Transparency International report: The Western Balkans remain trapped in a corruption crisis, Serbia hits regional low

Without strong institutions, free media, and an active civil society, the perception of corruption will continue to dominate the narrative about the region

The “Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025” report by Transparency International confirms what has long been perceived as a daily reality in the Western Balkans: corruption remains a systemic problem, closely linked to the way political power is exercised, the functioning of institutions, and the amount of space left for oversight and accountability mechanisms. The latest data do not merely show numerical differences between countries in the region but instead reveal a shared pattern of democratic backsliding, in which the concentration of power, political influence over the judiciary, and pressure on civil society have undermined institutional checks and balances, as well as public oversight.

Montenegro ranks first in the Western Balkans, with 46 points and a global ranking of 65th. Although this is not a high score in absolute CPI terms, which range from 0 to 100, it indicates that Montenegro is perceived as having made the most visible relative progress in fighting corruption in the region. This result reflects a combination of factors, including sustained pressure from the European Union, certain institutional reforms, and a political climate that, despite frequent government crises, has allowed for greater investigation and exposure of corrupt practices. Nevertheless, the fact that even the “cleanest” country in the region remains below 50 points clearly shows that corruption continues to be a structural problem rather than a marginal phenomenon.

Kosova ranks second in the region with 43 points and 76th globally. This result is particularly significant, as it comes in a political context in which the fight against corruption has become one of the central narratives of governance. Kosova’s improved perception is closely linked to rising public expectations for institutional integrity, several concrete actions against senior officials, and a political discourse that, at least declaratively, places corruption at the center of public debate. However, the gap between rhetoric and reality remains a major challenge. Despite relative progress, a score of 43 points indicates that full trust in institutions has not yet been consolidated and that the fight against corruption remains fragile, especially in the face of political pressure and informal influence.

North Macedonia, with 40 points and a global ranking of 84th, remains in a grey zone characteristic of prolonged transitions. Following political changes in recent years and promises of deep reforms, the perception of corruption remains stable but without visible improvement. This result suggests that, although steps have been taken toward greater transparency and judicial reform, these efforts have yet to produce the necessary impact on public and international perception. In a society where political scandals and corruption cases continue to surface, the lack of final convictions and genuine accountability keeps the index at a relatively low level.

Albania scores 39 points and ranks 91st globally, reflecting a sharp contrast between undertaken reforms and public perception. The judicial vetting process has created high expectations, yet the report shows that corruption at the highest levels of power continues to be perceived as a serious problem. One of the main weaknesses highlighted is the lack of transparency in decision-making, particularly regarding large investment projects. The case of Sazan Island is mentioned as an example of the risk of environmental degradation and opaque decision-making, where economic interests overlap with the public interest and the protection of natural heritage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains among the most problematic countries in the region, with only 34 points and a global ranking of 109th. Corruption in the country is perceived as deeply entrenched in its political and institutional structures. Ethnic fragmentation of power and direct political influence over judicial appointments have caused reform efforts to repeatedly fail. Transparency International emphasizes that the lack of competitive procedures and effective oversight has led to the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, putting not only public funds but also the environment at risk. This reality represents a serious obstacle to the country’s European integration, keeping Bosnia and Herzegovina trapped in a cycle of political and institutional stagnation.

Serbia ranks last in the Western Balkans, with 33 points and 116th globally, emerging as the most problematic case in the region. The CPI 2025 directly links this result to the concentration of power, the weakening of independent institutions, the lack of transparency in decision-making, and a deep crisis of trust between citizens and the state. The report highlights that the Serbian government has exploited the lack of public oversight to make major decisions without transparency, including the signing of secret agreements with foreign investors. Serbia’s decline or stagnation in the index is directly linked to the consolidation of political power, the erosion of independent institutions, and the control of the media.

A common feature across several countries in the region is the weak judicial response to corruption, identified as one of the main obstacles to an effective fight against this phenomenon. Instead of being strengthened, judges and prosecutors are increasingly becoming targets of political attacks. In Serbia, the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime has come under heavy pressure after investigating alleged abuses by cabinet members. Transparency International reports government-led smear campaigns, obstruction of police cooperation, and legal changes that weaken the prosecution’s ability to investigate organized crime and high-level corruption.

Countries in which power is more concentrated and control over institutions and the media is stronger tend to show poorer results in the index. Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are clear examples in this regard. By contrast, countries such as Montenegro and Kosova, despite numerous challenges, demonstrate that higher levels of political pluralism and public pressure can translate into slightly more positive perceptions.

The report also underlines that the lack of transparency in large investment projects is a common weakness across the region. The suspension of transparency rules and the unchecked use of discretionary powers have placed public funds at a high risk of corruption, undermining citizens’ trust in institutions. In many cases, decisions are taken without public debate and without genuine oversight, creating an environment in which corruption is not only tolerated but normalized.

In this context, the CPI 2025 should be seen as a profound reflection of the state of governance and society in the region. For Kosova and Montenegro, relatively better results offer an opportunity to build on existing progress and avoid democratic backsliding. For North Macedonia and Albania, the index underscores the need to translate reforms into concrete and tangible outcomes. For Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, it represents a serious warning regarding the political and institutional direction they are taking.

Ultimately, the report makes clear that the fight against corruption in the Western Balkans remains a long and uncertain process. Without strong institutions, free media, and an active civil society, the perception of corruption will continue to dominate the narrative about the region. For countries aspiring to European integration, the CPI serves as a warning that without real, measurable, and sustainable reforms, corruption will continue to hinder democratic and economic development in the Western Balkans. /The Balkan Report/