By Martin Banks

The EU’s new Anti-Corruption Directive can only be a “first step” towards tackling the issue, say some MEPs.

But the European Conservatives and Reformists’ also warn that it “falls short of delivering the level of ambition required to effectively tackle corruption across the Union.”

The EU Parliament last week adopted new EU-wide rules establishing a harmonised criminal law framework to prevent and combat corruption across the Union.

The directive was provisionally agreed between Parliament and Council last December.

It sets out common definitions of corruption offences, including bribery, misappropriation, obstruction of justice, trading in influence, unlawful exercise of functions, illicit enrichment linked to corruption, concealment, and private-sector corruption, and harmonises rules on sanctions.

Concern, though, has been voiced by the European Conservatives and Reformists’ Shadow Rapporteur Mariusz Kamiński.

Kamiński criticised the final compromise as insufficient, despite acknowledging that the directive represents a step forward, saying:

The MEP said, “Work on the anti-corruption directive lasted three years. This document was intended to be a response to the Qatargate scandal, which shook European public opinion. It was supposed to be a breakthrough in the fight against corruption in the European Union. However, the draft we are debating will certainly not be such a breakthrough.”

“The greatest omission of the directive is that it does not adequately address EU institutions and their officials.”

He noted that while the final text introduces common definitions of corruption-related offences and minimum standards for penalties, “it falls short of establishing a comprehensive and robust framework in line with international commitments.”

“One of the most significant flaws of the directive is the lack of an obligation for EU officials to submit publicly disclosed and verifiable asset declarations made under criminal liability. This should be the response to the disgraceful scandal involving Justice Commissioner Reynders. The Belgian prosecutor’s office has charged him with money laundering during the period in which he held this position”, he said.

Kamiński also stressed the importance of specialised anti-corruption bodies with the necessary expertise and independence to investigate complex cases, which is missing from the text.

He said:“To effectively fight corruption in the 21st century, expert knowledge, independence, and access to the most modern investigative tools are essential.”

He further underlined that the directive “weakens certain international obligations, including provisions related to the prosecution of legal persons engaged in corruption outside the EU.”

The ECR Group says it has consistently called for stronger measures, including extending anti-corruption obligations to Union officials, ensuring effective and specialised enforcement structures, and maintaining robust provisions on corruption involving legal persons operating outside the EU.

Despite these shortcomings, the Group says it will support the final text as a first step, while continuing to push for stronger and more comprehensive measures in future revisions.

Kamiński adds, “The European Parliament must send a clear signal to the citizens of Europe – we are determined to fight corruption and we have the appropriate tools to do so. Enough empty declarations – it is time for action.”