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Corruption Plagues Businesses in Western Balkans

A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has shed light on the pervasive issue of corruption in the business sector, revealing that bribery remains a significant obstacle for companies operating in the western Balkans.

Pervasive Corruption in Business Sector

According to the study, 59.7% of businesses surveyed had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant in the past year, with some sectors experiencing higher rates of interaction than others. In the transportation and storage sector, for example:

• A staggering 78.5% of companies reported having direct contact with a public official.

While the majority of interactions between businesses and public officials are legitimate, the study found that bribery remains a significant problem.

Bribery Remains a Significant Problem

A total of 17% of businesses surveyed admitted to giving a public official money, a gift or counter-favor on at least one occasion in the past year. This indicates that around one out of six companies engaged in bribing.

• Moreover, the frequency of bribe-paying was also high, with an average of 7 bribes paid per company over the course of a year.

Need for Greater Transparency and Accountability

The report’s findings are a stark reminder that bribery continues to be a significant obstacle for businesses operating in the western Balkans. The UNODC study emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability in government interactions with private companies, as well as increased efforts to prevent and combat corruption.

Call to Action

In response to these findings, governments and business leaders must work together to create an environment that encourages ethical behavior and discourages corrupt practices. Only by doing so can we hope to build a more transparent and accountable business sector that benefits both businesses and society at large.