Stronger rules to fight corruption

The Commission took decisive action to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide on 3 May with anti-corruption proposals presented at national and EU level.

The Commission proposes a new Directive on combating corruption that will build on measures in place, and strengthen efforts to integrate the prevention of corruption into the design of EU policies and programmes.  Member States’ work will be supported to put in place strong anti-corruption policies and legislation. Through its annual Rule of Law Report cycle, the Commission also monitors anti-corruption developments at national level, identifies challenges and issues of recommendations to Member states.

These measures include new and strengthened rules that criminalise corruption offences and harmonise penalties across the EU, as well as a dedicated Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) sanctions regime to target serious acts of corruption worldwide. These new measures place a strong focus on prevention and creating a culture of integrity, in which corruption is not tolerated and at the same time, strengthen enforcement tools.

Full Press Release

Q&A

Strengthening EU action to prevent corruption (europa.eu)

Factsheet

Strengthening EU action to fight corruption (europa.eu)

Next steps

The proposed Directive on combating corruption will have to be negotiated and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before it can become EU law.  

The proposed new framework of CFSP sanctions targeting corruption will have to be discussed and adopted by the Council.

Background

In her 2022 State of the Union address, President von der Leyen set out the need for decisive action against corruption.