[ad_1]
The European Commission has urged Italy to step up its efforts to combat corruption and conflicts of interest, according to a report published on Wednesday (August 28) by the European Commission’s anti-corruption agency GRECO.
In its ReportGRECO called for stronger measures, particularly targeting senior officials such as the prime minister and ministers, as well as law enforcement agencies.
While acknowledging that Italy has a “well-developed legal framework” to combat corruption, it criticised the system as being too “complex” and therefore less effective.
“This is particularly evident in the area of conflict of interest and financial disclosure regulation, where different rules apply and do not adequately cover all PTEFs (persons with senior management functions),” the report states.
One of the main criticisms is the lack of a single integrity framework for such top management functions.
GRECO also stressed the need for a common code of conduct that would apply uniformly to all senior officials.
Another area of concern for the European Commission’s GRECO is the rules on gifts, relationships with lobbyists and post-employment activities, which the European Commission says need to be strengthened.
In particular, with regard to sanctions for violations, the report notes that current procedures are inadequate.
The report also expressed concern about the lack of gender diversity in leadership positions at Italy’s main law enforcement agencies.
Although the state police Military Police and Financial Police After establishing an integrity risk management system, the CPC Central Committee recommended additional measures, such as integrity checks during promotions and transfers, and regular assessments of positions most prone to corruption.
The Meroni government now faces the task of implementing GRECO’s 19 recommendations, which will be reviewed in 2026 as part of ongoing compliance monitoring.
Despite progress in recent years, Italy is still considered a country with a high risk of corruption, particularly in the public sector.
This is reflected in Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2023Italy ranks 17th among the 27 EU member states.
(Editing by Daniel Eck/Martina Monti)
Read more by Euractiv
[ad_2]
Source link
