Petty bribery may be rarer in Western Europe, but influence, lobbying, and regulatory capture continue to wield significant power, often going under the radar, experts say. While public discourse frequently frames corruption as a problem concentrated in Eastern Europe or developing countries, research increasingly challenges this view, highlighting systemic risks across the continent.

“In the academic and scholarly debate, the assumption that corruption is exclusive to Eastern European or developing countries is long gone,” Mihály Fazekas, director of the Government Transparency Institute and professor at Central European University, told Euronews.

Concerns over corruption have become particularly sensitive in the context of Ukraine. As Kyiv seeks continued financial and military backing from EU partners, some politicians in Western Europe have raised corruption-related objections. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has called for EU support to Ukraine to be halted, citing reports of fund misuse and accusing Kyiv of operating a “war mafia” that diverts Western funds.

Political narratives in parts of Western Europe often depict corruption as limited or exceptional, even as high-profile cases surface in countries like France, Germany, and the UK. However, public opinion appears more sceptical. Surveys indicate that while corruption is viewed as less prevalent in Denmark or Sweden, citizens in many core EU states see it as a significant concern. The European Commission’s 2024 Eurobarometer found that 61% of Europeans consider corruption unacceptable, and 68% believe it is widespread in their own country. About 27% reported feeling personally affected in daily life.

Experts note that the forms of corruption differ. In Western Europe, it often involves political financing, lobbying, procurement practices, and regulatory capture, rather than the visible bribery sometimes associated with Eastern Europe. Informal networks exist in both regions but operate differently. In Eastern Europe, gaps in institutional oversight after transitions from centralized governance have allowed informal networks to influence state institutions directly. In Western Europe, similar networks operate through law firms, consultancies, and structured political finance channels.

The Corporate Europe Observatory estimated that at least 62 corporations and trade associations spent a combined €343 million on EU lobbying in 2024, a rise of roughly a third since 2020. Petty bribery, by contrast, is far less common in Western Europe, contributing to a perception that the region is relatively “clean,” even as high-level corruption continues largely unnoticed.

Recent cases illustrate these differences. Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was arrested over alleged procurement fraud, while French politician Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzling EU parliamentary funds, receiving a four-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office. Both cases have generated debate over political motives versus enforcement.

Fazekas said the challenge lies in distinguishing rhetoric from action. “Corruption is implicitly hidden, and it’s not always obvious who is serious about fighting it. The major challenge is seeing concrete actions as opposed to just rhetoric,” he said.

The ongoing contrast between public perception and structural realities suggests that corruption in Western Europe remains influential, even when it is less visible, and continues to shape debates on governance, oversight, and international aid.