Council of Europe to Italy: ‘Increase effectiveness of the fight against corruption in politics’

Brussels -Italy and corruption are too dangerous a combination. According to the Council of Europe, guard levels are insufficient, and risks associated with this worrying phenomenon are especially evident in top executive functions. The international organization of which Italy is a member turns the spotlight on politics because that is where it sees the risks and urges appropriate corrective measures. Italy needs to “improve the effectiveness of its system to promote integrity and prevent corruption in government and law enforcement,” according to the special report drafted by the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), the internal body of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe calls for “determined measures to prevent corruption in Italy in respect of persons with top executive functions (PTEFs), including the President of the Council of Ministers, ministers, undersecretaries of state, extraordinary and special commissioners,” as well as members of direct collaboration offices, members of the State Police, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza who are also considered overly exposed to corruption.

From Strasbourg, the situation does not look exactly rosy. There are no accusations against anyone and no questioning of any particular national executive, but the Council urges the current government to take action. GRECO makes 19 recommendations to the government of Giorgia Meloni, not a few, and will assess them in 2026. The country has two years to tighten the meshes and freedom to maneuver against wrongdoers. Three of the requested correctives are strengthening rules on gifts, benefits, invitations, contacts with lobbyists, and after public office because even what one will do after office can be subject to a conflict of interest.

The country’s limits are especially apparent in conflict of interest. GRECO acknowledges that Italy has a “sizeable legal framework dealing with the prevention and the fight against corruption, but that it is complicated to navigate, to the detriment of its efficiency.” It is especially apparent in conflicts of interest and financial disclosure regulations, where different rules apply but do not cover all PTEFs adequately.

Politicians enjoy privileges granted by law that make them more vulnerable to corruption. That is why GRECO calls for appropriate corrections. Specifically, it would be appropriate to have “a systemic analysis of integrity risks and a specific code of conduct that should apply to all.” The Meloni government has the task to carry out the appropriate reforms, just like in the case of freedom of the press and women’s rights.