Serbia has recorded its lowest ranking in the past twenty years on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, according to a report released by Transparency Serbia, the local branch of Transparency International.
Serbia Falls to 116th Place Globally
Serbia ranked 116th out of 182 countries and territories, receiving a score of 33 out of 100, where zero represents extremely high corruption and 100 reflects very low corruption. The result marks a two-point decline compared to 2024 and represents the country’s worst performance since 2004.
Serbia’s score stands nine points below the global average and 29 points lower than the European Union average, highlighting significant governance and transparency challenges.
Decline in Regional Standing
For the first time, Serbia has been ranked behind Bosnia and Herzegovina, which scored 34 points. Within Europe, Serbia now ranks ahead of only Belarus (31), Turkey (31), and Russia (22).
Transparency Serbia noted that the country’s current ranking is 45 places lower than its best position achieved a decade ago, signaling a long-term decline in anti-corruption progress.
Institutional Weakness and Political Pressure Highlighted
Transparency International’s regional analysis stressed that weak institutions and democratic backsliding continue to foster corruption across the Western Balkans. The report also emphasized that insufficient judicial action remains one of the major obstacles in combating corruption.
The report cited alleged political pressure on Serbia’s Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, particularly following investigations into suspected abuses involving government officials. According to the findings, the institution has faced smear campaigns, obstruction of police cooperation, and legislative changes that may weaken its ability to investigate high-level corruption and organized crime.
Concerns Over Lack of Transparency in Major Investments
The report also highlighted issues related to non-transparent decision-making in high-value public and private investments. One example referenced was the controversial “Generalštab” project, where Serbian authorities reportedly signed a confidential agreement with a foreign investor without competitive procurement procedures and removed cultural heritage protections to allow construction of a luxury hotel.
Global Corruption Trends Worsen
Transparency International warned that corruption has been increasing worldwide, including in some established democratic systems. The organization also noted that anti-corruption protests led by Generation Z became a defining feature of 2025, particularly in countries with declining or stagnating CPI scores.
Transparency International Chair François Valérian stressed that corruption is not inevitable, emphasizing that strong democratic institutions, independent oversight, and active civil society engagement are key to ensuring accountability and improving governance standards globally.
