Belgium is sliding towards corruption, warns Transparency International

Politicians and the judiciary are increasingly taking liberties with the rules, according to a new report. Belgium ranks 21st in the international Corruption Perceptions Index. That is the same position as last year, but the country has fallen significantly since 2016.

Transparency International (TI) gives scores from 0 (extremely corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The NGO bases its scores on interviews with companies and experts and uses a scientifically based method.

Ten years ago, Belgium scored 77 points, but in 2025 it will only score 69. In other words, according to the NGO, Belgium is slowly sliding into a swamp of corruption. The NGO also subtly notes that experts do not see how this can be changed quickly and effectively.

The declining score comes as no surprise, it seems. ‘Almost every day, the media reports on powerful figures in politics, the civil service or the judiciary who abuse their power for personal gain,’ it says. The fundamental principles of good governance, the public interest, equality and justice are being trampled underfoot. This causes damage to people and the environment and also undermines trust in public institutions.

According to the NGO, Transparency International's analysis is reinforced by earlier international studies, such as those carried out by GRECO, an anti-corruption consultative body within the Council of Europe.

To turn the tide, politicians and civil servants must put their words into action, it argues, and above all, demonstrate ethical leadership. Stricter regulations on lobbying, accepting gifts and holding multiple offices are all needed. In addition, control mechanisms must be put in place to monitor these measures. Civil society and the media also have a role to play in exposing corruption.