The Electricity Distribution Romania (DEER) will implement an international standard for anti-bribery management systems, as part of an effort aimed at strengthening mechanisms for preventing and managing corruption offences, the company announced on Wednesday.

'Implementing the anti-bribery standard goes beyond compliance with requirements and regulations. It represents the assumption of a modern corporate governance model, built on clear principles of transparency and accountability, which provides additional guarantees that all company activities and processes are conducted correctly, fairly and without compromise. At company level, the principle governing the entire approach to integrity is clear and unequivocal: zero tolerance for any form of bribery or corrupt behaviour,' the release mentioned.

In concrete terms, this system involves developing and implementing specific policies and procedures, the ongoing assessment of risks associated with corruption and bribery, strengthening internal control mechanisms, continuous staff training, as well as dedicated reporting channels for handling potential situations that may raise suspicions of breaches of integrity rules, the quoted source said.

According to the quoted source, the implementation of this system is supported by a series of measures already carried out within the company: the preparation and distribution of dedicated information materials, the display of posters in offices and customer service centres, the organisation of information and training sessions for employees, as well as the development of internal reporting and monitoring mechanisms.

The DEER, part of the Electrica Group, is a national electricity distribution operator covering 18 counties, representing 40.7% of Romania's territory (97,196 sq km). AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Banciulea; EN - writing by: Rodica State)