Abstract
This article examines the complex relationship between corruption perceptions and institutional trust in South-Eastern European countries, with particular attention to the impact of EU integration processes on governance quality and public trust in institutions.
Key Findings
- Corruption perceptions remain persistently high in most South-Eastern European countries despite EU integration-driven reforms
- Institutional trust is lowest for political institutions and highest for the EU and military
- Media exposure to corruption coverage has a complex relationship with corruption perceptions
- Anti-corruption agencies have varying effectiveness depending on their independence and mandate
Methodology
Quantitative analysis of Eurobarometer and Transparency International data combined with case studies of anti-corruption initiatives in Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
Implications
The findings highlight the persistence of corruption challenges despite formal institutional reforms, suggesting that deeper cultural and institutional changes are needed alongside legal and procedural improvements.
