The EU has reached an agreement on its first directive harmonizing criminal laws to combat corruption, aiming to prevent, prosecute, and punish corruption offenses across member states. The directive establishes common definitions, sanctions, operational rules, and annual publication of corruption data to enhance transparency and cooperation. EU-wide standards for penalties and deterrence are set, allowing flexibility for stricter measures by individual countries. The agreement reinforces cooperation among national authorities and EU bodies. Parliament's negotiators see this as a significant step towards strengthening the rule of law and improving citizens' lives. The provisional agreement awaits formal approval by the Parliament and Council before it becomes operational.