The record of the EU member states on the rule of law is diverse. On the European continent, some of the most virtuous countries in the world cohabit with states that traditionally struggle with systemic corruption. They also cohabit with governments that wittingly challenge, if not dismantle, the rule of law.
Corruption is not just a question of fighting crime. Societies and economies, citizens and companies, can only thrive in an environment where everybody is equal before the law and where the law is certain. In particular, transparency and accountability are essential for the correct functioning of the European single market – they are therefore also essential for boosting Europe’s competitiveness.
Against this background, the European Union is trying to equip itself with tools to fight corruption. In 2023, the first von der Leyen Commission presented a proposal for a directive that aims to strengthen the capacity of the EU member states to fight corruption. Are the instruments that have been devised up to the challenge?