Denmark has failed to make sufficient progress in preventing corruption in government and law enforcement, the Council of Europe's anti-corruption body GRECO said on Monday.
In a new report, GRECO said Denmark has fully complied with only two of 14 recommendations issued in 2019. One has been partly implemented, while 11 remain outstanding. No progress has been made since the last compliance review in December 2023, it added.
GRECO criticised Denmark for focusing mainly on criminal law provisions, such as bribery offences, while neglecting broader integrity safeguards. It called on authorities to take "concrete steps without delay."
For ministers and top advisers, GRECO highlighted the need for a code of conduct, regular integrity briefings, tighter rules on lobbying and financial disclosures, and restrictions on post-office employment.
In the police, outstanding measures include stricter rules on secondary jobs, post-employment reviews, possible financial interest declarations, and more awareness of reporting duties.
GRECO concluded that Denmark remains in "insufficient compliance" and asked for a progress report by 30 June 2026. It also invited the Council of Europe's Secretary General to notify Denmark's foreign minister of the shortcomings.
