Western Balkan countries have tighten the fight against corruption, but are still far from meeting the European Union standards, the Council of Europe says in its report, published Friday.

The report refers to Macedonia, Serbia/Montenegro (SCG), Croatia, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Albania, and is based on the results of anti-corruption seminar, held in Skopje.

Macedonia, SCG and BiH are criticized for lack of funds and political will for combating the corruption.

Poor laws in Croatia make room for corruption, especially in regard to the privatization process, the report reads.

Albania has achieved the best results considering the number of corruption cases that are subject of court procedures.

Anti-corruption agencies are most probably overloaded with work and expectations, the report says, adding that slow judicial reforms and the need for them to turn their focus from repressive actions to prevention and education are presenting additional challenges.