On Tuesday, 27 September, the European Commission presented the “EU self-assessment” on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which dates back to 2003. Its report—which examines how the convention has been applied in the EU—will contribute to the report and recommendations of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The European Commission explains in a press release that the United Nations Convention against Corruption is the only international anti-corruption treaty that is legally binding.
It aims to improve preventive and anti-corruption measures, promote proper management of public affairs, and facilitate international cooperation and technical assistance against corruption. [The press release states,] “As a party to the convention, the EU is obliged to assess whether its rules and practices are in conformity with the convention’s anti-corruption principles, objectives, and requirements so as to identify any shortcomings that would require legislative, institutional, and practical reforms”.
This initial self-assessment covers the aspects of criminalisation and law enforcement as well as that of international cooperation and, in 134 pages, reviews all legislation adopted to this effect—be it on trading in influence, freezing and confiscating assets, or protecting victims of corruption.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/39t (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)