THE CHALLENGES OF COMBATING CORRUPTION THROUGH A SYSTEMIC/STRATEGIC APPROACH IN THE EU LAW
Keywords:
Abuse of functions, Corruption, Democracy, EU Strategy, UNCACAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to underscore the sluggish pace of corruption’s conceptualisation, as governments have long been unable to comprehend its gravity and the catastrophic consequences it has on human rights and democratic systems. Conversely, it is a social and cultural phenomenon and a crime that needs to be combated on a global and local level. Despite the numerous regulatory measures implemented at the European and international levels, it still confronts many obstacles in its discovery and repression.
Design/Methods/Approach: The battle against corruption has now expanded to a global scale and, in the European regional context, has taken on systemic significance for the stability of the EU legal system itself. In light of this, this article will analyse the global response to the phenomenon/crime, with a particular emphasis on the European Union’s stance, following a brief reconstructive meditation on the various forms of corruption. It will look at the Union’s latest strategy, which combines internal and external action to combat corruption in order to take a systematic approach that safeguards the Union’s and its Member States’ democratic systems.
Findings: The findings will highlight the challenges of a crime that is affected by differing approaches across Member States, as evidenced by the difficult adoption of the Anti-Corruption Directive proposed by the European Commission in March 2023 and the subject of widespread debate in Member States. Its complexity necessitates a multifaceted approach, combining law enforcement and public authorities’ efforts with social initiatives aimed at prevention and emergence of conducts.
Originality/Value: Its critical interpretation of the systemic/strategic approach that the European Union advocates in the fight against corruption is what makes the work unique and valuable. In actuality, this strategy needs to include the different legal traditions in the Member States’ criminal justice systems. By acknowledging these, the analysis highlights how different legal orders and cultural attitudes towards corruption can influence the effectiveness of EU policies
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