The fight against corruption in Portugal remains a crucial challenge in 2025. Under the supervision of GRECO, the Council of Europe body responsible for monitoring the prevention of corruption, Lisbon must speed up its reforms to restore public confidence and meet the strict governance requirements of the European Union.
GRECO, which was set up in 1999 and now has 49 members, is the Council of Europe body responsible for evaluating the anti-corruption policies of States through independent audits and public recommendations. Its mission is to harmonise European standards, lobby for transparency and support good governance. GRECO’s conclusions, followed by regular reports, guide reforms and may condition access to European funding.
An alarming report on corruption in Portugal
On 30 July 2025, a new report by the Council of Europe’s GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) severely criticised Portugal for “insufficient reforms” in the fight against corruption. Despite the existence of a legislative arsenal and national initiatives, most of GRECO’s recommendations have only been partially applied. Of the five key measures recommended – transparency of political financing, control over the appointment of judges, integrity checks for senior officials, protection of whistleblowers – too few have led to real progress, damaging the confidence of a population already shaken by several recent political scandals.
