Open letter from 57 civil society organisations across the EU and accession countries urges institutions to raise anti-corruption standards in final negotiations
Today, 57 civil society organisations, including 24 Transparency International chapters, published an open letter calling on the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament to uphold and strengthen the anti-corruption measures adopted by the European Parliament as part of the proposed EU Anti-Corruption Directive.
Designed to establish common standards for preventing and addressing corruption across member states, the Directive is now entering a critical final phase of interinstitutional negotiations. The signatories call on EU leaders to demonstrate genuine political will to combat corruption and set a higher standard for integrity and accountability across the bloc.
The letter highlights growing public frustration with corruption across the EU. According to Transparency International’s research, only 21 per cent of people believe that officials face appropriate penalties for corruption in the EU, while 53 per cent think the government is run by a few big interests serving themselves.
Recent scandals such as Qatargate and the Huawei controversy have only deepened these concerns. Civil society leaders warn that this is no time for half-measures. EU policymakers must build on, not weaken, the Parliament’s stance.
Andrea Rocca, Head of Policy & Advocacy, Transparency International, said:
“This Directive is a test of the EU’s commitment to integrity and good governance. Anything less than the European Parliament’s proposals would send the wrong message to citizens and the world. If the EU is to claim global leadership on corruption, it must be willing to act decisively and set a standard for transparency and accountability that all member states must uphold. This is a pivotal moment, and it must not be missed.”
Nick Aiossa, Director of Transparency International EU, said:
“Citizens across the EU are demanding accountability and transparency, and it is now up to policymakers to answer that call. A strong anti-corruption directive would not only hold bad actors accountable but also demonstrate that the EU is serious about upholding the rule of law and defending democratic integrity.”
Note to editors:
- Open letter from 57 civil society organisations.
- Transparency International’s analysis and recommendations on the proposed EU Anti-Corruption Directive.
- Transparency International’s recent blog about the need for a strong Directive
