Belgium Criticized for “Minimal” Anti-Corruption Progress in Central Government and Parliament

Belgium Criticized for “Minimal” Anti-Corruption Progress in Central Government and Parliament

Due to the lack of sufficient compliance in central government and law enforcement, GRECO has set a deadline for the Belgian authorities.

RMN News Anti-Corruption Desk
New Delhi | January 7, 2026

STRASBOURG – The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has released two new assessments highlighting a significant gap in Belgium’s efforts to combat corruption. While the country has made notable strides in the judicial sector, the reports indicate that Belgium is not sufficiently complying with recommendations regarding its central government and law-enforcement agencies.

Mixed Results for the Judiciary and Parliament: The first assessment reviewed 15 recommendations from 2014 concerning members of parliament, judges, and prosecutors. GRECO found that eight recommendations have been fully implemented, while seven remain only partially addressed.

The watchdog welcomed “many improvements” regarding judges and prosecutors, citing successful reforms in ethics, recruitment, training, and disciplinary frameworks. Conversely, GRECO expressed regret that recommendations for parliamentarians have been taken into account to a “very limited extent”. Although regular integrity training has been introduced, major issues identified over a decade ago remain unresolved.

Stagnation in Central Government: The second report paints a more critical picture of Belgium’s central government. Of the 22 recommendations issued in 2020, only eight have been implemented. GRECO noted that progress for individuals in senior government positions has been “minimal,” with many reforms still stuck in the stages of preliminary consultations or mere declarations of intent.

Positive Trends in Law Enforcement: Despite the overall stagnation, there is a more positive trend within the federal police. GRECO noted increased stability in senior management and more effective regulation of outside activities. However, the report warned that the police still need to address the effectiveness of internal controls and the declaration of assets and interests.

Looking Ahead: Due to the lack of sufficient compliance in central government and law enforcement, GRECO has set a deadline for the Belgian authorities. Belgium is required to report back on its progress by November 30, 2026, regarding the outstanding recommendations in these critical areas.

To understand these reports, one might view Belgium’s anti-corruption efforts as a mixed report card: while the judiciary is passing with honors, the central government remains in detention, with many of its assignments left unfinished or barely started.