U.S. Withdraws from European Anti-Corruption Panel
U.S. withdraws from GRECO, citing inefficiency and lack of tangible benefits for national security.
2 min read
The Trump administration has formally withdrawn from the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), a European anti-corruption organization established in 1999 by the Council of Europe. The U.S. had been a member since 2000, but the decision marks another step in the GOP administration’s broader strategy to exit multilateral bodies deemed inefficient or misaligned with U.S. priorities.
State Department Justifies Withdrawal
The State Department defended the move, stating that the annual dues for GRECO membership do not provide tangible benefits to U.S. national security. The department emphasized a shift toward higher-impact tools to combat corruption, such as visa restrictions, sanctions, and targeted foreign assistance to strengthen criminal investigations into corruption that directly threatens U.S. security and prosperity.
GRECO Commends U.S. Contribution
Despite the withdrawal, the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe praised the U.S. as a “valuable contributor” to GRECO and highlighted its role in “the exchange of experience and good practice in preventing and combating corruption.” The Council of Europe expressed openness to resuming cooperation with the U.S. in the future, stating that GRECO remains committed to shared efforts to prevent corruption, strengthen integrity, and uphold the rule of law.
Part of a Broader Trend
This withdrawal is part of a larger trend of the U.S. exiting several European-based multilateral and United Nations (UN) bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Human Rights Council. Reports suggest the administration is considering additional withdrawals, further signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward a more selective engagement with international organizations.
The decision reflects a growing skepticism toward international bureaucracies and a focus on domestic and strategic priorities. As the U.S. continues to re-evaluate its role in global governance, the impact of these withdrawals on international cooperation and anti-corruption efforts remains to be seen.
Source: OANN
