The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has underscored the imperative for the Czech Republic to implement robust measures to combat corruption within its legislative, judicial, and prosecutorial spheres. In its latest assessment report, GRECO commends the Czech Republic’s existing legal framework aimed at curbing corruption within top executive echelons but identifies critical gaps in mentoring, training, monitoring, and enforcement of anti-corruption protocols.

According to GRECO, the Czech Republic should enhance its capability to identify and mitigate risks concerning the integrity of individuals occupying influential executive roles. The report emphasizes the necessity for thorough analysis and establishment of transparent regulations governing the appointment of ministerial advisors. It highlights the absence of ethical guidelines for executives and unregulated lobbying practices, advocating for stringent regulations governing acceptance of gifts, external activities, and post-employment constraints.

Moreover, GRECO emphasizes the imperative for ministerial advisors to disclose their financial assets, interests, and activities, with declarations accessible to the public and subject to independent verification. Addressing gender disparity within law enforcement, GRECO recommends measures to bolster female representation across all hierarchical levels, alongside periodic integrity evaluations for police personnel. Additionally, it calls for enhanced transparency in police sponsorship and donations to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, accompanied by the formulation of practical ethical standards and a confidential counselling mechanism.

GRECO further advocates for legislation mandating post-employment restrictions and advocates for the public disclosure of complaints against police officers, along with transparent measures to address them. The report underscores the necessity for the Czech Republic to align with international standards in combating corruption and underscores the Council of Europe’s role in fostering cooperation among its 47 member states toward this end.

It’s imperative for the Czech Republic to heed GRECO’s recommendations and prioritize the adoption and implementation of comprehensive anti-corruption measures. Failure to address these concerns risks undermining public trust in governmental institutions and imperiling the country’s democratic integrity. By embracing GRECO’s guidance, the Czech Republic can fortify its stance against corruption, safeguarding the rule of law and fostering accountable governance.

Article by Prague Forum