Council of Europe calls on Italy to strengthen anti-corruption measures News
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Council of Europe calls on Italy to strengthen anti-corruption measures

The new evaluation report published on Wednesday from the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) urges Italy to adopt and implement measures promoting integrity and combating corruption within top executive functions (PTEFs) and law enforcement agencies.

GRECO monitors member states’ compliance with anti-corruption standards set by the Council of Europe. GRECO conducts a two-step process: first, an evaluation based on questionnaires and on-site visits, and then a compliance procedure to assess the implementation of recommendations. This dynamic peer review process involves experts and representatives from Member States to ensure effective monitoring and mutual pressure.

This report is in line with the European Commission’s annual report on the rule of law of July 24, which denounced a decline in the rule of law in several EU member states, particularly in Italy. GRECO’s report focused on PTEFs and law enforcement agencies including the President of the Council of Ministers, ministers, undersecretaries of state, extraordinary and special commissioners, and members of the offices of direct collaboration. The law enforcement agencies includes members of the State Police, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza.

The Council of Europe noted that Italy has a “sizeable legal framework dealing with the prevention and the fight against corruption, but that it is complicated to navigate, to the detriment of its efficiency.” Moreover, there is no common integrity framework applicable to all PTEFs.

Following the evaluation, GRECO established 19 recommendations divided in two parts. The recommendations for high-level government officials primarily focus on preventing conflicts of interest, enhancing transparency, and establishing strong ethical frameworks. The recommendations for law enforcement agencies emphasize strengthening internal controls, promoting diversity, and fostering a culture of integrity.

As stated in point 313 of the evaluation report and in accordance with article 30.2 of GRECO’s rules of procedure, Italy is invited to provide GRECO with a report on the measures adopted to implement the recommendations by September 30, 2025. GRECO will evaluate this as part of its compliance procedure, which is the second stage of the process.

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