Ukraine has risen in the Corruption Perceptions Index: what does this mean?
11 February 11:58
Ukraine improved its score in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025: the country received 36 points out of 100 and ranked 104th among 182 countries. This is 1 point higher than last year and indicates moderate progress amid full-scale war and high risks for the public sector. This is reported on the Transparency International Ukraine website, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Thus, as TI notes, Ukraine repeated its CPI-2023 result. However, a more qualitative breakthrough was prevented by a significant slowdown in European integration reforms and the fulfillment of international obligations, which remain the main drivers of change in the country, the organization notes.
Comparison with other countries
Like Ukraine, Argentina and Belize scored 36 points in the CPI-2025.
The following countries scored 1 point higher (37 points):
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Gambia
- Lesotho
- Zambia
Brazil and Sri Lanka received 35 points, which is 1 point less than Ukraine.
The situation among neighbors
Among Ukraine’s western neighbors, only Poland’s score remained unchanged, with 53 points and 52nd place.
The following countries lost 1 point:
- Slovakia — 48 points (61st place)
- Romania — 45 points (70th place)
- Moldova — 42 points (80th place)
- Hungary — 40 points (84th place)
Thus, none of Ukraine’s neighbors managed to improve their scores, and Ukraine became the only country in the region to show growth.
EU candidate countries
The average score of EU candidate countries is 39 points (last year — 40). This is 3 points higher than Ukraine’s score.
Over the year:
- Montenegro (46 points) and North Macedonia (40 points) did not change their scores;
- Serbia lost 2 points (33 points);
- Georgia (50), Albania (39), and Turkey (31) lost 3 points each.
Only Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to improve its score (1 point, 34 points). Thus, only Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina showed progress among the candidate countries.
What is the Corruption Perceptions Index and how is it calculated?
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an indicator that has been calculated by the international organization Transparency International since 1995.
The organization itself does not conduct its own surveys. The index is calculated based on 13 studies by authoritative international institutions and research centers.
The CPI measures perceptions rather than actual levels of corruption.
The study covers experts’ perceptions of corruption in the public sector, including:
- bribery;
- misappropriation of public funds;
- nepotism in public service;
- state capture;
- the government’s ability to implement integrity mechanisms;
- effective prosecution of corrupt officials;
- excessive bureaucracy;
- the existence of appropriate laws on financial disclosure,
- conflict of interest prevention and access to information;
- protection for whistleblowers, journalists, and investigators.
The result is calculated on a scale from 0 (very high level of corruption) to 100 (very low) and aggregates data from 13 independent sources.
Important: The CPI focuses on the public sector and is not a measure of everyday corruption or “daily” practices at the citizen level.
Why Ukraine gained 1 point: key factors
Transparency International Ukraine explains that the current assessment coincided with a period when:
- anti-corruption institutions remained independent and the specialized anti-corruption system continued to operate;
- measures of the State Anti-Corruption Program 2023-2025 were being implemented;
- a new anti-corruption strategy for the coming years was being formed;
- the practice of exposing and convicting top officials was strengthened, and separate institutions such as lobbying and seized asset management were developed.
At the same time, TI-Ukraine emphasizes that a score of 1 is more of a cautious signal than a “turning point,” and the country needs to accelerate reforms, particularly those related to European integration commitments.
Dynamics over the years: Ukraine has grown since 2013, but challenges remain
Over a longer period, Ukraine has shown a gradual increase in CPI scores. TI-Ukraine cites the dynamics since 2013 and emphasizes that progress is being made even in the extremely difficult conditions of war.
Separately, Transparency International’s global report notes that many countries around the world are finding it difficult to improve their scores, and that the average CPI and trends indicate persistent problems with accountability and integrity in public administration.
Regional context: the pressure of war and risks to transparency
The issue of protecting defense budgets and recovering from misuse remains one of the most sensitive. TI emphasizes that further safeguards and control mechanisms are critical for donor confidence and effective use of resources.
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