International

OECD WGB completes Phase 4 review of Austria

As part of the fourth phase of evaluating Austria’s implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, Austria was reviewed by the OECD Working Group on Bribery (WGB). A delegation from Austria, including a representative of the Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAK), was present in Paris during the final week of the review from 7 to 11 October 2024.

Austria has made significant progress in the fight against foreign bribery since the Phase 3 review in 2012 and has significantly improved resources and expertise for investigations and prosecutions. The report positively emphasises the progress made in legal assistance as well as the reforms in the area of anti-money laundering and the protection of whistleblowers.

In order to combat foreign bribery even more effectively in the future, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) recommends improvements, including in the areas of criminal prosecution and sanctioning of legal persons as well as the independence of public prosecutors. Further recommendations include clarifying legal uncertainties in the areas of foreign bribery and corporate liability and reviewing the statute of limitations. In addition, risks and measures relating to foreign bribery should be taken into account in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and mechanisms for clarification should be implemented.

All of OECD's recommendations to Austria can be found in the report below. A follow-up report on the implementation of the recommendations will be published in 2026.

OECD Working Group on Bribery

The OECD Working Group on Bribery (WGB) evaluates how effectively a country implements the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. The process involves a detailed review by peer review teams who analyse country reports and cases, conduct interviews with representatives of government, business and civil society and then make recommendations. The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, identify any gaps and further improve the transparency and accountability of the member states.

Austria has been reviewed by the OECD for the fourth time. For previous reports, please click on the link below.