Stronger EU-wide rules to fight corruption take effect
- 1 Minute Lesezeit
More harmonised anti-corruption rules took effect across the EU on 31 May 2026 under the new Directive on combating corruption. The Directive introduces modern rules to better prevent, detect and sanction corruption across the EU.
The new rules are intended to establish a more consistent EU-wide framework by harmonising the definition of corruption offences across Member States – including bribery, misappropriation, trading in influence, unlawful exercise of public functions, obstruction of justice and corruption-related enrichment.
Effective anti-corruption approaches in all Member States should build on measures to enhance transparency and integrity, including by regulating in areas such as conflict of interest, lobbying and revolving doors.
The Directive sets minimum rules on criminal penalties for both individuals and companies.
The new rules also introduce minimum rules on limitation periods to ensure sufficient time to investigate and prosecute corruption offences effectively. Member States must also guarantee that law enforcement and prosecutors have adequate investigative tools at their disposal and strengthen preventive measures, including through dedicated national anti-corruption strategies.
Member States must bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 1 June 2028.
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