The Hague – ESI on the decline of the rule of law in Europe and the fight against corruption

Gerald with Peter Omtzigt. Photo: Gerald Knaus

ESI’s Gerald Knaus travelled to The Hague, Netherland at the invitation of the New Social Contract (NSC), a Dutch political party led by Peter Omtzigt.

There, Gerald attended a discussion on an upcoming book project being organized by Omtzigt: The Decline of the Rule of Law in Europe. Stories of decline, courage, and proposals to reverse the damage. The discussion was followed by a symposium organized by Omtzigt, where Gerald was an invited speaker.

In his speech, Gerald discussed his work together with Omtzigt exposing corruption in the Council of Europe. He recounted the cooperation between ESI and Omtzigt to expose and end Azerbaijan’s so-called ‘Caviar Diplomacy,’ whereby the Azeri delegation was bribing officials with expensive trips and gifts. After this corruption was exposed by ESI and Omtzigt, this case eventually led to criminal convictions against the offenders. It provides a fantastic example of ESI working together with lawmakers to defend the rule-of-law and make create real change. Gerald also mentioned the importance of protecting and defending the European Convention on Human Rights, which has come under increasing attack recently, as a present example of the important work which needs to be done to continue to defend the rule-of-law in Europe’s institutions.

Gerald in Discussion, Photo: ESI

• ESI publication: When Aliyev’s MPs were shown the door - A historic PACE debate
• ESI proposal: Caviar Diplomacy
• ESI publication: Guide to a Crime Scene - Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe: State repression and those who fight it