Corruption is getting worse in the EU, says Transparency International

Europe’s Anti-Corruption Struggles Intensify

Corruption across European Union countries has worsened for the second consecutive year, according to the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI). The report, which ranks 180 nations globally, highlights a concerning decline in the EU’s ability to combat corruption, with Hungary emerging as the bloc’s worst performer. Meanwhile, Denmark retained its top spot as the cleanest country globally, scoring 90 out of 100. The CPI, which measures perceived public sector corruption using 13 data sources, including inputs from the World Bank and private consulting firms, reveals that many EU countries are struggling to uphold transparency and accountability. This year, the regional average for Western Europe and the EU dropped to 64, down from 65 in the previous year, marking a worrying trend after a decade of relative stability.

The worrying decline in the EU’s anti-corruption efforts is not just a matter of perception; it has real-world consequences. TI analysts warn that legal loopholes, weak enforcement, and limited resources have long hindered progress in addressing corruption. However, the situation has deteriorated further, with some governments actively undermining anti-corruption frameworks and eroding the rule of law. This backsliding is particularly evident in countries like Hungary and Slovakia, where systemic corruption and political interference have become entrenched. As a result, the EU’s ability to respond to critical challenges, such as the climate crisis, public service strains, and the fraying rule of law, is being severely compromised.

Spotlight on Hungary and Slovakia

Hungary stands out as a troubling example of corruption’s corrosive impact. With a score of 41, down one point from the previous year, Hungary ranks as the worst performer in the EU. TI’s report highlights “systemic corruption and a continuous decline of the rule of law” under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 15-year rule. Recent US sanctions imposed on Antal Rogán, a close aide of Orbán, for alleged corruption in the distribution of public contracts, underscore the depths of the problem. Despite repeated denials by Orbán and his ruling Fidesz party, the report paints a grim picture of a government increasingly intolerant of transparency and accountability. Hungary is not alone in its struggles; Bulgaria, Romania, and Malta also ranked poorly, while Slovakia emerged as a country to watch after its score plummeted by five points to 49. TI attributes this decline to numerous reforms that have eroded anti-corruption checks and bypassed public consultation.

In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government has faced widespread protests in recent weeks, with demonstrators accusing him of undermining democratic values and aligning the country closer to Russia. Fico has dismissed the allegations, claiming his opponents are attempting to overthrow the government. However, TI’s report suggests that the rapid decline in Slovakia’s anti-corruption efforts is a cause for concern. With democratic institutions under strain and public trust eroding, the region’s ability to address corruption effectively remains uncertain.

Corruption and the Climate Crisis: A Dangerous Nexus

One of the most striking findings of this year’s CPI is the growing interconnection between corruption and the climate crisis. TI warns that these two major challenges are deeply intertwined, with corruption undermining efforts to address climate change. For instance, a lack of transparency and accountability in climate policymaking has allowed corporate lobbyists and polluting industries to exert undue influence on decision-makers. This has resulted in watered-down climate policies that favor narrow interests over the common good.

In France and Germany, two of the EU’s major economies, this dynamic is evident. France’s CPI score dropped by four points to 67, while Germany’s score fell by three points to 75. TI attributes these declines, in part, to the influence of corporate lobbyists on climate policy. The report highlights the risk of climate funds being misused or embezzled, as well as conflicts of interest among politicians and industry leaders. These factors, TI argues, have obstructed the adoption of ambitious climate policies, putting global efforts to combat the climate crisis at risk. The report concludes bluntly: “The corruption crisis is a huge obstacle to solving the climate crisis.”

Global Corruption Trends: A Mixed Picture

While the EU struggles with declining anti-corruption efforts, the global picture remains similarly concerning. The worldwide average CPI score remained unchanged at 43, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. South Sudan ranked as the most corrupt country globally, scoring just eight points, while Somalia followed closely behind. At the other end of the spectrum, Denmark topped the list for the seventh consecutive year, with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84). These high-performing nations demonstrate that progress in combating corruption is possible, but the global average suggests that most countries still have significant work to do.

The CPI also reveals that about a quarter of the 180 countries surveyed have reached their lowest scores since TI adopted its current methodology in 2012. This alarming trend highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and the challenges governments face in addressing it. From inadequate transparency measures to outright political interference, the obstacles to fighting corruption are numerous and complex. As the global average stagnates, the need for renewed commitment to anti-corruption efforts has never been more urgent.

The Path Forward: Restoring Transparency and Accountability

To address the growing corruption crisis, TI calls for immediate action. The report emphasizes the importance of strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability across all levels of government. In the EU, this means addressing the systemic issues that have allowed corruption to thrive in countries like Hungary and Slovakia. It also requires meaningful reforms to prevent corporate influence from undermining climate policies and public services.

Transparency International has urged governments to prioritize the restoration of the rule of law, ensure independent oversight of anti-corruption mechanisms, and engage civil society in the fight against corruption. By tackling these challenges head-on, the EU and other regions can reclaim their momentum in the global effort to combat corruption. The stakes could not be higher, as the intertwined crises of corruption and climate change demand urgent and collective action. Only by fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity can the world hope to build a more just and sustainable future for all.