Perceptions of corruption in EU member states have once again worsened over the past year. Slovakia and Malta are falling behind, while Hungary is in free fall. Meanwhile, Germany and France are also experiencing negative trends in corruption. These are the key findings of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, published today (Tuesday). 

Daniel Freund, Co-Chair of the Anti-Corruption Working Group in the European Parliament, comments:

“Corruption in the EU is on the rise. These latest figures are a clear warning shot for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU). One of the main drivers of corruption in Europe is poor oversight in the allocation of EU funds. The Commission is far too hesitant in using its sanctions tools. Anti-corruption investigators at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office lack the resources they need to do their job. And member states are not doing their part in the fight against corruption. As a result, billions of euros in EU taxpayer money continue to vanish into slush funds and shady deals every year. This must finally come to an end!”

“The corruption situation in Hungary under Viktor Orbán is dire. Over the past decade, the country has plummeted in the rankings and now sits between Cuba and Burkina Faso—firmly in last place among EU member states. The financial sanctions imposed by the European Commission so far have had no effect. Given the rampant corruption in Hungary, it is irresponsible to continue transferring EU funds to Budapest. Until we can be certain that the money is being properly used, we need a complete freeze on payments to the Orbán regime!”

Find an overview of the Corruption Perceptions Index results here:
🔗 Transparency International CPI 2024