Author: Daniel Kozak

  • Europe’s struggle with corruption showcased in The Economist

    Europe’s struggle with corruption showcased in The Economist

    The Economist article “Squeaky-clean Europe is more corrupt than you think” highlights the pervasive corruption within the European Union, despite EU’s reputation for high governance standards. Lithuania is showcased as an EU success story, having dramatically improved its transparency and anti-corruption measures. However, the European Research Centre for Anti-corruption and State-building (ERCAS) notes that other…

  • Crisis in Venezuela: How a Strong Latin American Stance on Transparency Could Help Revitalize Regional Support for Democracy

    Crisis in Venezuela: How a Strong Latin American Stance on Transparency Could Help Revitalize Regional Support for Democracy

    On July 28, 2024, Venezuela held one of its most contentious elections in decades. Incumbent president, Nicolás Maduro, faced an invigorated opposition that, after overcoming legal and other barriers to their campaign, consistently outperformed the government’s candidate in the polls. Despite these developments, and contradicting preliminary results from independent exit polls, the government-controlled National Electoral…

  • A fox in the hen house?

    A fox in the hen house?

    How Hungary’s EU presidency may affect corruption control in Hungary and the EU Under the Trumpian slogan Make Europe Great Again! Hungary – ruled by Viktor Orbán and his party FIDESZ since 2010 – took over the rotating EU presidency as of 1 July. Many, including EU officials, politicians, and observers fear this half-year period…