US officially withdraws from European anti-corruption body GRECO
The Trump administration announced its withdrawal from the Council of Europe's anti-corruption group as part of policies to distance itself from international bureaucracy.
The Trump administration has formally notified the country's withdrawal from GRECO, the Council of Europe's anti-corruption watchdog, arguing that it has overstepped its authority and provides no tangible benefit to national security.
Termination of GRECO Membership
Continuing plans to distance the United States from international and multilateral institutions, the Trump administration has withdrawn the country from Europe's leading anti-corruption watchdog.
Official Notification and Departing Countries
Following the official US notification on Monday, the Council of Europe announced on Tuesday that the departure process has taken place, noting that previously only Russia and Belarus had left the group.
State Department Statement
The State Department stated that participation, which required an annual financial contribution, provided no tangible benefit to US national security, emphasizing the termination of funding for international bureaucracies.
Alternative Anti-Corruption Tools
The ministry stated that priority will be given to high-impact tools in the fight against corruption, such as visa restrictions, sanctions, and targeted foreign assistance directed at foreign investigations threatening direct US security.
Council of Europe Assessment
The Strasbourg-based Council of Europe stated that the US had made valuable contributions to GRECO, noting that it remains open to cooperation in the future to support joint efforts.
Withdrawals from International Institutions
The US had previously withdrawn from numerous Europe-based organizations, including the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council, and also pulled out of the Venice Commission in January.