For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions apply:

1. 'prevention of corruption' refers to the detection and elimination of the causes of and conditions for corruption, through development and implementation of a system of appropriate measures, as well as deterrence against corruption-related acts.

2. 'property' means funds or assets of any kind, whether corporeal or incorporeal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, and legal documents or instruments in any form, including electronic or digital, evidencing title to, or an interest in, such assets.

3. 'public official' means:

(a) a Union official or a national official of a Member State or of a third country,

(b) any other person assigned and exercising a public service function in Member States or third countries, for an international organisation or for an international court.

4. 'Union official' means a person who is:

(a) a member of an institution, body, office or agency of the Union and the staff of such bodies shall be assimilated to Union officials.

(b) an official or other servant engaged under contract by the Union within the meaning of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union laid down in Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 (the 'Staff Regulations');