Corruption in Bulgaria has fallen, according to a survey conducted by the World Bank (WB) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries.

The results from the study, a joint work of The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the WB, show that firms in transition countries reported a smaller incident of corruption in 2005 that they had three years ago.

Corruption has become a major concern of citizens, businessmen, politicians, and international organizations, in the last few years, especially in countries that view approaching EU accession -" as Bulgaria and Romania, the report says.

Among countries showing progress are Georgia and the Slovak Republic. Bulgaria and Romania are also seen to successfully fight corruption, as this is an important issue concerning the EU enlargement.

Corruption has become a measure of success in countries from the region as Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Latvia, meanwhile an increase in the frequency of bribery is seen in Albania, Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia and Montenegro.

The survey was also conducted in EU members- Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Germany and Spain. The results confirm the widespread assumption that corruption rates tend to be higher in Eastern Europe countries in transition.

Policies and institutions are weak in these countries, while richer countries have better working institutions and lower level of corruption, the report says.

More than 20,000 firms were interviewed during the three-stage survey (1999, 20002 and 2005). Corruption does not affect all firms equally, new, private, domestically owned ones are likely to pay the most in bribes.

Greater attention should be paid to the judicial and procurement reforms, the report says, while corruption related to taxes, customs, and business licensing tend to decrease.