Transparency International, a Berlin-based anticorruption watchdog, has reported a significant decline in global anticorruption efforts, particularly within democracies, according to its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released on February 10, 2026. The index, which measures perceived corruption on a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), saw the average global score drop to 42—the lowest in over a decade.
The report highlighted United States’ score reduction to 64 from 65 in 2024, marking the lowest rating the country has experienced in over ten years. It cited ongoing political shifts since President Donald Trump’s return to office, including actions perceived as undermining judicial independence and attacks on independent institutions. Concerns were raised about the weakening enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, signaling a possible tolerance for corrupt business activities.
Moreover, the report pointed to the US administration’s significant cuts to foreign aid programs, which it said have weakened international anticorruption initiatives. The CPI noted that the US political environment has been deteriorating steadily over the past decade, a trend mirrored in other democracies such as the United Kingdom and France. Although these countries generally maintain higher scores, the report highlighted increased corruption risks due to weakening institutional checks, legislative gaps, and enforcement challenges. Factors such as political polarization and the growing influence of private money on policymaking also contribute to this downward trend.
Globally, 122 out of 180 countries scored below 50, indicating widespread challenges in controlling corruption. However, the report recognized improvements in 31 countries, including Estonia (76), Seychelles (68), and South Korea (63).
Within the European Union, Bulgaria and Hungary were identified as the lowest performers, both scoring 40. The report criticized Hungary’s government, led by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for systematically undermining the rule of law, limiting civic freedoms, and compromising electoral integrity over the past decade. This environment has allegedly enabled impunity for the misappropriation of public and EU funds through corrupt contracting and other practices.
At the top of the index for the eighth consecutive year was Denmark, with a score of 89, followed closely by Finland and Singapore. Nations with the lowest scores included South Sudan and Somalia, both with nine points, and Venezuela near the bottom.
Ukraine, engaged in conflict with Russia for nearly four years, scored 36, reflecting ongoing challenges. Despite public outcry over corruption scandals involving associates of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the report noted that the country’s enhanced anticorruption framework is yielding results. The watchdog praised the mobilization of civil society, which pressured Zelenskyy to reverse attempts that threatened the independence of anticorruption agencies.
Transparency International’s report underscores the challenges democracies face amid rising corruption risks and highlights areas where governance systems require strengthening to safeguard democratic integrity and public trust.
