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GRECO Side-event with NGOs on Corruption Prevention and Integrity

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.

 
Strasbourg 05/06/2025
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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. (more)

A word from the President of GRECO

Welcome to this window on GRECO’s world! 
I invite you to use it to look into the work we do with our 48 member States.  We use the dynamics of collective expertise and peer pressure to accomplish action by individual governments that will build durable barriers against corruption and bring to justice those who misuse their position for personal gain to the detriment of society as a whole.

Whether inspired by GRECO’s work, that of others with an anti-corruption agenda or our own experiences and principles, each one of us has a role to play in changing the mind-set to zero tolerance of corruption.

Members of GRECO Bureau

The composition of GRECO's Bureau is the following: Olivier GONIN (Switzerland), Panagiota VATIKALOU (Greece), Vice-President António DELICADO (Portugal), President David MEYER (United Kingdom), Lise CHIPAULT (France), Sorin TĂNASE (Romania) and Alexia KALISPERA (Cyprus).

 BEWARE OF SCAMS

It has been brought to our attention that the name of GRECO is being used for fraudulent purposes. These scams may appear to use letterhead with the GRECO logo, or contain the signatures of actual or fictitious senior GRECO officials, aiming to give the appearance of a legitimate GRECO correspondence.  Sometimes they may include legitimate website addresses to give a veneer of credibility to the scam.

Typically, the solicitations asked potential victims to provide personal information such as signatures or bank account information, and to pay certain advance fees, often described as "processing fees." In return, the potential victim was promised sums of money that the person soliciting the "fees" had no intention of paying. In some cases, those seeking the funds used the names of actual GRECO staff members to sign the letters in order to bolster their credibility.

GRECO, the Council of Europe's anti-corruption body, monitors the way in which its member countries implement the Council of Europe conventions and other instruments at national level. GRECO does not contact members of the public directly by email, telephone, Whatsapp or any other means about specific financial transactions or personal information.

We caution the public to be very wary of these and other similar solicitations that falsely claim to be affiliated with the GRECO. If you have received such a communication, we advise you to immediately terminate that contact.  If you have already paid them money, please contact your local law enforcement without delay.