Hungary among ten most corrupt EU countries

According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2013, Hungary ranks 23rd out of 31 European countries, which puts it in the top third of the most corruption-infected economies in Europe. The Czech Republic and Slovakia rank even worse, while Poland has improved considerably. The worst CPI score in Europe was given to Greece.

Based on expert opinion, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries worldwide, scoring them from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Covering 177 countries, the 2013 index paints a worrying picture. While a handful perform well, not one single country gets a perfect score. More than two-thirds (69%) score less than 50.

In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2013, Denmark and New Zealand tie for first place with scores of 91. Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia this year make up the worst performers, scoring just 8 points each.

Hungary ranks 47th on the CPI 2013, slipping one place compared to 2012 (46). The Czech Republic finished three places lower at 57th, whereas Slovakia stepped a rung higher to 61st. Poland scored the best in CEE this year, improving three places to 38th. Greece is perceived as the most corrupt nation in Europe (adding Norway and Switzerland to EU member states), but Bulgaria is perceived nearly as corrupt.

(source: portfolio.hu)