International

BAK at the Implementation Review Group of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)

From 30 August to 4 September 2026, the resumed 17th session of the Implementation Review Group (IRG) took place at Vienna International Centre (VIC). Representatives from the 192 States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) discussed the effective implementation of UNCAC. The Austrian Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAK) also participated in this conference.

The discussions focused on the next phase of country reviews. The overall strategic direction had already been decided last year. In extensive debates, delegations now worked out the specific details. The next UNCAC country review will include Austria.
For the BAK, the IRG conference is of great importance for strengthening interministerial cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), as cooperation among federal ministries is crucial during country reviews conducted by international bodies.

Implementation Review Group

The Implementation Review Group (IRG) is the central governing body for monitoring and reviewing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). As a subordinate body of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP) to the UNCAC, it oversees the so-called country review mechanism, in which member states evaluate each other.