Most Europeans believe that corruption is widespread in their country
Source: Bermix Studio, Unsplash
Surveys across the EU have shown that 68% of citizens believe that corruption is widespread. This is despite government efforts to combat bribery and nepotism. However, people's responses themselves reveal some loopholes for unscrupulous officials.
Most respondents, of course, are certain that one cannot be thanked for public services with gifts, money, or reciprocal favors. But most are not all. For example, only 77% are sure that one should not give money to officials for help, only 68% are sure about gifts, 65% - about services.
At the same time, 65% of EU citizens believe that corruption is not sufficiently prosecuted, and 57% believe that the authorities' efforts to eliminate this systemic problem are ineffective.
Among EU countries, the highest levels of corruption, according to respondents' answers, are in Greece (98% of respondents said so), Portugal (96%), Malta (95%), Slovenia and Croatia (95% and 92% respectively).
People are least affected by corruption in Finland (18%), Denmark (26%), Luxembourg (43%) and Sweden (49%).
