European National Integrity Systems Project
What’s at stake?
Too often corruption is discussed as a ‘developing world’ problem, and yet right across Europe there is a deep sense of frustration about the current integrity gap in politics, business, the public sector and many other fields.
Taxpayers’ money is spent opaquely, important decisions are bought and traded by the rich and powerful, unethical conduct from our leadership is too often tolerated and reckless behaviour within the private sector goes undetected.
Corruption exists. It may take different forms or have different dynamics, but it is here, and has an enormous influence on everyday lives of European citizens.
What we’re doing about it
Because of the complexity of corruption, it is critical that we dig deep to pinpoint exact threats to integrity and to offer realistic solutions, working towards a more transparent and fair Europe.
With this in mind, Transparency International is building momentum, political will and civic pressure to reform the anti-corruption systems in Europe. During 2011 and 2012, we’re running a project to analyse 25 European countries, providing the most comprehensive assessment of the state of anti-corruption in Europe to date. The results are used to engage with the main decision-makers and the broader public to strengthen key national institutions so that they are better positioned to resist corruption and to promote integrity.
By bolstering these systems, we can expect better governance from our leadership, and in turn, more just and equitable societies.
Who’s involved?
Twenty-five Transparency International chapters and partners from the region are taking part in the project, with coordination from our secretariat.
Over half of the project is underwritten by the European Commission, while the remainder is supported by a wide range of donors, including the Swedish Lotteries Foundation and the European Economic Area and Norway grants among others.
Our approach
The analysis is based on the tried and tested ‘National Integrity System’ methodology, developed by Transparency International.
The National Integrity System assesses the performance of, and corruption risks in the full range of actors and institutions that contribute to transparency, integrity and accountability in a given country, and looks to ensure their involvement both in the process of analysis and reform.
Included among these are both public and private sector bodies, law enforcement agencies, civil society, media, judiciary and other key ‘pillars’ of governance.
Thousands of people – including experts, decision-makers and ordinary citizens – will have been drawn into the project over the course of two years, underscoring the need for collaborative and inclusive work to bring about change.
These initial efforts will serve as a platform for further concerted work and improvement in the region.
Timeline and results
- January – December 2011: 25 national studies carried out throughout Europe
- December 2011 – May 2012: National reports launched
- June 2012: Regional report launched
- January 2012 – March 2013: Based on report findings and recommendations, we begin promoting, supporting and advocating for change
More
Visit the special section of our site dedicated to the regional report, Money, Power, Politics: Corruption Risks in Europe.
Read our 2012 regional policy positions on the following topics:
- Regional policy paper #3: Lobbying in the European Union: Levelling the playing field
- Regional policy paper #2: Political party integrity: More accountable, more democratic
- Regional policy paper #1: Increasing integrity and EU citizens' trust in public procurement
Contact us
Helen Turek, Programme Officer, Europe and Central Asia
hturek@transparency.org
Mariya Gorbanova, Programme Officer, Europe and Central Asia
mgorbanova@transparency.org
Accessing the national assessments
Find all the national reports in our National Integrity Systems section.
