The feedback period lasted eight weeks, from 11 May to 6 July 2026. The submissions received will inform the preparation of the Strategy, which is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.

The new document is intended to establish a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption both within the European Union and beyond. The Strategy is expected to cover the prevention and detection of corruption-related offences, their investigation and prosecution, as well as the recovery of criminal assets. At the same time, anti-corruption considerations are to be incorporated more consistently into EU policymaking across different areas.

Another objective is to improve coordination between EU Member States and European institutions. The Strategy should provide a framework for cooperation involving public authorities and law enforcement agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, the academic community and international partners. The EU Network against Corruption, which brings together representatives of public authorities, practitioners and civil society, was also involved in the discussions.

The European Commission attributes the need for the Strategy, in particular, to the growing complexity of corruption schemes and their increasingly cross-border nature. Corruption is regarded not only as a threat to the rule of law and public trust in state institutions, but also as a factor facilitating organised crime, money laundering and other criminal activities.

The Strategy will complement the previously adopted Directive (EU) 2026/1021 on combatting corruption, which entered into force in May 2026. The Directive harmonises the definitions of corruption offences and minimum requirements for penalties, provides for measures to improve the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions, and requires Member States to develop preventive mechanisms, including national anti-corruption strategies.