A new EU directive on combating corruption: it took effect across the EU yesterday and introduces “modern rules to better prevent, detect and sanction corruption across the EU, helping protect public trust, democratic institutions and the rule of law, while supporting competitiveness across the Union”. The new Directive, the EU Commission explains, “establish a more consistent EU-wide framework by harmonising the definition of corruption offences across Member States – including bribery, misappropriation, trading in influence, unlawful exercise of public functions, obstruction of justice and corruption-related enrichment”. The Directive also sets minimum rules on criminal penalties for both individuals and companies. “To ensure that justice is served, the new rules introduce minimum rules on limitation periods to ensure sufficient time to investigate and prosecute corruption offences effectively.”. In addition, the member states “must also guarantee that law enforcement and prosecutors have adequate investigative tools at their disposal and strengthen preventive measures, including through dedicated national anti-corruption strategies”.