New York and Vienna, 30 June 2026 - Businesses from the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP) Private Sector Platform and other United Nations Global Compact participant companies joined an online dialogue with the European Commission to share private sector perspectives on the development of the first EU Anti-Corruption Strategy and the implementation of the recently adopted Directive (EU) 2026/1021 on combatting corruption. The dialogue was convened by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Global Compact in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) of the European Commission.
The event brought together 44 business representatives from companies participating in the COSP Private Sector Platform and other UN Global Compact participant companies. The dialogue contributed to the European Commission's consultation process for the preparation of the upcoming EU Anti-Corruption Strategy which is scheduled for adoption at the end of 2026.
Corruption creates significant legal, financial, reputational and operational risks for companies while undermining sustainable economic growth. Business participants welcomed the opportunity to contribute practical business experience to the development of a strategy that can help create a more predictable and transparent operating environment across the European Union and in their global operations.
During the opening session, DG JUST provided an overview of Directive (EU) 2026/1021 on combatting corruption, which introduces harmonized corruption offences, stronger sanctions and enhanced prevention measures for the private sector. Participants also received an update on the ongoing preparations for the first EU Anti-Corruption Strategy.
Through a series of breakout discussions, participants identified practical challenges and opportunities across several areas relevant to business integrity.
An important theme was the need for more consistent implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption rules across Member States. Companies emphasized that fragmented regulatory frameworks, differing definitions and overlapping compliance requirements can create uncertainty and increase the cost of compliance. Participants called for clearer guidance and greater harmonization to support the effective implementation of anti-corruption requirements. In this regard, the recently launched An Anti-Corruption Ethics and Compliance Programme for Business: A Practical Guide developed by UNODC and the UN Global Compact can be a helpful resource.
Businesses also highlighted corruption risks linked to third parties, intermediaries, distributors, agents and public procurement. Discussions underscored the importance of addressing corruption from both the supply and demand side, including strengthening public sector integrity as a foundation for a competitive and innovative market environment. Participants further emphasized the value of incentives that encourage companies to invest in credible anti-corruption ethics and compliance programmes, self-report misconduct and cooperate with authorities. This discussion echoed approaches highlighted in the UNODC-UN Global Compact Resource Guide on State Measures for Strengthening Business Integrity, a useful tool for governments for encouraging business integrity by identifying and implementing a mix of sanctions and incentives.
Companies further stressed the growing challenge of identifying and managing corruption risks throughout increasingly complex global value chains. They advocated for a whole value chain approach and highlighted the need to align anti-corruption due diligence with broader corporate governance processes. They also emphasized the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through practical guidance, digital tools and capacity-building initiatives: a shared responsibility for the public and private sectors.
The dialogue also explored the role of technology and artificial intelligence in strengthening business integrity. Participants recognized the potential of AI to improve corruption risk identification and monitoring. At the same time, companies highlighted the need for practical guidance, safeguards and responsible governance frameworks to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the sensitive area of compliance.
A strong message emerging from the discussions was the value of public-private cooperation and collective action. Participants identified opportunities for collaboration in public procurement, beneficial ownership transparency, due diligence data sharing, SME support and the development of common standards, also with a view to using AI ethically in compliance. Companies also expressed willingness to contribute practical experience, risk assessment methodologies, emerging risk trends and lessons learned to support evidence-based policymaking.
The dialogue resulted in an outcome document with a series of recommendations that can be accessed here.
