Group of States against corruption (GRECO)
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The Fight against Corruption: a Priority for the
Council of Europe
Ever since antiquity, corruption has been one of
the most widespread and insidious of social evils. When it involves
public officials and elected representatives, it is inimical to the
administration of public affairs. Since the end of the 19th century,
it has also been seen as a major threat in the private sphere,
undermining the trust and confidence which are necessary for the
maintenance and development of sustainable economic and social
relations. It is estimated that hundreds of billions of Euros are paid
in bribes every year.
The Council of Europe exists to uphold and further pluralist democracy,
human rights and the rule of law and has taken a lead in fighting
corruption as it poses a threat to the very foundations of these core
values. As it is emphasised in the Criminal Law Convention,
corruption threatens the rule of law, democracy and human rights,
undermines good governance, fairness and social justice, distorts
competition, hinders economic development and endangers the stability
of democratic institutions and the moral foundations of society.
The approach of the Council of Europe in the fight against corruption
has always been multidisciplinary and consists of three interrelated
elements: the setting of European norms and standards, monitoring of
compliance with the standards and capacity building offered to
individual countries and regions, through technical co-operation
programmes.
The Council of Europe has developed a number of multifaceted legal
instruments dealing with matters such as the criminalisation of
corruption in the public and private sectors, liability and
compensation for damage caused by corruption, conduct of public
officials and the financing of political parties. These instruments
are aimed at improving the capacity of States to fight corruption
domestically as well as at international level. The monitoring of
compliance with these standards is entrusted to the Group of States
against Corruption, GRECO.
