Icelandic government makes progress in addressing corruption, responding to GRECO recommendations

The Icelandic government has made progress in addressing corruption, responding fully to nine out of eighteen recommendations from GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption group. A recent report reveals that this fifth evaluation since 2013 shows an improvement, as three more recommendations have been fully met compared to the last assessment. Eight recommendations have been partially implemented, while one remains completely unaddressed.

Ethicist Henry Alexander Henrysson notes that while these numbers may seem discouraging, further context is necessary. He likens the situation to receiving a low test score and emphasizes that it is normal for such progress to take time. He points out that the total absence of completion for one recommendation is frustrating, but it should not overshadow the partial successes.

Henrysson highlights the importance of meeting more urgent recommendations, particularly those focusing on whistleblower protections, which have been fully addressed. He underlines the need for patience, suggesting that it may take several more years to meet all the recommendations fully.

Despite some positive signs in the report, he believes it is essential for the government to maintain its momentum in improving governance. Henrysson commends both the current and previous administrations for their efforts and stresses that they have not ignored the issue. While the progress made is valuable, he reiterates the importance of continuing the work to tackle corruption effectively.