WIREDGOV

The Commission yesterday set out its approach to undertake a review of the EU's implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). As a party to the Convention, the EU must evaluate how its rules and practices comply with the anti-corruption principles, objectives and requirements under the Convention to identify any deficiencies that require legislative, institutional and practical reforms.

In the Communication presented yesterday, the Commission:

• Informs all EU institutions of its intention to launch the review process ahead of the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption 2021;
• Sets out a framework to facilitate the review to allow swift progress in fulfilling all necessary legal obligations, in full respect of the principle of sincere cooperation and administrative autonomy of the institutions;
• Invites the EU institutions to participate and cooperate at all stages of the process.

The EU's work to fight corruption

The Communication is the latest in a number of measures taken by the Commission to address corruption in the EU. Important progress has been made on legislation on anti-money laundering, public procurement, whistle-blower protection and asset recovery. In the framework of the European Semester, the fight against corruption is among the topics addressed in country-specific recommendations. Further EU measures are in place for the protection of financial interests, including the new European Public Prosecutor's Office, with a mandate to investigate, prosecute and bring to judgment crimes against the EU budget. The recent EU Rule of Law Report highlights the fight against corruption as a fundamental pillar for upholding the rule of law. Corruption also has an impact on the business environment, which is why anticorruption is also an important component of the Recovery and Resilience Plans.

On the global stage, the EU has played an important role in the adoption of the resolution on the fight against corruption adopted by the UN General Assembly in June 2020. This resolution paved the way for the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation, planned for April 2021.

The Commission also organises regular anti-corruption experience-sharing workshops across the EU to support Member States, and provides support via ISF and ESIF funds. As a follow up to the EU Security Union Strategy, the 2021 Commission Work Program foresees a Communication on an EU Agenda to tackle organised crime, including the fight against corruption.

Click here for the full press release