Corruption prevention
Article Administrative reform
Corruption in the public sector hampers the efficiency of public services, undermines confidence in public institutions and increases the cost of public transactions. Integrity is essential for building strong institutions resistant to corruption.
Often corruption is marked by a gradual process. For this reason the prevention of corruption is indispensable and deserves our special attention. Germany has made fighting corruption in especially vulnerable areas a priority of its G20 Presidency.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption - ratified by Germany in 2014 - dedicates one chapter to preventive measures: "Each State Party shall, in accordance with the fundamental principles of its legal system, develop and implement or aintain effective, coordinated anti-corruption policies that promote the participation of society and reflect the principles of the rule of law, proper management of public affairs and public property, integrity, transparency and accountability."
The brochure “Rules on Integrity” published by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community provides an overview of the most relevant legal provisions and recommendations on corruption prevention for the German federal administration. The report on the implementation of the Federal Government Directive concerning the Prevention of Corruption in the Federal Administration is publicly accessible, also in English.
As a result of the close cooperation with the private sector, answers to FAQ about accepting gifts, hospitality or other benefits have been developed by the Private Sector/Federal Administration Anti-Corruption Initiative.
Corruption prevention in all its facets has always been and still is an important topic on the international level. The Federal Ministry of the Interior therefore participates in several committees and working groups of the OECD, the Council of Europe, the European Union and the United Nations.
