Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 - Executive Summary

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 06:01 CET, 28 JANUARY 2020 EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA With an average score of 36, Eastern Europe and Central Asia is the second-lowest performing region on the CPI and vulnerable to corruption compounded by COVID-19. 19 36 /100 COUNTRIES ASSESSED AVERAGE REGIONAL SCORE TOP SCORERS BOTTOM SCORERS ARMENIA GEORGIA 56 /100 49 /100 47 /100 19 /100 TURKMENISTAN BELARUS TAJIKISTAN 25 /100 UZBEKISTAN 26 /100 Georgia (56), Armenia (49) and Belarus (47) lead the region, while Uzbekistan (26), Tajikistan (25) and Turkmenistan (19) bring up the rear. Across the region, COVID-19 exposed ongoing governance and structural problems, highlighted widespread corruption, and exacerbated social discontent. Some political leaders used the crisis to increase their power, add restrictions to already limited access to information, 50 eliminate transparency requirements from public procurement rules 51 and renounce public accountability mechanisms. COVID-19 provided corrupt and authoritarian leaders with an excuse to reduce oversight of government spending and curtail civil liberties. These efforts decreased transparency of foreign aid spending, 52 making it difficult to track funds and ensure appropriate distribution to the intended recipients. 53 Research shows corruption undermines democratic rights and institutions, 54 such as freedom of speech, access to information and an independent judiciary, and limits citizens’ ability to hold their governments accountable. 55 With a score of 31, Kyrgyzstan is a significant improver, jumping seven points since 2012. However, widespread corruption and a lack of transparency and accountability have undermined an adequate response to COVID-19. With a score of 35, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a significant decliner, dropping seven points since 2012. During the pandemic, the country experienced numerous violations of human and labour rights, as well as discrimination in economic aid distribution and alleged unlawful procurement of medical equipment. 56 TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 16