January 31, 2023,

                                                                                                                                                                   Bucharest

PRESS RELEASE

Corruption Perception Index 2022

It is time for governments to come up with robust, effective solutions against corruption

The Corruption Perception Index 2022 released today by Transparency International shows that 95% of the countries included in the ranking have made little to no progress in recent years in the fight against corruption.

The Corruption Perception Index reflects how independent experts and business professionals perceive levels of public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories. The ranking is compiled by awarding points, from 0 to 100, where 0 means "highly corrupt" and 100 means "very clean".

In the European Union, there has been stagnation for over a decade in most member states, with the EU average being 66 points. Given the global and regional challenges of recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and economic recession, it is necessary for governments to come up with robust, effective solutions. Citizens want to see more integrity and efficiency from politicians. However, the weak implementation of integrity mechanisms and threats to the rule of law undermine the effectiveness of governments, as stated in the report by Transparency International.

Romania has made very little progress

In Romania, the perception of corruption in the public sector remains similar from year to year (46 out of 100 points in 2022, 45 points in 2021), with variations of one or two points considered insignificant at the perception level. However, the upward trend in recent years is a progress that must be sustained in the future.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to implement effective measures, especially in areas with a high risk of corruption. For example, in public procurement, which continues to be one of the most vulnerable, with implicit effects on the transparency of public expenditure. Although significant steps have been taken in recent years, the level of trust in the correctness of public procurement is low.

In this context, Transparency International Romania recommends the use of Integrity Pacts as a monitoring tool for public procurement, especially for procedures and contracts with a high risk of irregularities, integrity incidents, or fraud. Integrity Pacts are a recognized standard practice nationally and internationally to ensure that procurement, contracts, and public spending are conducted in accordance with rules and good practices in the public interest.

Another recommendation concerns providing support to anti-corruption institutions to increase their operational capacity and effectiveness, including by preserving and improving the regulatory framework.

Moreover, there is a need to improve decision-making transparency and access to information of public interest, including regarding funding and resource distribution, especially in the context of implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Transparency International Romania will actively engage in monitoring and proposing viable solutions, especially regarding component 14 - Good Governance, as a member of the PNRR Monitoring Committee representing civil society.

Transparency International Romania reiterates the need for constant involvement of all representatives of society, from the political class, public institutions, to the private sector and citizens, each having their role and responsibility in combating corruption.

Data and statistics on the Corruption Perception Index 2022 at the global and national levels, as well as comparative data from previous years, are available on the website www.transparency.org.ro.

In over 20 years of activity, Transparency International Romania has contributed to the establishment/consolidation of public institutions such as ANI, DGA, DNA; it has developed over 40 public policies, including the one on whistleblower protection. It has also developed and implemented ethics and integrity standards for the public sector and business environment. We are consistent with the principles that guide us in our activities: integrity, impartiality, responsibility, professionalism.

For further information, please contact: Georgeta Filip, public relations specialist, Transparency International Romania, email: georgeta.filip@transparency.org.ro.