CAO Joins Regional Session in Zagreb to Strengthen Awareness of Independent Accountability Mechanisms
(Photo Credit: Marko Lopac/EIB, 2026)
On June 8, 2026, CAO joined a regional Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAM) information session organized as part of a broader workshop hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The session brought together around 25 participants from civil society organizations (CSOs), mediators, and representatives from several IAMs, including CAO, the World Bank Inspection Panel and Dispute Resolution Service, the Complaints Mechanism of the European Investment Bank, and the Independent Complaints Mechanism for FMO, DEG, and Proparco.
During the session, IAMs shared information about their mandates and processes, answered questions from participants, and engaged in practical exercises to build understanding of how communities and civil society can access and work with accountability mechanisms. Participants also heard from CSOs about their experiences bringing complaints through IAM processes.
From CAO, Patrick Flanagan, Principal Compliance Specialist, highlighted CAO’s work in the region and the importance of continued outreach. “Currently in Europe, we have active cases in Serbia, Georgia and Ukraine. It is important for us to continue to engage in these outreach activities to inform communities and local civil society organizations about the work of independent accountability mechanisms like CAO and others. Through this work, we are supporting access to remedy, engaging with affected communities, and helping ensure that people who may be impacted by development projects understand the options available to them,” added Flanagan.
CAO’s participation reflects its continued commitment to strengthening awareness of accountability processes, and exchanging lessons with civil society, mediators, and peer IAMs.
