As delivered by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

President of GRECO, dear Marin,

President of the European Court of Human Rights,

President of the Consultative Council of European Judges,

Distinguished GRECO members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to speak at this anniversary session, marking 25 years of GRECO’s work –

Led by women and men who have understood the ways in which corruption rots the very basis of our societies.

Legality, legal certainty, equality before the law -

All these principles are undermined by corruption.

But it is certainly not only the rule of law that is affected.

Where the public sees corruption and a lack of accountability, it loses faith in fairness, due process and the democratic institutions on which they should be able to rely.

That is why GRECO’s work is so invaluable to countering democratic backsliding on our continent –

In times of war, economic and political crises and other challenges –

And in line with the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy, through which European leaders committed to pursue a relentless fight against corruption –

In all its forms and at every level.

For a quarter of a century now, GRECO’s monitoring reports have gone to the very heart of the way in which the state functions.

And their follow-up has been defined by a steady persistence in reminding members of their obligations –

As your recommendations are not optional or “à la carte”.

But the starting point will always be the need for the political will to confront problems and implement change.

I believe that this, and the trust that is also needed, are strengthened by the fact that countries are assessed equally and fairly by a peer review –

Combining your expertise for the benefit of all members.

In your various roles as national experts, evaluators, rapporteurs, presidents, bureau and secretariat members, all of you have contributed to the five evaluation rounds conducted so far –

And whose concrete impact can be seen in governments’ adoption of anti-corruption laws –

The introduction of mandatory declarations of interest, and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies –

And the implementation of training and awareness raising programmes, the appointment of individual counsellors on integrity-related matters –

And countless other recommendations that have resulted in action at the national level.

The broad, thematic evaluation rounds have in fact been essential –

Even though we can see differences between the implementation of recommendations in different rounds and their sub-groups.

Of course, stricter regulations are certainly still needed to prevent corruption and promote integrity in the top executive functions of central governments –

And the slow implementation of recommendations on preventing corruption among parliamentarians is of course of great concern –

As well as the fact that a number of further judicial reforms are necessary to strengthen the independence and integrity rules for judges and prosecutors.

Moving forward, what remains important is that GRECO continues to ensure its high level of scrutiny and expectations of its members.

I have no doubt that the sixth round –

On preventing corruption and promoting integrity in local and regional government –

Will lead to further important changes being implemented –

And I also appreciate that you co-operate with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in this regard.

In addition, I take this opportunity to say that since transparency is such an important feature of GRECO’s work, I hope that all members will agree eventually to an automatic publication procedure for your reports.

Of course, the value of GRECO’s work is also reflected in the way that it is used by other actors.

GRECO reports and recommendations now feature in judgments from the European Court of Human Rights –

And I noted that President O’Leary mentioned GRECO explicitly in her recent public statement on the 75^th anniversary of the Council of Europe.

But they are also regularly referred to in reports by the Parliamentary Assembly –

And the opinions by the Venice Commission and the Consultative Council of European Judges.

Looking beyond the Council of Europe, GRECO is a trusted partner in the global effort to combat corruption.

And I hope that additional countries outside Europe will take the opportunity to join.

Certainly, our co-operation with other international organisations is today very productive in combatting corruption.

These organisations include the United Nations and the OECD –

And, of course, our relationship with the European Union is essential and grows ever deeper.

GRECO’s findings are now used by the European Commission in its important annual Rule of Law reports –

And for those European countries on a pathway to EU membership –

GRECO’s support in making their national anti-corruption measures more effective and efficient plays a key role in helping them to meet the standards required.

The EU’s Observer Status at GRECO has been valuable to all parties –

And I hope that the EU will become a full member in the near future.

Dear friends,

Whether we speak about bribes, conflicts of interest, or seeking advantage for oneself or others, these crimes are far too often a fact of life in too many European countries.

A lot of progress has been made over the past
25 years.

But a lot remains to be done.

This applies to all members.

Because even the best student in class must do their homework.

As you, Marin Mrčela, so rightly remarked at your recent exchange of views with the Ministers’ Deputies just a few weeks ago –

That GRECO cannot police and force members to implement its recommendations –

But you have strong arguments, based on the fundamental principles and international standards that have been collectively agreed to by all members.

Dear Marin,

As you prepare to step down after a long and distinguished term in office –

Let me use this occasion to express my gratitude to you for your outstanding work and many achievements.

And also, to GRECO’s two previous presidents.

I would also like to thank all GRECO’s experts and evaluators –

As well as Secretariat members, including the three Executive Secretaries present today.

Your skills, expertise and unwavering commitment –

Have contributed greatly to this monitoring body’s high profile and unrivalled reputation –

To all of you, again, thank you and congratulations on this 25^th anniversary.