International Anti-Corruption Day: new survey shows corruption seen as less widespread in the EU than in 2013

Today, on the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day, the European Commission releases a survey on European businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the European Union. The results show a downward trend, but with a significant number (63%) of businesses of the opinion that corruption is widespread. This is down from 75% in 2013. Companies are sceptical about how corruption is tackled, with 51% of them believing that corrupt people or businesses are unlikely to be caught by or reported to the police or prosecutors. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “Corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, the very foundations of our European societies. Over time, its influence deepens inequalities and undermines social cohesion. We have made important progress as a Union over the years, but more remains to be done. We will continue to work with national authorities,international organisations, civil society and the private sector to eradicate corruption.” The European Union has advanced in the fight against corruption with new rules on the protection of whistle-blowers, anti-money laundering and law enforcement access to financial information, and on the protection of the Union’s financial interests, as well as with the creation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Commission will continue strengthening its work on this issue in cooperation with all stakeholders. The fight against corruption will also be a key element of the new Rule of Law review cycle.