On 28 September, the US authorities officially notified the Council of Europe of their withdrawal from GRECO.

The US Department of State explained the decision by stating that participation in GRECO requires annual financial contributions while, in the Department’s assessment, providing no “tangible national security benefits” to the country. The US authorities intend to focus on other anti-corruption tools, including visa restrictions, sanctions, and targeted assistance to foreign countries in investigating corruption offences that directly affect US security and economic interests.

The Council of Europe expressed regret over the US decision, noting the country’s contribution to GRECO’s work and to the exchange of experience and good practices in preventing and combating corruption. At the same time, the organisation stated that it remained ready to resume cooperation with the United States in the future.

The withdrawal from GRECO formed part of the broader US policy of reviewing its participation in international organisations. Earlier in 2026, the US authorities also decided to end participation in a number of other international bodies.

GRECO was established by the Council of Europe in 1999 to monitor states’ compliance with established anti-corruption standards. Despite its institutional link to the Council of Europe, GRECO membership is not limited to Council of Europe member states: other countries may also join the Group. GRECO member states undergo mutual evaluations, receive recommendations and subsequently report on their implementation.

Before the United States, only Russia and Belarus had withdrawn from GRECO – their membership ended in 2023 and 2024, respectively.