Yerevan, February 18 – Transparency International’s 2025 report reveals a slight decline in Armenia’s fight against corruption. The country’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has decreased by one point, reaching 46. On this index, 0 signifies the highest level of corruption, while 100 indicates the absence of corruption.
Armenia’s Global and Regional Standing
In the global ranking of 182 countries, Armenia now holds the 65th position, a drop from its 63rd-64th placement in 2024. Regionally, among its neighbors, only Georgia (56 points) demonstrates a lower level of perceived corruption. Other countries in the region, including Turkey (31 points), Azerbaijan (30), Iran (23), and Russia (22), are ranked lower than Armenia.
Historical Context of Armenia’s CPI
In 2024, Armenia’s CPI stood at 47. Notably, in 2019, the country’s index improved significantly from 35 to 42 points, marking the largest annual improvement among CIS countries. By 2022, Armenia was among the top three countries in Eastern Europe for its Corruption Perception Index. However, in 2023, Armenia’s rating did not show any improvement.
Prime Minister’s Stance on Anti-Corruption Policy
In January 2026, during a government session in parliament, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed criticisms regarding bonuses paid from the state budget to government members and deputies. He stated that the authorities consider such payments as part of their anti-corruption policy. This statement has drawn attention in light of the recent CPI downgrade.
The Importance of the Corruption Perception Index
The Corruption Perception Index is a crucial indicator that reflects how transparent and accountable a country’s public sector is perceived to be. A decline in this index can signal concerns about governance, rule of law, and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. For Armenia, this recent downgrade highlights the ongoing challenges in its fight against corruption and the need for sustained efforts to improve transparency and accountability.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The latest report from Transparency International underscores the importance of continued vigilance and reform in Armenia’s anti-corruption strategy. While the country has made progress in previous years, the recent decline suggests that more comprehensive and effective measures may be necessary to address the underlying issues contributing to corruption. The government’s approach to bonuses and other financial incentives will likely remain a focal point of public and international scrutiny as Armenia strives to improve its standing in future corruption perception indices.
The report serves as a call to action for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public, to work collaboratively towards strengthening institutional integrity and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for corruption. The long-term stability and development of Armenia depend significantly on its ability to establish and maintain robust anti-corruption frameworks.
