One union, multiple visions: unraveling anti-corruption strategies in Sweden, Latvia and Poland

Abstract

Corruption is a systematic threat that not only affects independent states but also democratic regime. Corruption weakens democracy, which leads to weakened governments and those in power are abusing their rights for more benefits. For the European Union, the values upon which the Union is based are in threat. In 2023, more than 30% of Europeans were in favor of corrupt activities, as they know that they will achieve the desired needs of public officials, therefore, the European Union is taking all the necessary steps to combat the issue of corruption to protect the Union, its values and ensuring that its Member States (particularly Sweden, Latvia and Poland) are upholding them based on the treaties and the primacy doctrine that the Union has. Additionally, the United Nations have also implemented measures to combat corruption more efficiently and effectively, and today almost all of the states in the world have ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Moreover, this is the only international treaty that aims to prevent corruption on the global stage and by different review mechanisms ensures that all parties are implementing the Convention accordingly.