Brussels (dpa) – EU countries are planning to address corruption by establishing uniform minimum standards. For the first time, there will be consistent definitions across all member states regarding what constitutes corruption and the associated penalties, as announced by the Council of the EU following discussions with the European Parliament. These regulations will affect both the private sector and public administration. The agreement still requires formal approval from the European Parliament and the member states in the Council.
Criminal corruption across the EU will encompass actions such as bribery in both the public and private sectors, embezzlement, and obstruction of justice. Additionally, there will be standardized expectations for conduct within public office.
Defined minimum penalties are also established
Moreover, the new regulations stipulate how individual countries must penalize corruption-related offenses. According to the announcement, perpetrators could face prison sentences ranging from a minimum of three to at least five years, depending on the nature of the crime. The rules will also clearly outline circumstances under which public officials convicted of corruption will lose their positions.
In cases of corporate corruption, fines will be determined based on the company’s total global turnover. To deter criminal activities, each EU member state is mandated to establish a dedicated center for combating corruption. Additionally, member states are to track which professions and sectors are most impacted by corruption.
MEP lauds agreement but notes lost opportunity
Daniel Freund, a Green politician and Member of the European Parliament, commended the new regulations for preventing member states from decriminalizing specific acts, which has occurred in countries like Italy and Hungary. However, he expressed disappointment that member states were unwilling to commit to reporting the number of corruption cases in their jurisdictions going forward. (2 December)
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