Portugal has been acknowledged for steps taken to prevent corruption, particularly among security forces and top government executives, but the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) of the Council of Europe says significant challenges remain.
According to a report released on Tuesday, September 2, Portugal has partially implemented 18 of the 28 recommendations issued during GRECO’s fifth-round evaluation in 2023. While progress has been made, the group stresses that stronger measures are required to enforce integrity controls consistently at the highest levels of government.
Among the positive developments highlighted are the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism and the Transparency Entity, as well as the adoption of a corruption-themed code of conduct for the new government and PSP police, with another code of conduct also in the pipeline for GNR police. whistleblowing channels in both PSP and GNR were also welcomed by GRECO.
However, the group says Portugal must take further steps to ensure integrity controls cover all top executives. The report also called for improvements in access to information, a review of the public consultation process for draft laws, tighter regulation and transparency in lobbying, and stronger consolidation of integrity standards across government institutions.
The group has requested that Portugal report back on progress in implementing these recommendations by September 30, 2026.
