Netherlands falls short on anti-corruption measures for top officials, watchdog warns

The Netherlands continues to lag in effectively combating corruption and improving integrity among its highest government officials, according to a report by the European anti-corruption group GRECO. The findings were disclosed in a report sent to the Tweede Kamer by acting Interior Minister Judith Uitermark of Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC).

GRECO evaluated eight key recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability among senior officials. The report shows that only one recommendation has been fully implemented, six have been partially addressed, and one remains entirely unfulfilled.

The unaddressed recommendation concerns the obligation of ministers and other high officials to regularly disclose their financial and business interests. Currently, new officials may fully divest from such interests or arrange for transparency only at the time of their appointment, with the Kamer being informed. GRECO insists this is insufficient and calls for periodic declarations of financial interests, including those of spouses and partners. The Dutch government has not yet taken steps to meet this requirement.

In contrast, law enforcement agencies such as the police and the marechaussee have made better progress. They have implemented the majority of their respective GRECO recommendations "to satisfaction," and Minister Uitermark notes these agencies continue to focus heavily on strengthening employee resilience against corruption risks.

The Netherlands is required to report back to GRECO on the status of these recommendations by March 2026. GRECO has repeatedly warned in recent years that insufficient measures to promote integrity among politicians could undermine Dutch democracy.

Additionally, the Tweede Kamer is pushing for the creation of a lobby register to document meetings between officials and organizations influencing policy decisions.