Brussels, 16/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Berlin-base NGO, Transparency International (TI), published a communiqué on Tuesday 15 December in which it welcomes the fact that the Stockholm Programme (2010-2014) includes a chapter on combating corruption. “The EU now has a mandate which enables them to develop a robust periodical evaluation mechanism of anti-corruption efforts in 27 EU member states and also for countries aspiring to enter the EU”, said Jana Mittermaier, who represents the TI with the EU. The Stockholm Programme, adopted on 11 December by the European Council, recommends the establishment of indicators to measure the efforts made by member states to combat corruption, especially in areas of acquis communautaire (public procurement, financial audit). It also provides for the development of an anti-corruption policy in close cooperation with the Council of Europe's group of states against corruption (GRECO). Finally, the European Commission is expected to submit a report in 2010 on arrangements for Union access to GRECO. “Regular reporting and evaluation on anti-corruption measures in member states will help strengthen European citizens' trust in their own public institutions and those of the EU”, Ms Mittermaier explained. The NGO therefore calls on the EU to develop concrete measures within the future European action plan in the field of justice and home affairs, to be adopted in June 2010. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, over 80% of European citizens are convinced that their politicians are corrupt. Although no country is spared, it is Greece which wins hands down with 98% of its population accusing national institutions of corruption. (B.C./transl.jl)