Who we are

European Partners Against Corruption (EPAC) is an informal network composed of 61 national Police Oversight Bodies (POBs) and Anti-Corruption Authorities (ACAs) from European Union and Council of Europe Member Countries. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is also a member of EPAC, while Kosovo enjoys observer status. The network is broad in scope, bringing together authorities and units of diverse origin, different kinds of competences, and varied legal forms.

The European contact-point network against corruption (EACN) is a more formalised network consisting of 48 Anti-Corruption Authorities (ACAs) from EU Member States, and is based upon the existing structures of EPAC.

Collectively, EPAC and EACN are forums for practitioners. They are independent networks, providing a platform for dialogue, exchange of information and experience on a practical and professional level. EPAC and EACN promote various instruments for improving anti-corruption measures and contribute to the prevention of and the fight against corruption within Europe and beyond.

History
In 2001, under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the European Union, the idea of a platform for dialogue and solidarity was raised. Twenty five heads of Police Oversight Bodies (POBs) representing the 15 EU Member States of the time, including ombudsmen and independent commissions, attended the first meeting. It was decided that official gatherings should be held annually.

In 2004, ten more countries joined the EU. In line with incorporating the “acquis communautaire” into their legislation, they established specialised Anti-Corruption Authorities (ACAs) which were responsible not only for police oversight, but also for preventing and combating corruption. From this point forward, alongside POBs, ACAs were also granted a mandate within this network.

Furthermore, at the 2004 Vienna Conference, the idea of a formal network comprising ACAs from EU Member States was welcomed. In compliance with the instructions given by The Hague Programme Action Plan, the Austrian EU Presidency of the time together with six other countries and the support of many more launched an initiative for a Council Decision to establish this network. Consequently, in 2008, re-launched by the then German EU Presidency, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Decision 2008/852/JHA of 24 October, for the establishment of the European contact-point network against corruption (EACN), based on EPAC structures.

In 2009 the EPAC and EACN constitutions were adopted by the Annual Conference in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, outlining, among others, the structure, objectives and goals of the respective networks. In addition, EPAC membership was opened to ACAs and POBs of Council of Europe Member Countries in general, many of which had enjoyed observer status before.