INNOVATIVE INTEGRITY PACTS IN SPAIN: ENHANCING PUBLIC SECTOR ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND PRACTICES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14210/nej.v30n3.p285-315

Keywords:

Corruption, Integrity pacts, Public procurement, Spain, Transparency

Abstract

Contextualization: The detriments stemming from improper practices in public procurement, encompassing illicit acts such as bribery, illegal commissions, collusion, fraud, facilitation of payments, or manipulation of bidding processes, represent a complex challenge that necessitates a collaborative response from multiple stakeholders. Integrity Pacts emerge as an innovative solution with substantial potential in this context, posing both a challenge and a complement to law and public policy formulation and implementation.

Objectives: The objective of this research is to present the knowledge gained from the experience of four pilot integrity pacts implemented in Spain between April 2017 and January 2019.

Method: The structure of this text follows the following scheme: first, a literature review on the extent and advantages of Integrity Pacts (IPs) as a collective action tool against corruption in public procurement is conducted. Subsequently, the relationship between corruption and public procurement in the context of Spain is analyzed. Next, a detailed comparison of the implementation process of the four IPs in Spain is carried out. Finally, the conclusions offer key ideas and practical advice on the path to sustainable change beyond the impacts.

Results: This paper presents the results of Spain's four Integrity Pacts, highlighting the collaboration between civil society, government, and businesses to enhance decision-making processes In its conclusions, this paper presents key ideas and practical tips for assessing and improving the impact of Integrity Pacts, particularly with a view to achieving lasting change.

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Author Biographies

Esteban Arribas Reyes, University of Alcalá

Doctor in Political Science (mention "Doctor Europaeus"), MA in European Integration Studies and BA in Political Science and Administration. Professor of Political Science and European Public Policy at the University of Alcalá since 2006 and has been Visiting Fellow at several leading research centres worldwide such as the University of Oxford (Lady Margaret Hall College, and the Media Law and Policy Programme); the European University Institute (EUI), School of Transnational Governance (EUI-Florence); the University of Exeter (Centre for European Governance); and has participated in several European projects such as Protego (Procedural Tools for effective Governance) of the European Research Council (ERC). Member of the International Public Policy Association (IPPA). Professor in the expert programme in Artificial Intelligence and Social Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid. 

Dora Cristina Ribeiro Cabete, Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Researcher at CEDIS, Nova School of Law, FD, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa -School of Law, Campus de Campolide (Portugal). Doctor (PhD) in Business Economic Sciences – specialization in Economics -  at the School of Business and Economics of the University of the Azores; PhD candidate in Law at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa - School of Law, Lisboa; Master's and postgraduate degree in Social Sciences at the University of the Azores; Degree in Sociology (UAc) and degree in Law (UAL). She is a visiting assistant professor at the University of the Azores, a guest lecturer at the University of Santiago - Cape Verde and a lawyer. 

José Noronha Rodrigues, Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Researcher at  CEDIS, Nova School of Law, FD, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa -School of Law, Campus de Campolide (Portugal). Vice-President of the School of Business and Economics of the University of Azores. Scientific Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Company and Employment Law, as well as of the Degree in Law at the University of Santiago -Cape Verde, Visiting Professor in the Master's Degree in Civil Law and in the Master's Degree in Tax Law at the Catholic University of Mozambique. Doctor in Law (PhD) "CUM LAUDE", by the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, recognized the equivalence of the degree of Doctor in Law by the Lisbon University Faculty of Law, DEA in European Union Law, Master’s in International Relations, Post-Graduate in Regional Law, Post-Graduate in Labor Law and Graduated in Law. He also holds the Chair of the Policy Center for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

ARRIBAS REYES, Esteban; CABETE, Dora Cristina Ribeiro; RODRIGUES, José Noronha. INNOVATIVE INTEGRITY PACTS IN SPAIN: ENHANCING PUBLIC SECTOR ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND PRACTICES. Journal of Law Studies, Itajaí­ (SC), v. 30, n. 3, p. 285–315, 2025. DOI: 10.14210/nej.v30n3.p285-315. Disponível em: https://periodicos.univali.br/index.php/nej/article/view/20465. Acesso em: 29 jan. 2026.

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Vol. 30 No. 3 (2025)

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