Today, Transparency International EU joins forces with diverse organisations from business and civil society to form the ALL Alliance for Democracy. ALL is a pro-European alliance launched to campaign in support of European cooperation and democracy and to promote a democratic dialogue about shared values.
The EU has a long history of promoting good governance, the rule of law and anti-corruption reform, most notably as part of the enlargement process, which has raised standards in former communist countries, according to Transparency International EU.
“While the EU has its problems, it has been incredibly important in promoting good governance, fighting corruption and increasing checks and balances on power in Europe and beyond,” said Carl Dolan, Director of Transparency International EU. “Corruption crosses borders and money flows across the world with ease, that’s why the EU is uniquely placed to take on some of the biggest challenges we face, such as money laundering and tax havens, and we should support these efforts,” continued Dolan.
Six EU countries currently score less than 50 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. However, rising populism and attacks on the independence of the judiciary, media and civil society in Europe is creating a fertile breeding ground for corruption, according to Transparency International EU.
“From Trump to Hungary the language of the anti-corruption movement has been abused to gain power, while the same people then dismantle the very tools which are needed to keep power in check,” said Dolan. “Now more than ever is the time to stand up to the kind of populism which threatens European values and the very fabric of our societies, without which corruption will flourish,” concluded Dolan.
