31.5.2011   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 161/62

A.

concerned that corruption undermines the rule of law, leads to the misuse of EU funds provided by the taxpayer, and distorts the market, having played a role in the current economic crisis,

B.

whereas the Union has ratified the UN Convention against Corruption, and 78 % of Union citizens agree that corruption is a major concern in their country (Eurobarometer, December 2009),

C.

having regard to the emphasis placed by Parliament on combating corruption in its resolution on the Stockholm Programme regarding freedom, security and justice,

D.

noting the International Day against Corruption (9 December), on which this declaration is launched,

1.

Urges the European institutions to adopt a comprehensive anti-corruption policy and create a clear mechanism for monitoring the situation in the Member States on a regular basis;

2.

Calls on the Commission to provide all necessary resources to implement this monitoring mechanism and ensure that its conclusions and findings are followed up effectively;

3.

Calls on the Commission and the relevant Union agencies to take all necessary measures and provide sufficient resources to ensure that EU funds are not subject to corruption, and to adopt dissuasive sanctions where corruption and fraud are found;

4.

Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories (1), to the Council, the Commission, and the Member States.