On April 21, 2026, the Council of the European Union formally adopted the Directive on Combating Corruption, establishing for the first time a harmonized criminal law framework across all Member States. The Directive criminalizes a range of offenses – including bribery (in the public and private sector), trading in influence, misappropriation, obstruction of justice, and concealment of proceeds from corruption – and mandates corporate fines of up to 5% of worldwide turnover or €40 million.