The Council of Europe's Group of states against corruption (GRECO) has published new follow-up reports regarding Ireland and Liechtenstein, reviewing progress in implementing recommendations aimed at preventing corruption among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors. Both reports acknowledge the reforms undertaken in recent years while also identifying areas where further efforts remain necessary.
Reform progress recognised as GRECO closes evaluation round in respect of Ireland
GRECO has closed the evaluation of Ireland's in respect of parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors, noting the progress achieved in addressing the recommendations issued under its fourth evaluation round. It has found that Ireland has fully implemented eight of the 11 recommendations, while the remaining three are partially implemented.
Ireland's efforts to advance legislative reform through the development of a comprehensive, values-based legal framework addressing ethical conduct of members of parliament and enhanced financial disclosure obligations have been acknowledged. While the general scheme has been developed, GRECO notes that the relevant legislative amendments still need to be adopted for full implementation.
A key development that has been welcomed is the establishment of the Judicial appointments commission in January 2025, a reform that strengthens the transparency and merit-based nature of judicial appointments. GRECO also notes the government's decision to appoint 20 additional judges over the next two years, further bolstering the judiciary following the 24 new judges appointed in 2023. Work is also underway on a new judicial resource planning model to ensure adequate judicial staffing and improve the efficiency of the judicial system.
GRECO also reports progress on drafting amendments to the law governing civil-service regulation, which provide for the establishment of a new Senior posts remuneration committee, which will provide guidance on pay for senior public-service positions.
Liechtenstein has continued reforms, but further steps required
Regarding Liechtenstein, the report concludes that the principality has fully implemented 10 recommendations, partly implemented five, and not implemented one.
It notes some steps taken regarding parliamentarians, including a new code of conduct. Nevertheless, it highlights the need for more robust rules governing interactions between MPs and third parties seeking to influence parliamentary processes. GRECO underlines the absence of tangible progress in improving transparency at the level of parliamentary commissions, and calls for strengthened confidential counselling mechanisms, as well as more systematic training and awareness-raising on integrity rules.
GRECO also recommends reinforcing the public-declarations regime, including by considering the inclusion of relevant information on spouses and dependent family members.
For the judiciary, GRECO welcomes the completion of a first ethics training course and provision of confidential advice for all judges. However, it reiterates that additional steps must be taken to increase the judiciary's role in the selection of judges. GRECO notes that Liechtenstein has made extensive progress regarding prosecutors, with almost all recommendations fully implemented.
GRECO has requested that Liechtenstein provide a report on the outstanding recommendations by 30 June 2026.
The Group of states against corruption (GRECO) is a Council of Europe body that aims to improve the capacity of its members to fight corruption by monitoring their compliance with anti-corruption standards. It helps states to identify deficiencies in national anti-corruption policies, prompting the necessary legislative, institutional and practical reforms. It comprises the 46 Council of Europe member states, Kazakhstan and the United States of America.
Read Liechtenstein's report in full
Council of Europe and Liechtenstein
