Emerging Europe's current corruption landscape, as revealed by Transparency International's most recent Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published this week, has revealed extensive corruption in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The region ranks well below the global average on the CPI, with an average score of 35 out of 100.

Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have the lowest scores, with Azerbaijan scoring 22. Corruption in Azerbaijan has hindered climate action, as elites use state-owned fossil fuel enterprises to consolidate power through politically connected contracts.

In Hungary, the Chief of the Prime Minister's Cabinet Antal Rogan was sanctioned by the US government for distributing public contracts to cronies loyal to himself and the Fidesz political party.

The Novi Sad railway station roof collapse in November, which killed 15, sparked mass protests alleging government corruption linked to overpriced renovations and lack of accountability in Serbia. Serbia continues to decline, with increased executive control under President Aleksandar Vučić and growing corruption risks.

Croatia's health minister was fired over suspicions he accepted bribes in exchange for the approval of procurement of robotic medical equipment from a specific company at inflated prices.

Belarus has seen its score drop 14 points to just 33 over the past four years. Over 900 civil society organisations have been dissolved in Belarus in 2023. A weak justice system in Bosnia and Herzegovina has left the country incapable of prosecuting high-level corruption.

Entrenched corruption and democratic backsliding are fuelling a cycle of impunity across the region. In 2023 and 2024, Transparency International highlighted governments and politicians in countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan for corruption and democratic setbacks, emphasizing issues like authoritarianism, lack of transparency, and suppression of opposition.

However, not all is gloomy. Moldova has seen an improvement in its score following the creation of a specialized anti-corruption court and wider judicial reforms implemented under President Maia Sandu. Among the top scorers in the region are Georgia, Armenia, and Montenegro.

Estonia, the highest ranked (13th globally) of any in emerging Europe and Central Asia, has a score of 76, well ahead of Lithuania (32nd with a score of 63) and Slovenia (36th with a score of 60). Estonia has pioneered a centralised e-procurement register, enhancing public access to procurement notices and allowing civil society to scrutinize deals.

In Albania, specialised anti-corruption prosecution and courts (SPAK) have convicted former ministers, members of Parliament, and mayors. In Czechia, concerns about corruption due to weak anti-corruption measures are raised by opaque interstate agreements and special legislation for projects like 'Serbia 2027'.

The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) faced criticism for corporate capture, with fossil fuel executives gaining undue influence over decision-making. An undercover investigation revealed the COP29 team's chief promoting fossil fuel deals ahead of the summit.

The CPI serves as a reminder that combating corruption is a crucial step towards fostering transparency, accountability, and economic development in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The region's governments must take decisive action to address corruption and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.