to inadequate knowledge and expertise of the relevant committees.
- Poor awareness and integration of European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence in local practice.
- Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces
Swiss funded Parliament Support Project
Embassy of United Kingdom
Embassy of Sweden / SIDA
- Embassy of The Netherlands
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Legal and judicial development
Security system management and reform
Cross-cutting topics Crisis prevention
The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F10095
Background |
In Macedonia, reforms in the intelligence and security sector came into focus after the wire-tapping scandal broke in mid-2015 amid a political crisis, which led to the Przino Agreement, new elections and eventually the ascension to power of a new government committed to achieving Euro-Atlantic integration. Initial reform progress led to a positive report of the European Commission in April 2018, followed by the decision of the European Council to start accession negotiations in June 2019. This, however, was made conditional on further reform progress in three key areas, two of which are the intelligence and security sector and the judiciary. Due to the new political environment, heightened interest in and demand for expertise in security sector governance and a formal government request, DCAF initiated in November 2017 this pooled-fund programme to which to date three international donors are contributing to. Given the strong ties between the Swiss government and DCAF and past cooperation with SDC in Macedonia, the Swiss Embassy was approached to contribute as well. |
Objectives | Improved democratic governance, effectiveness and accountability of the intelligence sector contribute to enhanced stability, rule of law and security for the state and the citizens. Citizens have more trust in the state. |
Target groups |
The three intelligence and security services UBK, MSSI (tbc), AR (tbc)
|
Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: Legal and institutional framework of the intelligence sector in Macedonia established in line with relevant international standards ensuring accountability and respect of human rights. Outcome 2: The parliament plays a more effective role in the democratic governance of intelligence and security sector institutions. Outcome 3: Rule of law culture characterized by judicial activism and robust judicial supervision of the use of intrusive methods for information collection. |
Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Credit area |
Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe |
Project partners |
Contract partner Other International Organization Other partners DCAF |
Coordination with other projects and actors |
|
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 480’160 |
Project phases |
Phase 1 01.09.2018 - 31.03.2021 (Completed) |