Denmark tops transparency index

Denmark and New Zealand are tied as the least corrupt countries in the world, according to this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency International.

The study of public sector corruption is made by experts who give higher scores to countries with strong access to information systems and rules governing the behaviour of people holding public office.

Countries with a lack of accountability across the public sector and/or ineffective public institutions are given lower scores.

Transparency possible
"The top performers clearly reveal how transparency supports accountability and can stop corruption,” said Huguette Labelle, the chairperson of Transparency International, stated in a press release. Still, the better performers face issues like state capture, campaign finance and the oversight of big public contracts which remain major corruption risks.”

Transparency International argues that public sector corruption remains one of the world’s biggest challenges, particularly corruption with political parties, the police and justice systems.

READ MORE: Party financing rules to be overhauled

Critical of freedom of information act
The Danish branch of the organisation, TI-DK, has already criticised the government’s new freedom of information act (offentlighedslov), which limits which governmental documents the public can request.

“If the law is ratified as stands, too much will be left in the dark and it is TI-DK’s fear that our strong integrity system will suffer,” TI-DK wrote in a press release before the law was passed. “Furthermore, the law will weaken the media’s role as the fourth estate and watchdog, which would be a very unfortunate consequence.”

READ MORE: Freedom of information act could damage Denmark's reputation

Corporate money laundering
The organisation recommends more openness and for governments to crack down on money laundering and corruption within corporations.

“It is time to stop those who get away with acts of corruption,” Labelle said. “The legal loopholes and lack of political will in government facilitate both domestic and cross-border corruption, and call for our intensified efforts to combat the impunity of the corrupt.”

TOP STORIES

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “To some extent, Denmark is not fair to internationals.” Nichlas Walsted, 34 years old, is the CEO of Swap Language, a provider of Danish lessons to more than 10,000 internationals. Tens of thousands of people follow him, and he advocates for internationals: “Because no one else does. I can’t think of a single politician or well-known person in Denmark who stands up for them,” he says.

  • Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Almost 30 million passengers travelled to or from Copenhagen Airport in 2024. The profit was 1.4 billion DKK and both figures are expected to grow in 2025. Expansions continue, and investments are being made in continued progress

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs