On 25 November 2024, GRECO published its 5th Round Evaluation Report on Switzerland. The report assessed the effectiveness of the framework in place in Switzerland to prevent corruption among persons with top executive functions (PTEFs) and members of the law enforcement authorities.

According to the report, Switzerland has a framework that is by and large adequate for tackling and preventing corruption. The rules on access to information, public consultation and transparency of the legislative process are exemplary. However, although Switzerland is among the top countries in indices for good governance and perceptions of corruption, and its population has considerable confidence in its institutions, the corruption risks in the two fields being assessed have not specifically been analysed in detail.

The Federal Council’s anti-corruption Strategy could be more ambitious and concrete in terms of goals and substance. It is monitored to some extent by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Combating Corruption; however, the Group lacks the independence and resources to do so. Therefore, GRECO calls for a substantial strengthening of this body as well as an analysis of integrity risks and measures specifically targeting PTEFs, particularly on the key issues of lobbying and revolving doors. In addition, GRECO makes a number of other recommendations to remedy shortcomings, such as institutional checks at the level of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Council, better transparency regarding PTEFs’ business and financial interests, and ethics training.

The prevention of corruption has also not been adequately acknowledged in the two law enforcement authorities assessed, namely the federal criminal police (PJF) and the Operations and Prosecution Directorates of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). Hence, Switzerland should adopt a more proactive approach in this law enforcement field. In addition, the FOCBS should draw up a specific code of conduct for its staff and both the PJF and the FOCBS should introduce special arrangements for confidential guidance on issues of ethics and integrity. The protection of whistleblowers should be improved, particularly through awareness raising measures. Lastly, existing good practice for ensuring that women are adequately represented in these two agencies should be taken further.

GRECO called on Switzerland to submit a report on the measures taken to implement GRECO's 15 recommendations by 31 December 2025.