GRECO calls on Denmark to beef up anti-corruption policies

In a report published on Wednesday, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) criticized Denmark for its lack of transparency and failure to follow GRECO's recommendations for preventing political corruption.

The anti-corruption agency report focuses on a lack of preventive measures against corruption among ministers and special advisers in Danish political life.

In addition, the report highlights significant concerns as regards the transparency of the funding of the country's political parties.

The reporting of political donations like former Venstre Finance Minister Kristian Jensen's election campaign donations, which were not correctly reported, received particular criticism from GRECO.

"In Denmark, too much emphasis is placed on trust and too little emphasis on measures to prevent corruption before the problem arises," said GRECO's Executive Secretary Gianluca Esposito.

While the report criticized Denmark, it did not include specific charges. GRECO is permitted to observe and make recommendations only.

GRECO was established in 1999 by the Council of Europe to monitor EU states' compliance with the organization's anti-corruption standards.