Council of Europe reprimanded: – “Austria must do more against corruption”

In the past six years, five governments have fallen victim to allegations of corruption. In addition, “ongoing corruption investigations involving the former Austrian Chancellor (Sebastian Kurz, n.d.) have cast doubt on press freedom in the country as they have exposed questionable ties between politicians, polling stations and the media,” GRECO noted.

Reforms still pending
Since 2018, there is a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NAKS). Numerous important reforms such as the Transparency Act, the Criminal Justice Reform and the Lobbying Act are still awaiting implementation. “Avoiding and managing conflicts of interest is a particular challenge in Austria that deserves special attention.”

Certain requirements apply to ministers and state secretaries in the field of ancillary activities, financial interests and disclosure obligations. “However, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this area, including on the issue of the revolving door effect, which is currently under critical scrutiny. The monitoring, advisory and follow-up system needs to be significantly strengthened,” the report continues. In addition, it is necessary to make the work of secretaries-general and cabinet employees more transparent.

Disclose contacts of lobbyists
“The adoption of a separate law on access to information is still an open question,” criticizes the Council of Europe body. Legislative footprint and disclosure of contacts with lobbyists should be improved. It is also stated that the Public Prosecution Service for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) is obliged to report in cases of major public interest. While reporting requirements have gradually eased in recent years, “they still take up a significant portion of prosecutors’ time.” Reporting high-level corruption cases poses additional risks to the confidentiality, effectiveness and independence of law enforcement.

In addition, it is critical that law enforcement corruption prevention is specifically targeted at senior government officials. “Petty corruption doesn’t seem to be a problem with the police in Austria.” However, it is repeatedly pointed out that there are “serious concerns about police politicization (particularly when it comes to senior staff appointments)”. There is a need for greater transparency and the avoidance of undue influence in the relevant selection and appointment procedures for senior law enforcement positions.

Also measures for police officers
Additional measures regarding possible conflicts of interest of police officers would be useful, for example regarding police sponsorship. The Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree on sponsorship, but the practical application and awareness of the regulations is uneven, especially at the regional level.

GRECO also calls for further whistleblower protection efforts. This is “a priority that requires immediate action”. At the beginning of February, the National Council approved a new legal regulation to better protect whistleblowers. Based on EU requirements, the establishment of internal and external hotlines for whistleblowers in the public sector and in any company with at least 50 employees is planned.

“Another bad reference for Austria”
“It is the next international report in which Austria gets a bad report on corruption,” SPÖ spokeswoman Selma Yildirim said in a broadcast, calling for more speed in the fight against corruption and “real will for improvements” from the government.