Cyprus ranked 49th among 182 countries and territories in the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025, published by Transparency International. Compared to 2024, the country dropped by three positions. Cyprus received a score of 55 points versus 56 a year earlier on a scale from 0, where the level of corruption is considered extremely high, to 100, indicating almost complete transparency of the public sector.
Despite the fact that Cyprus still appears more stable than many Eastern European countries, the decrease in points indicates persistent structural problems, including issues related to institutional effectiveness, decision-making transparency, and public trust. For a country with a developed financial and investment sector, such changes are particularly significant, as the index directly affects how Cyprus is perceived by international investors and rating agencies.
Regional context and warnings from Transparency International
The 2025 report emphasizes that the weakening of democratic institutions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia remains a key factor in the growth of corruption risks. The regional average was only 34 points out of 100. Of the 19 countries in the region, six significantly worsened their positions, while only seven showed improvement, indicating a decade of stalled reforms.
Transparency International’s Executive Director Maíra Martini noted that amid the climate crisis, geopolitical instability, and social polarization, the world needs accountable leaders and independent institutions more than ever. However, in practice, many states fail to meet this challenge, undermining the protection of public interests.
Corruption risks and lessons for Cyprus
Transparency International experts emphasize that corruption increases where democracy and oversight mechanisms weaken. Concentration of power, pressure on the judicial system, and restrictions on space for civil society lead to erosion of checks and balances. In the Western Balkan countries, this is reflected in non-transparent decisions on major investment projects and risks of misuse of public funds.
For Cyprus, these conclusions are particularly relevant against the backdrop of discussions on judicial reform, digitalization of public services, and increased transparency in major infrastructure and development projects. Experts note that consistent strengthening of judicial independence and openness of procedures can not only stop the decline in rankings but also restore lost positions.
International examples and possible benchmarks
The report shows that progress is possible even in difficult conditions. Ukraine, with a score of 36 points in 2025, managed to preserve the independence of key anti-corruption institutions thanks to pressure from civil society and journalists, which led to an increase in investigations and court decisions. Moldova, with 42 points, is advancing reforms aligned with EU standards despite external and internal resistance. Armenia, scoring 46 points, focused on updating legislation, although further success depends on the real independence of the judiciary.
For Cyprus, these examples serve as a reminder that anti-corruption policy is not a one-time decision but a long-term process. Against the background of increasing EU attention to rule of law and transparency issues, 2026 may become a key year for the country not only to stabilize its indicators but also to strengthen its reputation as a reliable and predictable jurisdiction in the region.