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Integrity in EU Public Policies in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Urszula Kurczewska
  • Grzegorz Makowski

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of the article is to analyse the role and the importance of the principle of integrity in public policies in EU countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study hypothesizes that during the COVID-19 pandemic in many EU countries the principle of integrity in public policies was not respected, and numerous violations of it indicate the instrumental use of the crisis for unethical actions, or the weakness of public institutions in dealing with the crisis. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses analysis of source literature, analysis of reports and expertise, including qualitative and quantitative data. The research focuses on the analysis of institutional integrity in the public sphere, because public institutions should be the guarantor of security and stability during the crisis. The research adopted a neo-institutional perspective assuming an analysis of the process of shaping rules and norms in the public sphere, stability and durability of public institutions, especially in the period of rapid social and economic changes. Findings: The results of the research confirmed the research hypothesis - the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumentally used in many EU countries as a justification for unethical actions in both the economic and political spheres. The risk of unethical practices particularly concerned public procurement policy, but also respect for democratic principles. Violation of the principle of integrity takes the form not only of corruption, conflict of interest, fraud, nepotism, but also undermining the principles of the democratic system, e.g. manipulating elections or limiting parliamentary control of the government. Practical Implications: The research points to the need to develop a common code of good practice for EU countries to comply with the principle of integrity in public policies during the crisis, and may also be the basis for the preparation of recommendations. Originality/Value: To date, there has been no research on the principle of integrity in public policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the analysis has made it possible to fill this research gap and has indicated an increase in the risk of unethical activities during the health crisis in the EU.

Suggested Citation

  • Urszula Kurczewska & Grzegorz Makowski, 2022. "Integrity in EU Public Policies in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 493-508.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:journl:v:xxv:y:2022:i:2:p:493-508
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grzegorz Ignatowski & Łukasz Sułkowski & Bartłomiej Stopczyński, 2021. "Risk of Increased Acceptance for Organizational Nepotism and Cronyism during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Risks, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-35, March.
    2. World Bank, 2020. "The COVID-19 Pandemic [Pandémie De Covid-19]," World Bank Publications - Reports 33696, The World Bank Group.
    3. Karin Lasthuizen & Leo Huberts & Leonie Heres, 2011. "How to Measure Integrity Violations," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(3), pages 383-408, March.
    4. World Bank, 2020. "Response to COVID-19," World Bank Publications - Reports 33738, The World Bank Group.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Integrity; public policies; the European Union; COVID-19 pandemic.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H1 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement

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