BRUSSELS, 16 October 2025 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice President and Special Representative on Fighting Corruption Irene Charalambides (Cyprus) participated yesterday in the European Union Network Against Corruption, which brought together key stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements in combating corruption across the EU.
During the plenary session, Special Representative Charalambides emphasized the urgent need for EU institutions to meet the growing expectations of European citizens for transparency and accountability — especially in projects financed by European funds. Her statements aimed to reinforce trust in these processes and highlight the importance of integrity at every level.
The Special Representative pointed out that transparency begins with the verification of the true beneficial owners of all entities involved in EU-funded projects. She called for these checks to be completed from the very start and for all related contracts to be made accessible to the public. Additionally, she stressed the importance of strict enforcement of conflict-of-interest rules, insisting that any connections between companies and politically exposed persons must be thoroughly and independently investigated.
She underscored that for large-scale projects, independent oversight is essential to maintain integrity and ensure responsible management of both European and national resources. Protecting whistleblowers and upholding the rules around lobbying were also highlighted as critical components in safeguarding transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, Vice-President Charalambides urged that potential geopolitical and other risks be considered during the early planning stages of major projects. This proactive approach, she argued, is vital to prevent delays, setbacks, or even cancellation during implementation.
Concluding her remarks, she called for the unwavering independence of media and investigative journalism, condemning any attempts to silence or intimidate these vital watchdogs in the fight against corruption.
For more information on the work of the Special Representative on Fighting Corruption, please click here.
