This is the first time such collective criminal penalties for corruption have been established throughout the entire EU. The agreement sets that all countries will use the same definitions for various forms of corruption. This also applies to bribery, embezzlement, and obstruction of justice. Minimum penalties will also be established; judges may impose higher sentences.
It has been years since the European Parliament and European countries last took a concrete step to strengthen the rule of law. Initially, it seemed unlikely that an agreement would be reached. Among others, the Italian government expressed major objections to the new European law and was able to count on support from other countries for some time.
Initially, the European Parliament wanted to include much more in the agreement, but the countries were unwilling to do so. Nevertheless, Dutch MEP García Hermida-van der Walle (D66/Renew) is pleased with the agreement to strengthen the fight against corruption. She has been the chief negotiator on this dossier in recent months.
“It is up to the national governments to explain to their citizens why we do not go further in combating crime, but the glass is half full. And until a few weeks ago, it seemed there would be no glass at all.”
The agreement is intended to ensure that corruption cases are handled similarly in all EU countries. This is necessary because significant differences between countries have so far hindered enforcement. By streamlining this, prosecution should become simpler.
The cooperation should also ensure that investigations are carried out more quickly and fully. By sharing information better, it can be prevented that corruption cases stagnate or delay between countries.
The agreement is provisional and still needs formal approval. This means the arrangements will only come into effect once both the European Parliament and the EU countries have definitively adopted them.