ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Fighting corruption is a shared engagement priority with Iraq’s new government, a European Union official told Rudaw on Monday, underscoring support for the country’s ongoing anti-corruption crackdown while maintaining a non-interference stance toward domestic law enforcement.
“It is urgent for the new government to deliver concrete results and swiftly adopt the necessary measures and reforms to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people,” a spokesperson for the EU’s foreign policy and security body told Rudaw’s Osama Mohammed on condition of anonymity.
The statement comes as the Iraqi government, under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, launched a wide-scale anti-corruption drive dubbed “Operation Dawn” on Sunday in coordination with the Federal Commission of Integrity. The ongoing campaign has so far led to the arrest of 21 individuals, including senior officials, political leaders, and members of parliament.
The EU official said that creating “a transparent investment climate and employment” helps address “the legitimate demands” of Iraqis and supports the country in reaching its full economic potential.
In his first speech after being appointed prime minister in mid-May, Zaidi announced that his government would launch a “comprehensive” reform plan to diversify Iraq’s oil-based economy and combat widespread corruption in public institutions.
“The path of reform may be difficult, but it is not impossible when intentions are united and efforts are sincere,” he said.
Iraq ranked 136th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2025, scoring 28 out of 100, reflecting a high level of public-sector corruption compared to global standards.
Furthermore, the EU official said that Brussels will continue “to advance the objectives of Iraq’s National Security Strategy through the EU Advisory Mission, our civilian security mission in Iraq.”
Iraq’s current National Security Strategy (2025 - 2030) serves as a foundational state document, promoting economic reforms, strengthening national cohesion and improving regional relations.
The EU, through its Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM), is a key contributor to both the drafting and implementation of the framework, providing direct expertise to institutions driving the National Security Strategy. The bloc has allocated about €66 million from May 2024 to April 2026 to support the mission in Iraq and extended its mandate by an additional six months this year.
