"over recent years" is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It can be used to refer to a period of time in the recent past, typically preceding the present. For example, "Over recent years, the number of endangered species has increased significantly.".
It has worsened over recent years.
He has shown that over recent years.
Relations between the two have generally improved over recent years.
Over recent years, my house has been burgled several times.
Yet several developments over recent years have changed the equation.
This call has been repeated many times over recent years.
Over recent years Dar had become increasingly devout.
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union