In an evaluation report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) called for measures to prevent corruption in the Netherlands in respect of persons entrusted with top executive functions, including ministers, state secretaries, political advisors; and in respect of members of law enforcement agencies: the National Police and the Royal Marechaussee.
GRECO notes that the integrity of the government in the country is largely built on a high degree of political accountability, trust and consensus. This approach needs to be complemented by a clear cut (integrity) strategy in respect of ministers, state secretaries and, as appropriate, of political assistants or advisors, based on a risk analysis to better prevent conflicts of interest and potential corruption.
GRECO recommends that a code of conduct should be established for top executive officials along with measures for its implementation and enforcement. Moreover, GRECO considers as particularly important to introduce rules for lobbying and post-employment functions.
