The apparent influence of dark money directed by oligarchs and kleptocrats into the policy formation process risks eroding the EU’s credibility. Transparency International EU cites political corruption as a threat to European democracies and the EU Institutions, identifying opaque decision-making processes, conflicts of interest, and overly influential lobbyists as corrosive agents in Europe’s political systems.
The Institute for European Integrity (IEI) goes beyond simply making recommendations. We aim to expose the systems and networks that enable corruption to thrive, demanding greater transparency and integrity in Europe’s governing institutions. Through sustained spotlighting of the activities and relationships of NGOs, government officials, and kleptocrats, accountability grows and the influence of dark money in Europe is marginalized. OCCRP, ICIJ, Buzzfeed, and other renowned journalist associations have brought awareness to how kleptocrats receive quarter in Europe where they launder cash through its banks with relative ease. Our aim is to further connect the dots and show how NGOs and compromised public officials might be the enablers of such privilege.
