Brussels, 07/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - Corruption remains a constant phenomenon to the east of the European Union, states the 2006 report from the Transparency International (TI) organisation, published on Monday. Among the eight post-communist countries that joined the EU in 2004 and the two new members to join early 2007, Bulgaria and Romania, only Estonia and Slovenia have suitable results when it comes to anti-corruption organisation. These two countries have been noted more than 6 out of 10 (10 being the equivalent of total absence of corruption), the TI 2006 report notes. They are therefore at a level equal to that of Spain and Portugal. There are three countries, however, that have scores equal or below 4 - Bulgaria, Poland and above all Romania, which, with 3.1 ranks 84th, just before countries like Mauritania and Algeria. It should be noted that Greece has a disappointing 4.4, in 54th position, and results for Italy are also disappointing (in 45th place). Despite everything, the countries of the last enlargement have made an effort to combat corruption. The Czech Republic and Slovakia have moved up one point in the past three years and have now scores of 4.8 and 4.7 respectively. Even Poland, which was in 61st position with just 3.7, has made progress compared to earlier years.
Out of a total of 163 countries in the classification, the EU nonetheless represents the region of the world where the most honest countries are to be found, such as Finland (ranking first), Denmark (4th) or Sweden (6th). France emerged in eighteenth place, at the same level as Ireland and just behind Germany. Out of the twenty countries at the head of the classification, eleven belong to the EU. Generally speaking, the results of the IPC 2006 highlight the deep link between corruption and poverty. Low income countries continue to be at the bottom. Iraq, Haiti and Myanmar are seen as countries where corruption is the most widespread. The Barometer is published with a view to the World Day against Corruption, on 9 December 2006. (bc)