The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) hosted on 5 June an outreach hybrid event in Strasbourg aimed at enhancing its dialogue and cooperation with civil society.
The event, entitled “Transitioning from the 5th to the 6th Evaluation Round and Engaging with NGOs”, brought together GRECO national delegates, international anti-corruption experts, and representatives from numerous civil society organisations.
The first part of the event featured the presentation of a new study analysing the findings and impact of GRECO-s 5th Evaluation Round, which focuses on top executive functions in central government and law enforcement agencies. Panellists shared national experiences highlighting both challenges and opportunities in implementing GRECO’s recommendations.
The second part focused on the 6th Evaluation Round, which was launched in 2025 and addresses integrity systems at the sub-national level. Civil society representatives presented anti-corruption projects and discussions focused on local risks, particularly in areas such as public procurement and transparency in decision-making. Participants further explored innovative strategies to strengthen governance, focusing on whistleblower protection, access to information, and promoting gender equality.
Representatives from over 40 national and international NGOs participated in the event, exchanging views on how civil society can effectively contribute to GRECO’s work in line with its mandate and Rules of Procedure. The discussions highlighted the vital role of continued cooperation between GRECO, its member States, and civil society in reinforcing the fight against corruption across Europe and beyond.
