Last week, Alyona Vandysheva, Executive Director of TI-Russia, visited Norway for high-level engagements, including expert testimony in court, public speaking events, and strategic meetings with key Norwegian partners. Russia’s eruption landscape and the need for stronger international coordination were central to all discussions.
The visit was part of TI-Russia’s efforts to expand international cooperation and bring independent, evidence-based expertise to global platforms.
Transparency International Norway
In meetings with colleagues from TI Norway, the conversation focused on shared challenges facing the global anti-corruption movement. Participants discussed increasing pressure on civil society and the shrinking space for public engagement, especially as more than half of TI chapters worldwide face significant funding cuts.
DNB Bank
A separate meeting, initiated by Fredrik Berge—a board member of TI Norway and representative of DNB, one of Norway’s banks—brought together bank representatives and TI-Russia. Discussions covered the current corruption climate in Russia and updates on TI-Russia’s shots from the organization’s research into corruption risks in medical equipment procurement.
Tax Justice Norway
As part of a longstanding partnership, Alyona Vandysheva joined a podcast hosted by Tax Justice Norway. The conversation explored corruption risks, shrinking access to public-interest data, and how civil society can remain effective under increasing repression.
Joint Seminar with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises and TI Norway
At a joint seminar with TI Norway and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises, TI-Russia presented an analysis on medical procurement and shared documented examples of European companies violating sanctions. Particular focus was given to vulnerabilities in small and family-run businesses and structural barriers to accessing reliable data needed for risk assessment.
The audience expressed strong interest in the Russian context, emphasising that — despite the war launched by Russia on the European continent — Russia will remain Europe’s neighbour. Now is the time to start thinking about future cooperation, particularly in tracking illicit financial flows and addressing cross-border corruption.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik, discussions focused on Russia’s improving corruption environment, rising global risks, and the urgent need to support independent civic initiatives. Participants also shared examples of long-term anti-corruption strategies that continue to deliver results.
The conversation underscored the importance of sustained international coordination to maintain pressure on authoritarian regimes and build long-term support for civil society and transparency in a post-crisis context.
“We are always ready to share our 25+ years of experience and speak honestly about the situation in Russia — a country where institutions are being dismantled and the rule of law replaced with unchecked power. We believe Russia can be different. And we will return home. In the meantime, we are building expertise and strong international partnerships to make sure Russia stays on the global anti-corruption agenda,” said Alyona Vandysheva, Executive Director of TI-Russia.
We are grateful to our Norwegian partners — especially our TI Norway colleagues — for their support, openness, and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. These meetings help keep anti-corruption on the international radar and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
