Bulgaria Records Worst Corruption Index Score Since 2012, Ranks Lowest in EU

Bulgaria's Corruption Perception Hits New Low

Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released on February 10, 2026, reveals a significant setback for Bulgaria in its fight against corruption. The country scored 40 points out of a possible 100, its worst performance since 2012. This score places Bulgaria at the bottom of the European Union, sharing the lowest rank with Hungary, and 84th globally out of 182 countries and territories assessed.

Deepening Governance Crisis Identified

The latest CPI report underscores a deepening governance crisis within Bulgaria. Over the past two years alone, Bulgaria's score has deteriorated by five points, a statistically significant decline indicating a lack of consistent and determined anti-corruption policies. Transparency International attributes this negative trajectory to several critical factors:

• The continued influence of entrenched kleptocratic networks.
• Largely formal and ineffective application of anti-corruption measures.
• Growing pressure on civil society organizations.
• Deep institutional instability, including the partial annulment of parliamentary elections.
• The closure of the Anti-Corruption Commission and prolonged delays in appointing leadership to key regulatory bodies.

The average score for the European Union and Western Europe has also seen a decline, dropping from 66 to 64 points, with 13 countries registering significant drops.

Impact on Business Environment and Future Outlook

Corruption continues to pose a substantial challenge to Bulgaria's economic landscape. Business surveys cited in the report indicate that 55 percent of companies consider corruption a major obstacle to their operations, while 89 percent perceive it as widespread. This perception translates into increased risks in administrative procedures, public procurement, and investment planning, creating an environment where businesses adapt to 'unwritten rules' and investment decisions are delayed due to uncertainty.

Transparency International's analysis concludes that without stronger rule of law, genuine institutional independence, and the effective application of anti-corruption mechanisms, Bulgaria risks further deterioration that will impact both democratic governance and long-term economic development.