EU Parliament Backs Sweeping Anti-Corruption Rules
The European Parliament has adopted a landmark set of anti-corruption rules establishing a harmonised criminal law framework across all member states, following negotiations led by Nationalist MEP David Casa. The directive received strong support, passing with 581 votes in favour on Thursday [1].
The legislation introduces common definitions for corruption offences including bribery, misappropriation, trading in influence and illicit enrichment. It also harmonises penalty levels across the EU and requires member states to develop national anti-corruption strategies involving civil society [1].
A "Fundamental Rule of Law Concern"
Casa served as lead negotiator for the Parliament against what he described as a "recalcitrant" Council of the European Union. Speaking in the plenary session, he highlighted the significance of the achievement. "For the first time, we have given the Commission an objective toolkit to assess how member states fight corruption," Casa told MEPs. "This is a fundamental rule of law concern, and I expect the Commission to treat it as such." [1]
The Maltese MEP framed the vote as a response to those who expose corruption and work to hold power to account. "This vote is for the journalists and courageous citizens who expose abuses—people who work despite personal risks. People like Daphne Caruana Galizia," Casa said. "We here have a collective duty to be their shield." [1]
Direct Implications for Malta
The directive has particular resonance in Malta, where public inquiries following the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia called for legal reforms to address abuse of power. Casa noted that previous recommendations had fallen short of implementation, but would now become legally binding obligations [1].
"The public inquiry following the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia called on the government to introduce laws against the abuse of power. Like many other elements in that inquiry, the call fell on deaf ears," Casa explained. "But now, because of this directive, the government will have to act. We will see a strengthening of our criminal statutes." [1]
What the New Rules Require
The directive sets EU-wide statutory maximum penalties, ensuring that national rules cannot set penalties too low for corruption offences. It reinforces cooperation between national authorities and EU bodies including the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Europol and Eurojust [1].
Member states will be required to adopt and regularly update national anti-corruption strategies, conduct risk assessments, and ensure robust systems for managing conflicts of interest and political financing transparency. Dedicated independent bodies to prevent and address corruption must also be established [1].
Public Trust and Enforcement
The timing of this directive comes as public concern about corruption remains high across Europe. According to a 2025 Eurobarometer survey, 69% of Europeans believe corruption is widespread in their country, while 66% think high-level corruption cases are not pursued sufficiently [1].
The directive must now be formally adopted by the Council before entering into force 20 days after publication in the EU's Official Journal. Member states will have 24 months to transpose the rules into national law, with a 36-month deadline for provisions on risk assessments and national strategies [1].
Casa said his focus would now shift to enforcement, calling on national politicians—particularly in Malta—to "go beyond the absolute minimum" during the transposition phase to actively rebuild public trust in political institutions [1].