United States Withdrew From Anti-Corruption Group
The U.S. has ended its membership in a Council of Europe body that monitors global anti-corruption standards.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Relations
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The United States formally notified the Council of Europe on September 28, 2026, of its decision to withdraw from the Group of States against Corruption. The U.S. had been a participating member of the organization since 2000.
Why it matters
The move reflects a broader U.S. policy shift to disengage from international organizations that officials claim have become inefficient or operate beyond their established mandates. This withdrawal joins a pattern of distancing the nation from specific multilateral institutions.
The United States participated in the Group of States against Corruption for 26 years since joining in 2000. It is now one of only three countries to ever depart the organization, joining Russia and Belarus.
The players
Council of Europe
This international organization is based in Strasbourg and focuses on promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
Group of States against Corruption
This body monitors member states' compliance with anti-corruption standards to ensure transparency and accountability.
The details
The decision to leave follows earlier actions, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Venice Commission in January 2026. The government has also declined to invite members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to observe the midterm elections scheduled for November 2026.
Timeline
The Council of Europe created the anti-corruption group in 1999.
The United States joined the anti-corruption group in 2000.
The U.S. withdrew from the Venice Commission in January 2026.
The U.S. submitted its formal withdrawal notice on September 28, 2026.
The U.S. congressional midterm elections occur in November 2026.
Political Context
The current withdrawal marks a continued trend of U.S. disengagement from international legal and monitoring bodies following its exit from the Venice Commission. Critics of these departures argue such moves undermine global governance and the effectiveness of international oversight standards.
This policy shift has no immediate direct impact on domestic tax brackets or individual citizen regulations. However, the move signals a broader change in how the federal government interacts with international regulatory frameworks and oversight agencies.
The takeaway
The United States is increasingly re-evaluating its participation in legacy international organizations. This trend may influence future diplomatic relations and the efficacy of global monitoring groups.
Further reading
For more background on current foreign policy shifts, visit the International Relations section.
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