Corruption Perception Report in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Corruption Assessment Report for Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the state of corruption, its causes, and consequences, using the Corruption Monitoring System (CMS) developed by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) from Bulgaria. The CMS methodology, applied at the national level and combining quantitative and qualitative data, enables an analysis of both citizens’ actual experiences with corruption and their attitudes, perceptions, and social norms related to corrupt behavior.

Data for 2025 indicate that corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains deeply rooted, although a certain decline in direct corrupt pressure has been recorded in recent years. Citizen involvement in corrupt transactions has slightly increased, suggesting that administrative corruption continues to represent a daily challenge. The acceptability of corrupt behavior and citizens’ propensity toward corruption remain high, indicating the “normalization” of certain corrupt practices, particularly in situations where citizens perceive no alternative means to exercise their rights. Corruption environment indices confirm a high level of perceived corruption in interactions with public officials and a pronounced lack of trust in the integrity of public institutions. Citizens assess that the likelihood of facing corrupt pressure remains high, while trust in the government’s ability to effectively implement anti-corruption policies remains very limited.

This report also highlights structural and political challenges that enable corruption, including a complex institutional system, a fragmented judicial framework, and limited capacities of oversight bodies. Taking into account international indices, such as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains concerning and requires a comprehensive approach that combines institutional reforms, capacity building, transparency, and changes in social norms.

The aim of this report is to provide relevant and evidence-based recommendations for more effective anti-corruption efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to encourage coordinated action by government institutions, civil society, the media, and international partners toward building a more transparent, accountable, and just society.

Corruption Perception Report in Bosnia and Herzegovina