Diagnostic surveys of corruption in Romania

Recognising the need for information on the profile of corruption, the Government of Romania requested the preparation of this diagnostic study of corruption. Based on the opinions and experiences of more than 17000 households, enterprises and public officals, the report summarises the results of three large-scale governance and corruption surveys undertaken in 2000 by the World Bank and Management Systems International. The outcomes of the surveys underscore both the importance of addressing corruption in Romania and the complexity of the task. Firms as well as households thus tell about frequent unofficial payments for a wide variety of State services, and public officials likewise state that many forms of corruption are present in State structures. The report then examines the level of support for various types of reforms and suggests key elements of a comprehensive strategy. It concludes by highlighting that reducing corruption is more than just a matter of law enforcement - it requires institutional reforms and societal changes as well.