This is certainly the perception in some parts of northern Europe but its not true. Most countries break directives habitually when it suits them. In terms of scale I imagine the poorer countries are the worst offenders but this is more to do with opportunity rather than character.

I can only speak about countries I know well but of all northern and central European countries I have lived in in (France, England and Ireland) the corruption is clear to see, even if it has occasionally been legalised and partly legitimised.

I would imagine the nature and visibility of this changes according to culture but I have never seen a country that was not run for the benefit of a small ruling class. I cannot imagine Germany is different to Greece in this respect.