In a new report the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the United States to pursue its efforts to promote the integrity of persons entrusted with top executive functions, and as regards the personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
GRECO notes that comprehensive legislation is implemented by the United States to promote integrity and prevent corruption in the Executive Branch through a robust institutional mechanism. The first National Anti-Corruption Strategy, adopted in 2021 represents a significant step in addressing corruption overseas. GRECO considers that a similarly strategic approach with an overarching anti-corruption strategy for the Executive Branch would be beneficial to tackle domestic corruption and integrity risks. The criminal and civil anti-bribery statutes and regulations containing the rules of ethical conduct apply to nearly all persons in top executive functions.
GRECO notes that the President and the Vice-President are exempt from most of the statutory and regulatory provisions on conflicts of interest and integrity. With this in mind, GRECO recommends that, in addition to declaring their interest, the President and the Vice President should resign from any external positions and divest potentially conflicting assets prior to assuming office.
The implementation of the recommendations addressed to the United States will be assessed by GRECO in 2025 through its compliance procedure.
USA: anti-corruption body publishes report on corruption prevention and integrity concerning top executive functions and the FBI
