MEDIA ADVISORY – EMBARGOED UNTIL 06:01 CET,11 FEBRUARY 2025
2024 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX REVEALS BELGIUM SLIDES FURTHER DOWN THE CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX
Brussels, 11 February 2025 – Belgium’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score has dropped four points in the latest Transparency International ranking, now standing at 69 points, down from 73 in 2023 and 77 in 2016. This decline places Belgium 22nd worldwide, ranking below neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg but ahead of France (25th).
Marc Beyens, Executive Director of Transparency International Belgium (TIB), states:
“This new ranking confirms growing concerns among Belgians about corruption in the country. Even before recent allegations involving former EU Commissioner Reynders and cases of mismanagement in the CPAS of Anderlecht emerged, the data already reflected a troubling perception of declining integrity in public governance.”
These results align with the 2024 Eurobarometer, which revealed that two-thirds of Belgians believe corruption is widespread in the country (Eurobarometer Survey).
BELGIUM: MAIN CONCERNS BEHIND THE DROP
According to Transparency International’s research, Belgian respondents are particularly concerned about:
- The use of public money – Concerns that subsidies and infrastructure projects are not allocated neutrally.
- Impunity for corruption – A perception that politicians and public officials are not prosecuted effectively or lack transparency in their financial disclosures.
- The influence of business on politics – Close ties between political figures and corporate interests raise red flags about conflicts of interest and undue influence.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Marc Beyens adds:
“Belgium has taken some steps toward reform, but key issues remain unaddressed. There is still no mandatory lobby register for ministers and advisors, and enforcement of anti-corruption laws remains weak. Belgian companies involved in corruption abroad also face very little prosecution. This needs to change if we want to restore trust in our institutions.”
GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CPI 2024
- Worsening trends in Western Europe – 19 countries in the region, including Belgium, have seen their CPI scores decline.
- Countries with stricter transparency measures rank better – Nations that have implemented robust whistleblower protections, lobbying transparency laws, and strict public finance controls score significantly higher on the CPI.
ABOUT THE CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX
The CPI is the most widely used global measure of perceived corruption in the public sector. It compiles data from 13 expert sources, assessing factors such as bribery, diversion of public funds, and conflicts of interest. Scores range from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). More details on Methodology will be provided. Watch the explainer video here.
INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Interviews with Marc Beyens, Executive Director of Transparency International Belgium, can be arranged in person at Fondation Universitaire Stichting, Rue D’egmont 11, Brussels, Belgium at the following times:
- Thursday, 6 February – 15:00 CET
- Friday, 7 February – Morning (9:00 – 11:00 CET) or Afternoon (15:00 – 17:00 CET).
To confirm if any of these interview times work, or to request further information, please contact Marc at:
📩 connect@transparencybelgium.be
For updates and further insights, follow Transparency International Belgium on:
🔗 Website
Hashtags: #CPI2025 #CorruptionInBelgium #TIBelgium
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