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Civil society groups are urging the European Union to adopt stronger anti-corruption measures as negotiations over the proposed EU Anti-Corruption Directive enter their final phase.
An open letter released June 2 calls on EU leaders to show “genuine political will” and support the robust provisions already backed by the European Parliament. The directive aims to create a common framework for preventing and tackling corruption across member states and is now under negotiation between the Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
The letter is backed by 57 organizations, including 23 national chapters and partners of Transparency International.
Transparency International’s research highlights a crisis of public confidence: only 21 percent of people across the EU believe officials face adequate penalties for corruption, and 53 percent think governments mostly serve the interests of a powerful few.
“Citizens across the EU are demanding accountability and transparency, and it is now up to policymakers to answer that call,” said Nick Aiossa, director of Transparency International EU.
“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.”
The call for action follows a series of high-profile scandals, including Qatargate—which exposed alleged foreign influence over European lawmakers—and concerns over Huawei’s lobbying activities in Brussels, which raised alarms about corporate sway in EU policymaking.
Andrea Rocca, head of Policy and Advocacy at Transparency International, said the directive represents “a test of the EU’s commitment to integrity and good governance.” He added that weakening the Parliament’s proposals “would send the wrong message to citizens and the world.”
The letter urges the EU to adopt strong whistleblower protections, tougher penalties, and safeguards against political interference. Advocates warn that credibility is at stake.
“This is no time for half-measures,” the letter states. “EU policymakers must build on, not weaken, the Parliament’s stance.”
