EU criticizes Czechia for failing to investigate ‘significant’ corruption cases

The European Commission has in its first ever report on the state of the rule of law and democratic principles in the EU criticised the Czech Republic for failing to adequately investigate ‘significant’ corruption cases.

According to the report, the Czech legal framework for battling corruption must be strengthened for example by requiring disclosure of details of government contracts or a new law on nominations to state-owned enterprises.

The report, presented by EU Commissioner for values and transparency Věra Jourová, a Czech national, also noted delays in adopting laws regulating lobbying, the protection of whistle-blowers and extending the mandate of the Supreme Audit Office.

The EU executive also noted ongoing audits of possible conflicts of interest for Czech public officials and misuse of money from European funds, including a case involving Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

Author: Brian Kenety