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Some governments in Europe have decided to undermine the freedom of information related to the corruption in their countries. Opposition newspapers and non-governmental organisations are the authorities' principal target. It is true that these countries seem to accept corruption practices at all levels. The NGO Transparency International mentions among the worst pupils in Europe, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. Of course, this issue is being closely followed by the EU Commission for both countries already in the Union and for candidate countries. The EU standards in democratic governance should apply in all Member States. In such context, it may seem surprising that Bulgaria -with the highest perceived level of corruption- and member of the EU since 2007, held the rotating EU Council Presidency in 2018. In view of this, France and Germany have blocked the entry of Bulgaria and Romania in the passport-free Schengen Zone. It is clear that political authorities must now meet the growing security needs of European people. Moreover, it is unacceptable that EU funds have become one of the largest source of corruption in some Central and Eastern European countries. In short, the current situation in the European Continent requires an increased vigilance and an effective monitoring of failing States.

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