The 24th EPAC/EACN Annual Conference and General Assembly took place in the Hague, Netherlands
The 24th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the European Partners Against Corruption (EPAC) and the European Contact Point Network Against Corruption (EACN) was held in the Hague, Netherlands. During the event, the Hague Declaration was adopted, calling for stronger institutional independence, enhanced cooperation, and renewed efforts to prevent and combat corruption across Europe. This year, the conference was organised in cooperation with Eurojust.
The event in the Hague was attended by more than 150 participants representing nearly 80 institutions from over 30 countries. Presentations were given by representatives of the European Commission, Council of Europe, European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Europol, Eurojust, OLAF, anti-corruption agencies and police oversight bodies from different European countries.
Michael Schmid, President of Eurojust, stated that “in 2024 alone, Eurojust supported more than 300 corruption cases across the European Union, a significant increase compared to just a few years ago. We also observed a sharp rise in coordination meetings Joint Investigation Teams addressing this crime type. This clearly demonstrates that corruption cases are becoming increasingly international and complex, underlining the need for structured cross-border cooperation. While combating corruption requires a multidisciplinary approach, the early involvement of the judiciary remains crucial to ensuring effective and sustainable outcomes. For all these reasons, it is a great pleasure to host the 24th EPAC/EACN Annual Conference and General Assembly, whose mission closely aligns with our own.”
“Our network brings together independent anti-corruption and oversight bodies, EU institutions and international partners to exchange good practices, strengthen cooperation and build public trust. Through joint projects, study visits and contributions to European rule of law discussions, we demonstrate that innovation, collaboration and ethics can significantly reinforce the integrity and resilience of our institutions. The fight against corruption – and the promotion of transparency and prevention – is a shared European mission, and our common efforts are turning these principles into tangible results“, said Linas Pernavas, President of the EPAC/EACN.
The Conference primarily focused on strengthening cooperation between anti-corruption and police oversight institutions, exchanging practical experiences, and addressing current challenges in promoting integrity and transparency. Discussions covered key topics such as measuring and preventing corruption, transparency in public procurement, innovations in anti-corruption practices, education and awareness-raising, as well as building resilient institutions in post-conflict and transitional contexts.
The conference final document – the Hague Declaration – reaffirmed the shared commitment of European Anti-Corruption Authorities and Police Oversight Bodies to integrity, transparency, and the rule of law. It calls for stronger institutional independence, professional standards, and international cooperation in fighting corruption and upholding accountability. Members are encouraged to exchange best practices, enhance cross-border collaboration, and ensure continuous professional development. States are urged to guarantee adequate resources, open data transparency, and protection for prosecutors and investigators. The declaration also invites EU institutions and international organisations to strengthen common anti-corruption standards, provide technical assistance, and promote coherent, coordinated global efforts.
Mr. Linas Pernavas, Director of the Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania, has been elected for a second term as President of EPAC/EACN. Alongside EPAC/EACN President Mr. Pernavas, the Board will also include Mr. Ernst Schmid, Acting Head of Department at the Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAK) under the Austrian Ministry of the Interior; Mr. Traian Mihăiţă Bârlici, Head of the Prevention Directorate in the Anti-Corruption General Directorate (DGA) under the Romanian Ministry of the Interior; and newly elected members Mr. Pedro Nuno de Carvalho Figueiredo, Inspector-General at the Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration in Portugal, and Ms. Marion Hidrio, Head of the French National Police General Inspectorate in Rennes.
During the conference participants voted to select the winning initiative, highlighting the shared commitment of the network to support practical, impactful anti-corruption and oversight solutions. This year, the EPAC/EACN Award 2025 went to Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania for its “Strategic Anti-Corruption Guidelines for the Cabinet of Ministers (SAG)” initiative.
The goal of the EPAC/EACN network is to strengthen cooperation through the exchange of best practices in anti-corruption efforts and police oversight. Following this year’s General Assembly, 7 new members joined the network, bringing the total to 126 European institutions from 40 countries.