Iraq is taking significant steps in combating corruption, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Iraq said on Monday, emphasizing the EU’s focus on Iraqi laws combating corruption.

Speaking at a regional high-level meeting titled Enhancing Cooperation for Effective National Anti-Corruption Strategies, Ambassador Thomas Seiler said that the EU “is very interested in Iraqi and Arab laws combating corruption, hence we support and assist with our expertise alongside Iraqi experiences.”

“There have been Iraqi legislations implemented, but we need more laws, in addition to the developments and significant events undertaken by Iraq,” he said, expressing satisfaction for Iraq's considerable progress in combating corruption.

The ambassador noted that the country is taking significant steps in combating corruption, pointing out that integrity and the judiciary branches are undertaking significant work at the level of cases, convictions, European companies, and banks.

Seiler on Sunday highlighted collaboration with the United Nations to enhance transparency in the country, emphasizing the significance of the joint fight against corruption.

He noted the importance of combating corruption for Iraq's progress towards attracting foreign investment and reintegrating into the international community.

Seiler mentioned ongoing discussions on necessary legislation, including the right to obtain information, currently under consideration in the Parliament.

UNDP Representative in Iraq Auke Lootsma on Sunday also highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's dedication to combating corruption in Iraq, alongside ongoing government efforts.

Lootsma emphasized international support for these endeavors, notably launching a report monitoring corruption-related trials.

He underscored the importance of these initiatives in promoting transparency and fairness within Iraq's governance, Lootsma also outlined the program's focus on digital transformation to strengthen anti-corruption measures.

Iraq scores 154 out of 180 when it comes to countries’s corruption rates, according to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International.

Corruption rank in Iraq averaged 161.19 from 2003 until 2023, reaching an all-time high of 178.00 in 2007 and a record low of 113.00 in 2003.

Various sources indicate that the total embezzled funds in the country exceed $300 billion. However, in 2022, Iraqi state media reported the total to be $360 billion, while some members of the parliament estimate it at $450 billion.

In 2022, the Iraqi Tax Authority accused five private companies of embezzling over $2.5 billion from its funds, allegedly in collusion with several employees from the Ministry of Finance, dubbing it as the Heist of the Century.

The stolen funds were deducted from companies and individuals involved in government projects or imported goods, with a 10 percent payment of the total amount required upfront, which is refunded upon project completion.