The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published by Transparency International, offers a comprehensive evaluation of perceived public sector corruption across 180 countries and territories.
The findings are particularly concerning for the European Union (EU), as several member states have experienced significant declines, aligning them with nations traditionally viewed as developing or third-world countries.
Hungary: The EU’s Most Corrupt Member
For the third consecutive year, Hungary has been identified as the EU’s most corrupt nation, with a CPI score of 41, placing it 82nd globally. This score positions Hungary alongside countries like Morocco and Tanzania, highlighting a troubling parity with nations facing substantial developmental challenges.
The persistent systemic corruption and the continuous decline of the rule of law during Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 15-year tenure have been significant contributing factors to this dismal performance.
Slovakia: A Rapid Decline
Slovakia’s CPI score plummeted by five points to 49, marking one of the most significant declines within the EU. This downturn coincides with the rise to power of a populist government following the 2024 general elections, raising concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption measures and the rule of law. Slovakia now finds itself in the company of countries like Ghana and India, reflecting a governance trajectory that warrants close scrutiny.
Bulgaria, Romania, and Malta: Persistent Challenges
Bulgaria, Romania, and Malta continue to struggle with corruption, consistently ranking among the lowest in the EU. Their persistent challenges in combating corruption align them with nations facing significant governance issues, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen institutional integrity.
Belgium: A Stagnant Struggle
Belgium’s CPI score declined by four points, now standing at 69 and occupying the 22nd position globally. This stagnation aligns Belgium with nations such as Japan and Uruguay, indicating a need for renewed anti-corruption efforts. Domestic perceptions reveal that two-thirds of Belgians believe corruption is widespread, mirroring sentiments often associated with less developed nations.
France and Germany: Notable Declines
France and Germany, two of the EU’s major economies, have experienced notable declines in their CPI scores. France dropped four points to 67, while Germany fell three points to 75. These declines are partly attributed to the undue influence of corporate lobbyists on climate policy and action, reflecting challenges in maintaining transparency and accountability
Global Context: A Mirror to the EU
The global average CPI score remains a modest 43, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Denmark continues to lead as the world’s least corrupt nation with a score of 90, while South Sudan anchors the index at the bottom with a score of 8.
The United States experienced a decline, dropping to a score of 65, its lowest since 2012, reflecting ongoing concerns about undue influence and governance challenges.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability and human rights violations. The international community and every nation must make tackling corruption a top and long-term priority. This is crucial to pushing back against authoritarianism and securing a peaceful, free and sustainable world. The dangerous trends revealed in this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index highlight the need to follow through with concrete action now to address global corruption.
Implications for the EU
The CPI’s revelations are a clarion call for the EU to bolster its anti-corruption frameworks. The encroachment of corruption within member states not only undermines democratic institutions but also hampers collective efforts to address pressing global issues, including climate change and economic inequality.
The alignment of certain EU countries’ corruption levels with those of developing nations serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and robust governance to uphold the integrity of the Union.
In conclusion, the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index highlights significant challenges within the EU regarding public sector corruption.
The concerning performances of Hungary, Slovakia, and other member states underline the urgency for comprehensive reforms and strengthened anti-corruption measures to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of governance within the Union.
