# Safeguarding EU-funded investments with Integrity Pacts: A decision-maker’s guide to collaborative public contracting monitoring URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-pacts-safeguarding-eu-investments-decision-makers-guide-collaborative-public-contracting Type: Publication or report Published: 2021-03-26 Updated: 2021-07-07 --- 26 March 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has tested many governments’ ability to respond to communities’ needs swiftly and efficiently. Public agencies are facing greater scrutiny and increased expectations to deliver services and meaningful projects to expedite an equitable recovery from the crisis. In the EU, member states have agreed an unprecedented budget of €1.8 trillion for the 2021-2027 period. The extraordinary influx of funds to be invested, along with the need to spend them quickly, significantly raises risks of fraud and corruption. Decision-makers across the EU have a timely opportunity to collaborate with civil society and create greater transparency and accountability in public contracting through Integrity Pacts. In collaboration with the European Commission, Integrity Pacts were piloted in 18 contracting projects across 11 EU countries from 2015 to 2021. Their implementation shows that the IP tool provides a flexible framework for authorities to improve contracting outcomes and, ultimately, public trust. Drawing on this experience, this hands-on guide aims to help EU authorities embed Integrity Pacts in their programmes in order to safeguard strategic investments under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and recovery funds. ## Additional downloads - [Download 'SL Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/SL_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'SK Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/SK_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'RO Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/RO_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'PT Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/PT_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'PL Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/PL_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'LV Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/LV_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'LT Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/LT_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'IT Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/IT_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'HU Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/HU_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'HR Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/HR_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'GR Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/GR_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'FR Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/FR_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'ES Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/ES_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'DE Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/DE_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'CZ Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/CZ_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) - [Download 'BG Integrity Pacts Strategic Brief WEB' \[PDF\]](https://files.transparencycdn.org/images/BG_Integrity-Pacts-Strategic-Brief_WEB.pdf) ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots) Publication • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can play a key role in uncovering corruption, but only if they have the powers, resources and access to information they need. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## Priorities - [Public procurement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/public-procurement) ## Regions - [European Union](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/european-union) ## Projects - [Integrity Pacts – Civil Control Mechanism for Safeguarding EU Funds](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/integritypacts) ![Publication cover, Safeguarding EU funded investments with Integrity Pacts](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2021-Safeguarding-EU-funded-investments-with-Integrity-Pacts.PNG?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2021_Safeguarding_EU_funded_investments_with_Integrity_Pacts.pdf)