Recital (2)

Council Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA lays down requirements on the criminalisation of corruption concerning the private sector. The Convention drawn up on the basis of Article K.3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union (the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union) addresses certain acts of corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of the Member States in general. Those instruments are, however, not sufficiently comprehensive, and the current criminalisation of corruption varies across Member States, hampering a coherent and effective response across the Union. Enforcement gaps and obstacles in cooperation between the competent authorities of different Member States have also emerged. This Directive aims to amend and expand the provisions of those instruments. Since the amendments to be made are of substantial number and nature, both instruments should, in the interests of clarity, be replaced in their entirety in relation to the Member States bound by this Directive.