On 6 March 2025, the EU’s Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine, the EUACI, hosted its partners from the parliament, ministries and agencies, anti-corruption institutions, NGOs and media, local authorities and international friends at its Steering Committee Meeting in Kyiv.
With Russia’s war and the difficult political context as a backdrop, the participants discussed Ukraine’s achievements and challenges in fighting corruption. The meeting was co-chaired by the Danish Ambassador, Ole Egeberg Mikkelsen, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Oleksandr Banchuk, and the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation, Stefan Schleuning.
The participants took stock of the EU accession track in the field of anti-corruption. Ukrainian authorities are drafting a Road Map that will provide important guidance to continue to steer reforms to strengthen the Rule of Law, with a particular focus on anti-corruption measures which will have to be mainstreamed across all chapters of the EU acquis. The EUACI provides substantial assistance to its partner institutions and to the administration in charge of coordinating the accession work led by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna.
The anti-corruption institutions are becoming more effective in fulfilling their mandate and meeting citizens’ expectations. NABU and SAPO investigate and prosecute a growing number of high-level corruption cases, and the High Anti-Corruption Court adjudicated more cases in 2024 than ever before. However, participants to the meeting agreed that those institutions’ capacity should be further developed according to strategic plans with the support of the EUACI. In this regard, the upcoming NABU audit should provide valuable guidance for the future development of this institution. It was also noted that the High Anti-Corruption Court and its appeal chamber urgently need more appropriate premises to accommodate more judges and other staff. It was agreed that the drafting of the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Program for the period 2026-2030, which is being prepared by the NACP, is a priority.
The EUACI shared information about the comprehensive assistance it provides to central and local actors involved in reconstruction. Crucial support is being provided to the Agency of Restoration in order to strengthen its public procurement systems, in particular in the construction sector. Pilot activities are notably implemented in the City of Mykolaiv towards developing best practices of reconstruction. Also, the EUACI supports the establishment of Supervisory Boards at selected municipal enterprises, which is a new development in Ukraine.
At local level, the EUACI works in five Integrity Cities to establish anti-corruption procedures, enhance integrity and promote transparency, with a current focus on improving procurement procedures and financial control and audit. The EUACI is planning to expand this work in the Eastern parts of Ukraine and is currently working to identify a new Integrity City there to partner with.
The participants acknowledged the crucial work of CSOs and the media in preventing and fighting corruption. They shared concern for the difficult budgetary situation that many civil society partners are facing after the suspension of USAID funding. The EUACI reported on the measures taken to enhance the assistance it provides to CSOs within its existing budget.
The EUACI received a request from the Ministry of Education and Science and the School Nutrition Reform Team to support a joint programme aimed at minimizing corruption risks related to the modernization and construction of school canteens. Some encouraging preliminary results have already been achieved.
The partners of the EUACI praised the programme for its sustained collaboration and support, and welcomed its ability to adjust to emerging opportunities or challenges. The EUACI stands out as a key strategic partner to Ukraine.
