Corruption Perception Deteriorates Across Southeast Europe

Regional trends in corruption perception

Most Southeast European countries recorded weaker results in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting declining trust in public institutions across the region. The index assesses 182 countries on a scale from zero, indicating high corruption, to 100, reflecting strong public sector integrity, based on expert and business surveys.

Performance across SEE countries

In 2025, Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia all saw their scores decline compared with the previous year. Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia maintained unchanged results, while Bosnia and Herzegovina was the only country in the region to register a modest improvement. Despite a three-point drop, Slovenia remained the best-performing country in Southeast Europe with a score of 58.

Bulgaria and Romania at the bottom of the EU

Within the European Union, Bulgaria and Romania continue to rank among the weakest performers. Bulgaria scored 40 points and ranked 84th, down three points year-on-year, while Romania ranked 70th with 45 points, losing one point. Transparency International linked Bulgaria’s decline to persistent private influence over state institutions, which triggered widespread protests and ultimately led to the government’s resignation in 2025.

Western Balkans and governance challenges

Across the Western Balkans, excessive discretionary powers and limited transparency in decision-making continue to expose public funds to corruption. High-value investment projects are frequently approved without adequate oversight, undermining public trust and increasing governance risks.

Bosnia and Herzegovina shows marginal improvement

Bosnia and Herzegovina improved its score to 34 points and ranked 109th. However, Transparency International noted that weak competitive procedures, unchecked exploitation of natural resources and political influence over judicial appointments remain deeply entrenched problems.

Albania and environmental concerns

Albania dropped to 91st place with a score of 39, down three points from 2024. The report highlights environmental risks linked to the planned resort development on Sazan island, where insufficient safeguards have raised concerns over transparency and regulatory oversight. The project involves Atlantic Incubator Partners, backed by Jared Kushner, which received strategic investor status from the Albanian government.

Serbia posts the lowest regional score

Serbia ranked 116th with 33 points, the lowest score in Southeast Europe. Transparency International cited secret investment agreements, the removal of cultural heritage protections and pressure on anti-corruption institutions. The report also pointed to legal and political obstacles faced by Serbia’s Prosecution for Organised Crime.

Moldova’s reform efforts amid pressure

Moldova ranked 80th with a score of 42, down one point from the previous year. Transparency International acknowledged ongoing judicial vetting and EU-aligned reforms, while warning that progress remains vulnerable to geopolitical pressure and resistance from entrenched interests.

Global CPI trends

The global average score of the Corruption Perceptions Index fell to 42 in 2025, marking the first decline in more than a decade. A total of 122 out of 182 countries scored below 50, underscoring the widespread challenge of controlling corruption worldwide.

As experts at International Investment report, deteriorating corruption perceptions across Southeast Europe represent a growing challenge for investors, reinforcing the importance of governance reforms and institutional transparency for sustainable economic growth.