European contact-point network against corruption (EACN)

SUMMARY OF:

Decision 2008/852/JHA on a contact-point network against corruption

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

It establishes a network of contact points against corruption throughout the European Union (EU) building upon existing collaboration within the European Partners against Corruption (EPAC).

KEY POINTS

• This decision establishes a network of contact points in EU countries responsible for preventing or combating corruption. It aims to enhance cooperation between these authorities in order to step up action against corruption at the EU level.
• The network is composed of the relevant authorities and agencies in EU countries. Each country designates one to three organisations as its members. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is also a member. The European Commission also participates in the activities of the network and designates its own representatives. Similarly, Europol and Eurojust may take part in the network. An updated list of contact points is available on the EPAS-EACN website.
• The tasks of the network consist of:
  • setting up a forum for the exchange of best practices and experiences concerning the prevention and fight against corruption;
  • facilitating and upholding communication between its members.
• Furthermore, the network meets at least once a year in order to carry out its tasks.
• The establishment of the network does not affect the rules governing police and judicial cooperation between EU countries nor the role of the European Police College.
• The informal collaboration taking place between the European Partners against Corruption (EPAC) is the basis for the organisation of the network. Each EU country, the Commission, Europol and Eurojust is to bear its own expenses relating to the network.

BACKGROUND

At the AGIS conference of November 2004 on the enhancement of operational cooperation in fighting corruption in the EU, the EPAC supported the establishment of an EU-wide anti-corruption network. This initiative was further endorsed at their annual meeting in November 2006.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Decision 2008/852/JHA of 24 October 2008 on a contact-point network against corruption (OJ L 301, 12.11.2008, pp. 38–39)

last update 01.12.2016