Strengthening cooperation with civil society organizations and the media is an important step toward a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable audit process – this was the central message of today’s workshop, organized by the State Audit Office with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
The workshop was part of the process to prepare the SAO Annual Work Program for 2026, during which the criteria for selecting topics, the established communication mechanisms, and the method for conducting audits were presented. Participants – representatives of civil society organizations and the media – had the chance to share proposals, priorities, and issues of public interest that should be reflected in next year’s program.
The Auditor General, Mr. Maksim Acevski, emphasized that partnership is essential for progress:
“Civil society organizations are a driving force in strengthening transparency. They bring insight, data, and experience that make the audit process more meaningful and focused. Our door remains open for their proposals and participation at all stages, because only together can we ensure more responsible management of public funds and services that genuinely serve the citizens.”
During the moderated discussion, it was highlighted that this partnership creates conditions for stronger oversight of public funds and greater public awareness of the importance of audits. Representatives of civil society organizations welcomed the openness of the SAO and expressed their readiness for even more active involvement, especially in monitoring the implementation of recommendations.
The workshop ended with a clear message that good governance and institutional integrity require ongoing cooperation between the audit institution, civil society organizations, and the media. Only in this way can a process be established that is not just formal but also effective – a process where the public interest remains at the heart of decision-making.
