European Commission has prepared the fourth edition of the Rule of Law Report, which presents a synthesis of both the rule of law situation in EU and an assessment of the situation in each EU member state, including Lithuania. Lithuania is one of a few European Union (EU) member states that has not received a single recommendation from the European Commission to strengthen the anti-corruption system. The European Commission positively assessed the implementation of the Anti-corruption agenda for the period of 2022-2033 and the Corruption Prevention Law, effective investigations, and prosecution of corruption-related criminal acts.
A core objective of the European Rule of Law Mechanism is to stimulate inter-institutional cooperation and encourage all EU institutions to contribute in accordance with their respective institutional roles. The 2023 Rule of Law Report examines developments across all Member States, both positive and negative, in four key areas, related to rule of law issues in EU member states.
"The positive assessment of Lithuania's anti-corruption system at the European Union level is the result of long-term, consistent work and cooperation of all law enforcement institutions. By revealing and investigating cases of corruption, creating a corruption-resistant environment, and putting all our efforts into public education, we have reached a level where we are positively evaluated internationally," says Linas Pernavas, director of the Special Investigation Service.
Reviewing the situation of the fight against corruption in Lithuania, the European Commission's report emphasizes:
- The implementation of the anti-corruption agenda 2022-2033 advanced well with the adoption of the first implementation action plan.
- Investigations and prosecutions of corruption-related offences continue to be carried out efficiently while shortcomings in relation to investigation and prosecution of foreign bribery cases were raised.
- Laws such as the Law on Corruption Prevention, the Law on the Adjustment of Public and Private Interests, and the whistleblower legislation are being efficiently implemented.
- Public procurement remains a high-risk area for corruption, therefore, further special anti-corruption measures are being prepared in this area.
- The current rules concerning lobbying give positive results in terms of submitted declarations. New rules have been adopted regarding political party financing, specifically for municipal elections and elections to the European Parliament.
The Report you can find here.
