About: corruption
Commission puts Czech PM’s old businesses under the microscope
Auditors from the European Commission are in the Czech Republic to take a closer look at EU subsidies for a holding of companies formerly owned by the current Czech prime minister, which might still constitute a conflict of interest. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
Romania’s new anti-corruption chief steps down
The interim head of Romania's anti-corruption agency said Tuesday (8 January) she was stepping down, citing a "hostile environment", just as the country takes on the EU's presidency.
Latvia hopes third time’s the charm with new PM pick
Latvia’s president nominated a current MEP as prime minister on Monday (7 January), after two other picks failed to form a government after elections held in October.
Factcheck: Did EU gas liberalisation rules put Bulgaria’s national security at risk?
Bulgarian minister Temenuzhka Petkova has said her country preferred paying a multi-million euro fine rather than follow a Commission injunction. Such a reform, in her words, would have threatened the country's national security. EURACTIV checked the facts.
Romanian president to try to block government pardons
Romania's centre-right President Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday (18 December) that he will invite himself to meetings of the left-wing cabinet in order to prevent it passing proposed criminal pardons that could benefit prominent politicians.
Thousands protest against Serbian President Vucic
Thousands of demonstrators defied heavy snow Saturday (15 December) in Belgrade to protest what they say is a crackdown by the government of President Aleksandar Vučić on opposition parties and the media.
Romania slams EU ahead of taking rotating presidency
Leaders of Romania's left-wing ruling majority on Sunday (16 December) accused the European Union of "discriminatory" treatment, two weeks before the eastern European country takes over the bloc's rotating presidency.
Polish PM wins confidence vote ahead of 2019 election
Theresa May will not be the only Prime Minister coming to the two-day summit starting on Thursday (13 December) after having won a confidence vote the previous day.
Whistleblower agrees to publish documents on Bulgaria passport-for-cash scheme
Bulgarian whistleblower Katya Mateva agreed on Thursday (29 November) to have a bundle of documents she gave to EURACTIV published to substantiate claims of a massive scheme of illegal sale of Bulgarian passports to foreigners, involving high-level officials.
Deputy PM, minister and MEP named in Bulgaria’s cash-for-passport scam
EXCLUSIVE: A deputy prime minister, a minister and a Bulgarian MEP are allegedly responsible for illegally selling Bulgarian passports to foreigners, according to claims made by a whistleblower who provided a bundle of documents that appeared to confirm the accusation.
Macedonia’s ex-PM fled in Hungarian diplomatic car
Former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, who fled the country to avoid prison, used a Hungarian diplomatic vehicle to escape through Albania, police in Tirana said on Thursday (15 November) after Budapest formally denied any involvement.
Wanted former Macedonian PM seeking asylum in Hungary
Macedonia's former prime minister Nikola Gruevski, who has been sentenced to jail for abuse of power, said on Tuesday (13 November) he was in Hungary where he has requested political asylum.
Commission lauds Bulgaria, castigates Romania on judicial reform
The European Commission published on Tuesday (13 November) reports on Bulgaria and Romania under the so-called Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), commending Bulgaria for progress made and lambasting Romania for backtracking. Both countries, however, were warned to uphold media freedom.
Maltese opposition calls for minister to quit over power station contract
Malta's opposition on Monday (12 November) called for the tourism minister and the prime minister's top aide to resign after an investigation by Reuters and Times of Malta showed that Panama companies they had set up had arranged to receive money through a mystery company called 17 Black in Dubai.
Romanian Europe minister resigns on cusp of EU stint
Romania's Minister for European affairs Victor Negrescu has resigned just weeks before the country takes on the EU's six-month rotating presidency in January, media reported Saturday (10 November).
Bulgarian president sees democracy ‘under threat’
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev issued a stinging critique of the government's record on corruption and press freedom Friday (9 November), saying "the foundations of democracy are being threatened to a critical degree".
Greek banks’ foul play suspected in Bulgaria
A Greek bank bought the Bulgarian subsidiary of another Greek bank on Wednesday (7 November). The deal seems totally at odds with the terms of Greece’s bailout deal, but not only that.
Hungarian police drops Orban-linked corruption probe
A police decision to close a corruption probe linked to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's family "strengthens doubts" about the independence of Hungary's law enforcement bodies, an EU official said Wednesday (7 November).
Thousands obtained EU citizenship for €5000 in Bulgarian scam
Bulgarian prosecutors said Monday (29 October) they have broken up a scam run by state officials which had enabled thousands of foreigners to obtain Bulgarian passports for cash -- and with them visa-free travel across the EU.
Jourova: EU expects Romania to manage its presidency without hiccups
Justice Commissioner Věra Jourová made it clear today (26 October) that the EU is worried about government attempts in Bucharest to violate the independence of the judiciary, also in the perspective of the upcoming Romanian EU Presidency.
Former IMF chief to serve four years in prison over ‘black cards’ case
Former managing director of the International Monetary Fund and ex-Finance minister of Spain Rodrigo Rato entered into prison on Thursday (25 October) to serve four-and-a-half-years term over ‘black cards’ case.
Romania urged to heed rule of law before assuming EU presidency
The European Union on Tuesday warned Romania to respect EU democratic values before it assumes the bloc's rotating presidency in January, or risk undermining its bid to join Europe's passport-free zone.
Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors targeted by new work requirements
Romanian prosecutors said they feared for their jobs and the rule of law after a new government ordinance increasing the years of professional experience required of them was published Tuesday (16 October).