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Corruption is always measured by perceptions. There are many reasons for this but when it comes to high level corruption it's especially clear - high level corruption, in most countries, is rarely pursued, let alone prosecuted. And efforts to do such may themselves be driven by corruption. And people's actions, as on all things, will be guided by their perceptions. And so things like corruption's influence on things like starting a business will be driven largely by perceptions.

Public perception do not reflect actual corruption, but it affects how likely people try to start a new business.

IMO, this is more important.

I'd say US corruption is now more transparent than EU corruption :D

That was once different, with Berlusconi at the helm in Italy while owning the major TV outlets.