In a report published on Tuesday 2 September, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) welcomes Portugal’s progress, but believes that “further action is needed”.
With regard to senior executive positions, GRECO welcomes the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism, the Entity for Transparency and the adoption of a Code of Conduct.
GRECO is, however, calling for “more determined action” in terms of integrity checks for people in senior executive positions.
The new ‘National Anti-Corruption Strategy’ and its ‘2025-2028 Action Plan’ have not yet been adopted, deplores GRECO, which also notes the absence of a specific plan to prevent the risks of corruption for senior executives.
Clarification of the rules on gifts and the extension to cabinet members of the obligations to declare assets and restrictions after leaving office are also called for.
Concerning law enforcement agencies, GRECO commends the adoption of the new code of conduct for the Public Security Police and the ongoing work to finalise a new code of conduct for the National Republican Guard.
However, it insists on the need to improve gender balance and calls for the establishment of a confidential-counselling mechanism and a system of regular vetting.
It also points out that the two forces have yet to develop specific strategies for fighting corruption, and that the number of staff in the Inspectorate General of Internal Administration (IGAI) should be increased.
Portugal must inform GRECO of its progress by 30 September 2026.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/i8a (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)