Transparency International Urges Stronger EU Anti-Corruption Directive

Transparency International urges Denmark, as it assumes the EU Council presidency, to break the stalemate on the EU Anti-Corruption Directive after negotiations collapsed due to member-state resistance—particularly from Italy (seeking removal of abuse of office as an offense), supported by Hungary and Germany. The directive aims to harmonize corruption definitions and penalties and strengthen national strategies; civil society broadly supports stronger measures, and Denmark is seen as uniquely positioned to restore momentum.