Suchergebnisse

In OECD countries, agriculture uses on average over 40% of land and water resources, and thus has significant affect on the environment. This report provides the latest data and analysis on the environmental performance of agriculture in OECD countries since 1990. It covers key environmental themes including soil, water, air and biodiversity and looks at recent policy developments in all 30 countries.--Publisher's description

Corruption is a serious concern in many parts of the world. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, transition processes provided particularly rich ground for corruption. It has spread to all spheres of life, ranging from petty bribery of traffic police to large kick-backs for public procurement or privatisation contracts, to buying votes during election campaigns or seats in parliaments. Although political leaders and governments in these countries make declarations and adopt programmes to fight corruption, progress is limited and common citizens do not see results. Is the situation hopeless, or are there solutions that can bring improvements? This volume analyses a broad range of anti-corruption measures recently implemented in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and identifies where interim progress has been achieved, and where further or reinforced action is needed. The book covers such areas as: anti-corruption strategies, and action plans and mechanisms to monitor their implementation; as well as anti-corruption criminal legislation and its application in practice, including the key role of specialised, independent and well-resourced anti-corruption law-enforcement bodies. The volume also examines a diverse range of measures to prevent corruption among public officials, in political parties, and in the private sector. It is rich with country data and practical examples, and will provide a useful source of information for anti-corruption decision makers and practitioners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and beyond.

National Accounts of OECD Countries: General Government Accountsis an annual publication, dedicated to government finance which is based on the System of National Accounts 1993 (SNA 1993). It includes tables showing government aggregates and balances for the production, income and financial accounts as well as detailed tax and social contribution receipts and a breakdown of expenditure of general government by function, according to the harmonized international classification, COFOG. These detailed accounts are available for the general government sector. Data also cover the following sub-sectors, according to availability: central government, state government, local government and social security funds.This edition covers 29 of the 30 OECD countries. Data are expressed in national currencies and cover the period from 1995 to 2006.

Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia International anti-corruption treaties, including the UN Convention against Corruption, require member states to establish two types of anti-corruption institutions – one to prevent corruption and the other to combat corruption through law enforcement. The treaties also establish standards for such anti-corruption institutions – they should be independent, specialised and have sufficient resources to meet their challenging tasks. This book analyses the main functions of prevention and combating corruption and discusses practical ways to ensure the independence, specialisation and resources of anti-corruption bodies. The book further studies the different forms of specialisation which exist in different countries and describes 14 anti-corruption agencies from around the world, including preventive, law-enforcement and combined or multipurpose agencies. Analysis of key factors which can lead anti-corruption bodies to success or failure, together with a rich body of country specific information, practical facts and contact details will make this book a useful tool for those policy-makers who seek to strengthen anti-corruption institutions in their countries.

Few other countries feature the combination of very low population densities and difficult topography that hinders communication, in addition to a variety of contrasting climates. But the "Nordic welfare model" strives, with a good degree of success, to offer equal living conditions to all citizens by providing proper access to quality public services across the country. This comes, however, at great cost. This publication asks whether such a model can be sustainable in the long run, when population ageing and the reduction of petroleum reserves will reduce the leeway that the rapidly growing economy offers. It examines whether competitiveness and innovation could be further developed, given the high share of resource-based and traditional activities and whether urban policy could be better integrated into regional policy so as to better harness the energy of regional growth engines in different areas of the country, including the northern most parts. Lastly, it looks at whether impending regional reform could facilitate the necessary adaptations by transferring more power to regional councils.