Greece took 56th place among 182 countries V Corruption Perceptions Index Transparency International for 2025by typing 50 points out of 100.
Compared to the previous year, the country increased by three positions. Since the minimum indicator in 2018 (45 points and 67th place) Greece improved its position by 11 lines.
This growth occurs against the background worsening global situation. The global average in 2025 fell to 42 pointswhich was the lowest level in the last decade.
Of the top ten countries, four worsened their performance, five remained unchanged and only one showed an increase.
The leader of the rating for the eighth year in a row remains Denmark with the result 89 points.
Representatives of the Greek government attribute the improvement in indicators to judicial reformswhich reduced the time for consideration of cases in the first instance by almost half.
Also noted is the implementation of a ship construction program worth 550 million euros and large-scale digitalization of public services.
At the same time, public perception of the situation remains contradictory. According to a company survey Alco, 56% citizens are considered the main problem of the country high pricesA 23% — performance of institutions and corruption.
In recent years, the country has been rocked by several major scandals, including OPEKEPErelated to the distribution of funds EU in agriculture.
The case of the leadership of a private trade union association also remains under investigation. GSEEwhere alleged connections with high-ranking officials and ministers are being investigated.
Experts note that formal improvements in rankings do not always reflect real changes in the everyday lives of citizens.
Editorial comment
The growth of Greece’s indicators in the international rankings looks positive, but it does not automatically mean a decline systemic corruption.
Low levels of trust in institutions and persistent scandals indicate that many reforms remain cosmetic.
Without real political accountability and transparency, even improved ratings risk being nothing more than a statistical consolation.
Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index is regularly used as an indicator of the “honesty” of states. However, in practice it does not reflect the real level of corruption, but how the country is perceived internationally.
Full name of the rating: Corruption Perceptions Index. The key word here is perceptionsthat is, “perception”. This is not about counting bribes or investigating specific schemes, but about surveys of experts, businessmen and think tanks.
In fact, the index shows what reputation does the country have in the “right circles”and not how much and where they actually steal.
Why is Russia at the bottom of the list?
Russia In recent years, it has been under sanctions, in political confrontation with the West, and has been virtually excluded from most international cooperation mechanisms.
In such conditions, even with a hypothetical improvement in the situation, the rating would still remain low. Political isolation automatically lowers gradesregardless of real changes within the country.
In this case, the index becomes part of foreign policy pressure.
Why Ukraine is above expectations
Ukraine receives large-scale financial and military assistance, and the attention of Western institutions is concentrated around it.
Despite numerous scandals related to government procurement, military spending and aid distribution, the country’s ranking looks better than many observers expect.
The reason is simple: Ukraine is seen as political allyand allies in such ratings are often given a “credit of confidence.”
This does not mean the absence of corruption, but reflects support for the chosen political course.
Why Greece is “growing” although problems persist
Greece in recent years has demonstrated formal reforms: digitalization of services, acceleration of judicial procedures, infrastructure renewal.
These changes are reflected positively in reports and documents, which improves the country’s position in the index.
However, problems remain at the everyday level: high tax burden, selective audits, dependence on connections, pressure on small businesses.
Index fixes formal changesbut does not always reflect the real experience of citizens.
How the rating is formed in practice
In a simplified form, the system works as follows:
Countries that cooperate with the EU and the US, implement recommended reforms and support international NGOs receive higher scores.
States that are independent or in conflict with the West receive lower scores.
The actual level of corruption often fades into the background.
Objectivity and limitations of the index
The index is not a direct falsification, but represents one-sided slice of reality.
It is useful for investors and analysts, but does not replace a full audit of government institutions.
The real indicators of corruption remain:
level of “acquaintance decisions”, informal payments, selective application of laws and the presence of untouchable groups.
These parameters are practically not taken into account in international ratings.
Conclusion
The Transparency International Index is a reputational and political toolnot an objective measure of corruption.
It reflects the international community’s attitude towards the country, rather than the daily reality of its citizens.
Therefore, the discrepancies between the rating and people’s personal experience are not an accident, but a consequence of the calculation methodology.
More Stories
The EU has limited Greece’s request to €700 million: assistance is possible, but only within the framework of current rules
Russian gas again in Europe? The US and Russia are discussing a deal around Nord Stream
Greece will purchase American weapons worth $4 billion: what was included in the agreement with the United States