Since 2005, the European Commission has been conducting surveys on the public's opinion about corruption. The data gathered involves two different fields: citizens' and businesses' attitudes towards corruption.
All Special Eurobarometer surveys on citizens' attitudes towards corruption and Flash Eurobarometer surveys on businesses' attitudes towards corruption are listed by chronological order below.
Special Eurobarometer survey
Citizens’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU
- Special Eurobarometer 548 - Citizens’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2024): A majority of Europeans (61%) view corruption as unacceptable, but believe it is widespread in their country (68%), while approximatively one quarter (27%) feel personally affected by it in their daily lives.
- Special Eurobarometer 534 – Citizens’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2023): Most Europeans (64%) still think corruption is unacceptable, however 70% believe corruption is prevalent in their country.
- Special Eurobarometer 523 – Corruption (2022): Almost one out of four Europeans (24%) feel personally affected by corruption in their daily life. Only 15% of those who have experienced corruption reported it.
- Special Eurobarometer 502 – Corruption (2019): Despite a slight improvement, Europeans remain sceptical about efforts to address corruption. Less than half (44%) know where to report it.
- Older surveys:
- Special Eurobarometer 470 – Corruption (2017)
- Special Eurobarometer 397 – Corruption (2013)
- Special Eurobarometer 374 – Corruption (2011)
- Special Eurobarometer 325 – Attitude of Europeans towards corruption (2009)
- Special Eurobarometer 291 – The attitudes of Europeans towards corruption (2007)
- Special Eurobarometer 245 – Opinions on Organised, Cross-border crime and Corruption (2005)
Flash Eurobarometer survey
Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU
- Flash Eurobarometer 543 - Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2024): More than half of the respondents view corruption as prevalent in public procurement, with 27% stating that it has prevented them from securing contracts and over 50% doubting the effectiveness of corruption investigations and sanctions.
- Flash Eurobarometer 524 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2023): Nepotism is mentioned as the most widespread corruptive practice by almost half EU companies (48%), followed by funding political parties in exchange for public contracts or influence over policy making (38%).
- Flash Eurobarometer 507 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2022): Most EU businesses (54%) say anti-corruption measures are not impartially applied and have ulterior motives.
- Flash Eurobarometer 482 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2019): Although not ranked among the top concerns, corruption is a problem for nearly four in ten EU companies.
- Older surveys:
- Flash Eurobarometer 457 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2017)
- Flash Eurobarometer 428 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2015)
- Flash Eurobarometer 374 – Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2013)