CODE OF ETHICS IN BALKAN GEOPOLITICS

The Code of Ethics contains the basic standards and principles of Balkan Geopolitics, which must be respected by all employees (Staff), the Executive Director and the Board.

The basic principles of Balkan Geopolitics are:

• integrity – Includes qualities such as honesty, impartiality, rejection of corruption, and respect for the human value of all individuals.
• Equal opportunities and non-discrimination – Balkan Geopolitics has embraced the principle of equal opportunities. The organization manages staff, hires, treats and promotes individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, nationality, limitations (special needs), sexual orientation and any other category defined by the Labor Law, the Law on Gender Equality and other laws in force. Therefore, no direct or indirect discrimination on racial, gender, religious, political, economic or social grounds is permitted.
• LIABILITY – Balkan Geopolitics employees are obligated to report, explain, and respond to the consequences of their decisions, actions, and inactions.
• Impartiality and professional independence – Employees are not allowed to be biased or have a tendency to favor a particular outcome, causing unjustified harm to the interests of the organization or the rights of other parties.
• confidentiality – All employees must maintain confidential information and ensure that it is not disclosed inside or outside the organization.
• Avoiding conflict of interest – Employees should not allow their private interests to conflict with their position in the organization.
• Copyright – Balkan Geopolitics has all rights to the materials produced during the work, including texts, photographs, videos and music.

Rules of Conduct in Balkan Geopolitics:

1. Employees are guided by the principle of professional independence, personal integrity, accountability and honesty.
2. Employees must perform their duties fairly and efficiently.
3. They should not misuse the organization's funds.
4. They should not use their official position for personal gain.
5. They must maintain and strengthen the trust of the organization and those who serve it.
6. They must exercise their duties professionally, independently and without external influences.
7. They must act in a transparent and professional manner.

Protective measures:
If an employee notices a violation of the law or the organization's internal policies, he/she must report this to the Human Resources Representative, the Executive Director, or the Board.

Employee behavior towards other parties:

• To behave professionally and respect the principle of equality, avoiding any kind of discrimination.
• Be polite to third parties, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.
• Communicate clearly and responsibly with citizens.

Employee behavior towards the media:

• They should not disclose information without authorization.
• They should not provide inaccurate information or personal opinions about the organization in public statements.

Conflict of Interest Prevention:

• Employees must act in the interest of the organization and not put their personal interests above those of the organization.
• Their duties must be in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable Kosovo legislation.
• If an employee is in doubt about the existence of a conflict of interest, he/she should consult with the unit manager or Human Resources Representative.

Engagement of employees outside the organization:

• Employees should not engage in outside activities that interfere with the fulfillment of their official duties.
• They must inform the unit manager and the Human Resources Representative of any engagement outside the organization.
• Teaching, scientific research and training activities are permitted if they do not interfere with work duties.

Giving gifts:

• Employees must not accept monetary gifts or favors related to the exercise of their official duties. Any gift received must be submitted to the Executive Director and recorded.

Reaction to unfair offers:
If an employee receives an unfair offer, he/she should:

• Reject it immediately.
• Try to identify the person who made the offer.
• Report this immediately to the unit manager or the Human Resources Office.

Other employee obligations:

• Employees must not use their position to induce someone else to take unfair advantage.
• They must respect working hours and not leave without notifying the unit manager.
• The organization's equipment should be used with care and only for official purposes.

Declaration of Consent and Signature:
Every employee of Balkan Geopolitics is required to read, understand and sign the Code of Ethics, submitting the original form to the Human Resources Office.