In meetings in Warsaw on 28 November 2025, a delegation from the Council of Europe's Group of states against corruption (GRECO) called on Poland to fully implement the GRECO recommendations that remain outstanding. Such action is essential to restoring judicial independence and strengthening integrity among senior positions of the central government, parliamentarians, judges, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.
The visit followed the decisions adopted by GRECO in November 2023 and December 2024 noting that Poland had not yet demonstrated sufficient progress in implementing its recommendations and placing the country under its non-compliance procedure for both the fourth and fifth evaluation rounds, including the fourth round ad hoc "Rule 34 procedure". It was an opportunity to discuss with the authorities the legislative and policy steps needed to address long-standing concerns outlined in GRECO's reports.
The GRECO delegation took note of the information provided during the meetings and welcomed the commitment expressed at senior political and institutional levels to advance anti-corruption reforms. The delegation also highlighted the importance of achieving tangible results, particularly in areas where progress has been limited for several years.
During its fourth evaluation round (including the ad hoc "Rule 34" procedure), GRECO has reiterated its concern about the systemic impact of the 2017 judicial reforms and the increased influence of the legislative and executive branches over the judiciary. These concerns relate in particular to the election of members of the National Council of the Judiciary, the establishment of a special chamber within the Supreme Court, disciplinary proceedings against judges, and judicial appointments and dismissals. The delegation emphasised that continued efforts remain essential to ensure full alignment with Council of Europe anti-corruption standards.
During its fifth evaluation round, GRECO has noted with concern the limited progress in strengthening the integrity framework for people in senior executive roles in government. The delegation underlined the need for focused and determined action in this area. This includes the development of a cross-government integrity plan, the adoption and enforcement of a code of conduct for individuals with senior executive roles, enhanced transparency of contacts with lobbyists and third parties, reforms to the transparency and verification of asset declarations, the establishment of confidential counselling and regular integrity-related training, as well as clear rules on post-employment restrictions and secondary activities.
GRECO has also underlined the importance of advancing reforms within law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding corruption risk assessments, updated rules of conduct, transparency in appointments and promotions, the regulation of secondary activities and the protection of whistleblowers.
GRECO will next assess the measures taken by the Polish authorities under the fourth and fifth evaluation rounds in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
The delegation met with Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Senate; Maria Ejchart, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Justice; Czesław Mroczek, Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration; Jacek Bilewicz, Deputy Prosecutor General; Agnieszka Hanajczyk, Vice-Chairman of the Deputies' Ethics Permanent Committee, Tomasz Głogowski, Vice Chairman of the Rules, Deputies' Affairs and Immunities Committee; Kazimierz Smolinski, Vice Chairman of the Rules, Deputies' Affairs and Immunities Committee, Witold Tumanowicz, member of the Deputies' Ethics Permanent Committee; Mariusz Tomaszewski, Director of the National Security Department in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister; Tomasz Strzelczyk, Head of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau as well as other senior officials.
The delegation was composed of GRECO President David Meyer, Council of Europe Director of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law Hanne Juncher, Head of Norway's Delegation to GRECO Hanna Olsen Bodsberg, and Head of Romania's Delegation to GRECO Sorin Tanase, as well as GRECO Executive Secretary Livia Stoica Becht.
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.
GRECO highlights the need for effective systems for accessing official documents to fight corruption
GRECO report on Poland's progress to prevent corruption of MPs, judges and prosecutors
Poland: Judicial independence remains at risk according to new report from GRECO
