International Day against Corruption on 9 December

Statement by the Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis

Strasbourg, 09.12.2008 - We need real action - not words - in the fight against corruption. Most people would agree that corruption has devastating effects on democratic values, but it is difficult to ignore the impression that decision-makers often confuse lip-service with real action against corrupt practice and the abuse of authority.

The work of the Council of Europe anti-corruption watchdog GRECO clearly reveals signs of reluctance to implement recommendations through specific and effective policy measures.

I am particularly concerned about the attacks on anti-corruption watchdogs by vested interests which have much to lose from closer scrutiny. I very much hope that the current financial and economic crisis will not lead – under the pretext of austerity measures – to the undermining of anti-corruption institutions and their efforts.