In fragile times, Europe’s ability to combat corruption is falling short, hindering the bloc’s response to challenges that range from the climate crisis to fraying rule of law and overstrained public services. The Western Europe and European Union (EU) regional average on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has dropped for the second consecutive year to 64 out of 100. Major economies like Germany (CPI score: 75) and France (67) are declining, and even traditionally strong Nordic countries such as Norway (81) and Sweden (80) have recorded their lowest ever scores.
Others like Slovakia (49), Malta (46) and Hungary (41) have dropped as the rule of law breaks down. Of the 31 countries assessed, only six improved their scores, while 19 declined.