Corruption and the Economic Crisis in the European Union

Bribery is the best investment according to the Greek shipyard magnate Aristotle Onassis (1906-1975). And Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy (1994-1995, 2001-2006, 2008-2011), with his six corruption cases, is the best example of the untouchability of the political elite while in power. In 2011, the international organization Transparency International has carried out a survey of 25 national countries on national integrity systems. A report, the first comprehensive study of the European countries' capacity to prevent and counter corruption, was made out of the summarized results of this study. The implementation of the project is part of a pan-European anti-corruption initiative, which was carried out with the support of the Commission's Directorate-General for Home Affairs.