Financial Crime World

Macedonia’s Businesses Struggle with Bribery, New Report Reveals

Skopje, Macedonia - A recent report by a leading research organization has shed light on the widespread prevalence of bribery in Macedonia’s business sector. The study found that nearly one out of every 15 businesses in the country had to pay bribes to public officials in order to conduct their daily operations.

Widespread Prevalence of Bribery

The report, which surveyed over 50 businesses in Skopje, the capital city, revealed that around 78% of companies had direct contact with public officials in the past year. While most interactions were legitimate, a significant number of businesses reported being asked for bribes or other forms of illicit payment in exchange for official favors.

Definition and Prevalence of Bribery

The study defined bribery as “the promise, offering or giving to a public official, directly or indirectly, of an undue advantage” and found that 6.5% of businesses surveyed had given money, gifts or other benefits to officials at least once in the past year.

Variations Across Industries

The report highlighted variations in bribery rates across different industries, with the transportation and storage sector being among the most affected.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address these issues, the report recommends:

  • Strengthening institutions and enforcement mechanisms to prevent and punish corrupt activities
  • Increasing transparency and accountability in public procurement processes
  • Enhancing training programs for public officials to promote ethical behavior
  • Encouraging business organizations to adopt anti-corruption policies and practices

Regional Context

The research was conducted as part of a larger regional study on corruption in the Western Balkans, which found similar patterns of bribery across the region.

Expected Impact

The report’s findings are expected to inform policy discussions at the national and regional levels, with the aim of creating a more level playing field for businesses and promoting economic growth in Macedonia.