Survey indicates EU nationals view political corruption as norm

(MENAFN) A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that 69% of European Union citizens believe corruption is widespread in their countries, highlighting deep public skepticism about the effectiveness and fairness of anti-corruption measures.

Over half of respondents view political parties as especially prone to corruption, with 46% saying politicians at all levels are commonly involved. Many also lack faith in government efforts to tackle the issue — two-thirds say high-level corruption cases are rarely prosecuted, and more than half consider existing anti-corruption measures both ineffective and biased.

Greece recorded the highest perception of corruption at 97%, followed by Croatia (92%) and Portugal (91%). In contrast, Finland and Denmark reported the lowest figures, at 21% and 28%, respectively. Significant year-over-year increases were seen in Luxembourg (up 9 points) and Ireland (up 6 points).

When it comes to public attitudes, 80% of EU citizens say it's never acceptable to pay for favors from public services. This sentiment is strongest in Portugal (98%), France, and Spain (both 90%). Similarly, over 70% reject the idea of doing personal favors in return for services, and around 75% oppose offering gifts. Older people, particularly those over 55, are more likely to condemn such behavior.

Despite the negative perceptions, only 5% of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing corruption in the past year, and just 20% of those took steps to report it. Fewer than half know where to report suspected corruption, and men are more likely than women to know someone personally involved in bribery.

The survey paints a picture of a public deeply concerned with political corruption and distrustful of current efforts to combat it across the EU.

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