Financial Crime World

Austria Takes a Stand Against Corruption: Combating Graft at Home and Abroad

As billions of euros vanish into the pockets of corrupt individuals every year, Austria is leading the fight against corruption on both national and international levels. The country has taken significant steps to combat graft by ratifying key agreements and collaborating with global organizations.

International Anti-Corruption Efforts

Austria has ratified several crucial agreements aimed at combating corruption, including:

  • United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC): The first legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument entered into force in 2005. Austria ratified it in 2006.
  • OECD Anti-Bribery Convention: Establishes legally binding standards to criminalize bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions.

Austrian Organizations and Initiatives

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

The Vienna-based UNODC plays a crucial role in Austria’s anti-corruption efforts, joining forces with governments, experts, and non-governmental organizations to combat corruption.

International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA)

Austria is home to the IACA, a training center for anti-corruption experts and hub for collecting and disseminating expert knowledge and expertise. The country was a key driving force behind IACA’s establishment and is its largest financial supporter.

International Collaborations

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Austria is an active member of the OSCE and participates in efforts to combat and prevent corruption.

Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO)

Austria has joined GRECO, which evaluates compliance with relevant legal instruments adopted by the Council of Europe.

Getting More Information

For more information on Austria’s anti-corruption efforts, please contact:

  • Department I.5 of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
  • Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption

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