CoE/Group of States against Corruption (GRECO)
Norway Reforms End GRECO Compliance Procedure
In a new report the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has terminated the Fifth Round compliance procedure for Norway, following the implementation of positive reforms to promote integrity and prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement. Over the past four years, Norway has made notable progress in addressing GRECO’s recommendations, with numerous concrete measures implemented.
As regards persons entrusted with top executive functions (PTEFs), dedicated initial and in-service training on ethics, conflicts of interest and corruption prevention is provided to all government members, state secretaries, and political advisors. Relevant guidance on various integrity-related matters has been updated and policies put in place to make PTEFs aware of their relevant obligations as well as to ensure consistency of interpretation among those responsible for giving advice to PTEFs on ethical matters. However, GRECO considered that Norway should put in place specific and effective measures to address proper non-criminal sanctions for breaches of ethical standards and integrity rules. And more can be done to enhance transparency around contacts between PTEFs and third parties, including through routine disclosure.
GRECO commends the Norwegian Police for fully implementing all recommendations addressed to law enforcement. A policy for ethics and anti-corruption within the Police has been implemented, and an ethics and compliance team has been established for assessing the implementation of this policy. The Police’s Code of Conduct has been revised to strengthen integrity-related matters and has been supplemented by subsequent concrete guidance, systematic mandatory training and appropriate awareness-raising measures. Each police staff has the possibility to consult confidentially dedicated staff on ethics and integrity matters. A set of measures has entered into force to strengthen systematic integrity-checks when recruiting police staff and during their career.
Press release
GRECO and Norway
https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/norway-greco-ends-compliance-procedure-following-reforms-in-central-government-and-law-enforcement