Corruption Plagues Croatia: A Threat to Public Trust and Economic Development

Corruption is a complex crime that has far-reaching consequences for public trust in state institutions and economic development. In young democracies like Croatia, the issue of corruption can be particularly challenging due to its blurred boundaries and cultural factors that often cloud the issue.

Prevalence of Corruption in Croatia

A recent study conducted by Transparency International Croatia found that:

85.9% of the population perceived corruption to be widespread or increasing in 2003
Over 89% shared this opinion in 2005
Corruption was perceived as recurrent in various sectors of public administration, including:
- Judiciary
- Health
- Local government

Understanding Corruption in Croatia

To better understand the scope of corruption in Croatia, UNODC conducted a large-scale survey on administrative corruption with the Institute of Economics, Zagreb as its national partner. The survey probed the prevailing types and modalities of corruption that affect citizens’ daily lives, with a particular focus on bribery, a criminal offense according to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Findings of the Survey

The survey found that:

17.7% of respondents reported bribing hospital personnel
13.3% reported bribing traffic police officers
The highest values were recorded for hospital personnel and customs officers

To effectively fight corruption, it is necessary to understand its many facets. There is no simple “one-size-fits-all” solution to the problem. The evidence-based information presented in this report provides authorities with an additional tool for developing well-targeted anti-corruption policies.

Map 1: Regional Coverage of the Survey

The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 3,005 Croatian citizens aged 18 to 64, selected randomly in each region of the country. The map below shows the regional coverage of the survey.

Conclusion

Corruption is a pervasive problem that requires a comprehensive approach to address its many facets. The evidence presented in this report provides valuable insights into the scope and prevalence of corruption in Croatia and can serve as a tool for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to develop effective anti-corruption strategies.

By shedding light on the complex issue of corruption, we hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a more transparent and accountable government that serves the best interests of all citizens.