Germany Rises to 10th in 2026 Corruption Index Amidst Domestic Concerns

Germany improved its ranking in the 2026 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) to 10th place out of 182 countries, climbing five positions from the previous year. This marks Germany as the only Top Ten country to show an improved position in the latest index. However, this improvement is largely attributed to a decline in other countries such as Australia, Ireland, and Uruguay, rather than a substantive reduction in corruption within Germany itself.

Despite the higher ranking, Germany's CPI score has fallen from 81 points in 2016 to 77 points in 2025, signaling a decade-long degradation in anti-corruption performance. Alexandra Herzog, Chair of Transparency International Germany, highlighted concerns that this apparent progress masks underlying weaknesses. She warned that ongoing reductions in bureaucratic controls—particularly in procurement laws—threaten to erode essential anti-corruption mechanisms in the country, raising the risk of a further decline.

Germany's domestic challenge is compounded by global trends where corruption is on the rise. The global average CPI score has dropped to 42 points, the lowest in over ten years, with only five countries now surpassing 80 points compared to twelve a decade ago. Countries led by right-wing and populist parties are often dismantling anti-corruption protections, a pattern visible in multiple democracies.

Top of the index remains Denmark, holding first place for the eighth consecutive year with 89 points, followed by Finland and Singapore. At the other end, South Sudan and Somalia continue to exhibit the highest perceived corruption levels. Margarete Bause, deputy chair of Transparency International Germany, stressed the importance of civil society as a watchdog facing increased pressure and called on the German government to implement a national anti-corruption strategy aligned with new EU minimum standards.

Transparency International's report underscores that Germany's improved position is a relative gain in a deteriorating global landscape, emphasizing the necessity for increased transparency, tighter controls, and decisive governmental action to effectively combat corruption domestically.