Dutch Government Still Lagging on Anti-Corruption Measures
European watchdog criticises lack of enforcement, transparency, and financial disclosures among Dutch ministers.
The Netherlands is once again under pressure for doing too little to fight corruption at the highest levels of government. A new report by GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption watchdog, shows that while the country has made some progress—especially within the police—important reforms for ministers and senior officials are still missing.
Most Promises Still Only Half-Fulfilled
GRECO’s latest evaluation looked at eight recommendations for improving integrity among Dutch top officials. As of July 2025:
1 has been fully implemented
6 are only partly in place
1 hasn’t been acted on at all
The recommendation that’s still untouched? Requiring ministers to regularly disclose their financial and business interests, including those of their spouses or partners. Right now, they only need to share this information when they’re first appointed. GRECO says that’s not enough.
The Dutch cabinet says ministers either give up their private interests or set up an arrangement when they take office—and parliament is informed. But GRECO is calling for more frequent and transparent disclosures, backed by proper checks.
Rules Without Real Enforcement
The government has created a Code of Conduct and introduced risk self-assessments during cabinet formation, aimed at increasing ethical awareness. Two former ministers were also appointed as confidential advisers to help current officials handle integrity issues.
But according to GRECO, none of this matters much if there’s no way to enforce the rules. There’s still no system in place to supervise ministers or punish them for breaking the code. While some Dutch legal experts warn that strict external oversight could upset the balance of power, GRECO believes some form of enforcement is essential.
Police and Marechaussee Doing Better
Meanwhile, the police and military police (Marechaussee) have made much more progress.
Out of their combined 15 recommendations, the police have fully implemented seven of eight, and the Marechaussee five of seven. These include improved screening, integrity training, and better systems for reporting wrongdoing.
Officers have taken part in workshops and even a “serious game” to help them understand corruption risks. The Marechaussee has introduced a digital gift registry and stepped up its internal ethics training.
Still, a few areas need work—like properly logging all accepted gifts and improving how financial interests are reported.
Former Ministers and Lobbying Concerns
Another issue is the “revolving door” between politics and private influence. Former ministers and MPs moving into lobbying roles has raised concerns.
To tackle this, a new law introduces a two-year cooling-off period, banning lobbying and requiring outside advice before taking certain jobs. The House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) passed the bill, which now awaits Senate approval.
There’s also growing pressure for a public lobby register, listing who ministers meet with and what’s discussed. Many MPs and GRECO see this as a key step to prevent policy from being shaped behind closed doors.
Final Results—and What Comes Next
Across all 16 recommendations (eight for politicians, eight for law enforcement), the scorecard stands at:
7 fully done
8 partially done
1 not done
GRECO says this still isn’t enough and is asking the Netherlands to report back with more progress by March 31, 2026. A second follow-up report will then decide whether the matter can be closed or whether the country remains under extra scrutiny.
To emphasize the urgency, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe will send a formal letter to the Dutch Foreign Minister, pushing for quicker reforms.
Why It Matters
GRECO has warned again and again that if top government officials aren't held to strong ethical standards, trust in democracy will suffer. The Netherlands, long seen as a model for clean governance, risks slipping if it doesn't step up.
Progress in the police force shows it can be done. Now it’s time for the people in power to follow the same standard.