“The fight against corruption is a two-sided story. On the part of the state, we have to propose new rules and examples of behaviour, and on the part of society, we have to get answers to this,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, during the OECD panel discussion “Strengthening Democracy: The Role of Integrity among Elected and Appointed Officials”.
“Ukraine is fighting not only for independence and territory, but also for values. Ukrainians want to live in a better country with a better future. And we understand that this is impossible without a high level of economic and social development,” said the First Vice Speaker.
After the Revolution of Dignity, new, effective and independent anti-corruption bodies emerged in Ukraine
He informed the panelists about the importance of implementing the State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2023-2025 approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the SAP). “Following the Revolution of Dignity, new, effective and independent anti-corruption bodies have emerged in Ukraine: The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the High Anti-Corruption Court,” said the First Vice-Speaker.
Oleksandr Korniienko noted that anti-corruption bodies are working, but it is important to prevent corruption, not just to deal with the consequences of violations: “This is why the State Action Plan was developed, and its implementation can guarantee the destruction of corruption in various sectors at the stage of its embryo. Healthcare, defence, education, land, construction – these and many other areas will be covered by the anti-corruption programme.”
Corruption as a crime with grave consequences, especially in times of war, can be many things
“There can be a lot of corruption as a crime with grave consequences, especially in times of war. That is why the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Action Plan is a tool for overcoming corruption in Ukraine,” said the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, adding that the common task is to bring Ukraine closer to international and European standards, so the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will responsibly fulfil its tasks on this path.
“Communicating with international colleagues, in particular, the Europeans, we talk about the steps already taken and the next ones in the fight against corruption,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, noting that attention to this track has always been there, and in the context of a full-scale invasion, it has become even greater.
Implementation of anti-corruption policy remains a top priority of international politics
In addition, he noted that building good governance and implementing anti-corruption policy remain the main priorities of all international policy – Ukraine continues to move closer to these standards. “Ukraine is confidently moving towards membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),” said Oleksandr Korniienko.
“The fight against corruption is a kind of battlefield on which we will also win,” the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine concluded.
For reference. The First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko is on a working visit to the French Republic on 22-25 May.