To mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, which is held on December 9th every year, the President of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), Marin Mrčela, made this statement: “Corruption is at the core of many of the challenges democracies face today, from the undermining of democratic institutions to injustices and inequalities”. “Against the risk of democratic backsliding, it is crucial that governments prove their commitment and show political will by adopting robust anti-corruption legislation and taking determined action against corrupt practices in all spheres of public life. Effective anti-corruption efforts will help restore the trust deficit that exists between institutions, politicians, officials and citizens. Anti-corruption progress is essential to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.” And then he went on: “Looking ahead, we need to tackle corruption’s impact on the next generations and make youth aware of what is at stake; otherwise, today’s youth will continue to suffer in the future from the damage corruption causes today on our freedoms and prosperity”. In 2025, GRECO “will launch a new evaluation round focusing on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in local and regional authorities, the closest to citizens’ everyday lives”.