On December 10-13, 2024, the Ukrainian delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice Olga Stefanishyna, and with the representation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine headed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, visited the French Republic (Paris), where it took part in the regular Plenary Meeting of the Working Group of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter referred to as the OECD) on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions.
The OECD Working Group is a conference of 46 member countries of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (OECD Anti-Bribery Convention).
During the visit to Paris, Ukraine presented a final oral report, particularly on adapting national legislation to the requirements of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.
The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation also held bilateral meetings with delegations of OECD member countries and other partners and stakeholders.
Participation in the meeting of the OECP Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions
The Ukrainian delegation took part in the meeting of the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions.
The goal for Ukraine was to inform partners about the steps taken in the fight against corruption.
Despite all the challenges of a full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to be committed to systemic transformations. Thus, the anti-corruption infrastructure is successfully functioning, laws are being adopted that allow the implementation of the OECD recommendations for joining the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, and active cooperation with the Organization is taking place.
"We are ready to continue working to become members of the Working Group and the OECD. Ukraine is a reliable partner that is 100% ready to cooperate for the development, strengthening, and protection of democratic values," First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized.
Meeting with the Chair of the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions
The Ukrainian delegation met with Caitlin Russel, the Chair of the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions.
Our state has demonstrated its determination to combat corruption and further progress to the international community.
According to the reports, it is meaningful to understand the next steps in joining both the Working Group and the Organization for Ukraine.
"Ukraine is working at all levels to get closer to the status of full members. In particular, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine continues the path of legislative changes to adopt the necessary decisions to comply with the OECD criteria," highlighted First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko.
Meeting with the Secretary-General of the OECD
The Ukrainian delegation met with the OECD Secretary-General, Matthias Kormann.
Ukraine must strengthen and deepen cooperation with the OECD to transform the economy and promote deep integration into international markets, as one of its main priorities.
The Verkhovna Rada is working hard to adopt legislation that meets OECD recommendations, in particular in the area of combating corruption.
"The Organization's experience and recommendations are important as we continue our reform agenda. Combating corruption remains a priority for Ukraine. We are grateful to the OECD for its continued support and partnership. We remain committed to implementing the reforms necessary to ensure Ukraine's successful integration into the OECD and the global economy. Together, we will achieve our common goals for the sake of the future," said Oleksandr Kornienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Meeting with the OECD Deputy Director for Finance and Enterprise Affairs
The Ukrainian delegation met with Nicolas Pinault, the OECD Deputy Director for Finance and Enterprise. The parties discussed Ukraine's steps towards joining the Working Group. It will be a prerequisite for joining the OECD itself.
"After all, strengthening cooperation with the OECD is one of the key priorities for our country on the path of economic transformation and deepening its integration into international markets," noted First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko.
He assured that Ukraine strives to meet the necessary standards and fulfill the requirements for OECD membership. The fight against corruption remains Ukraine's priority, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is actively working on adopting laws that strengthen anti-corruption institutions. Close cooperation is being maintained with the OECD to ensure that Ukrainian reforms comply with best international practices.
Meeting of the First Vice-Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament with the Head of the SIGMA Program
Oleksandr Korniyenko discussed the state of public administration reform in Ukraine with Mr. Gregory Viran in detail.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine continues to work on fair remuneration of civil servants based on job classification.
"We raised issues that are also contained in the recommendations of the EU Enlargement Report, in particular, achieving progress in the implementation and use of a single information system for human resources management across the country," said First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko, adding that SIGMA reports are becoming the basis for shaping the agenda of the Ukrainian Parliament.
It is worth noting that the SIGMA program is a joint program of the OECD and the European Union. The program's activities aim to improve public administration and support socio-economic development. It is made possible by increasing the potential of the public sector, strengthening horizontal management, and improving approaches to the development and implementation of public administration reforms.
Meeting of the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation with the US delegation
Within the framework of the plenary session of the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions, the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation discussed several issues with the US delegation, particularly anti-corruption steps taken by states.
"The experience of other countries that can share it is important for us so that Ukraine can use best practices for the most effective fight in this area," noted Oleksandr Korniyenko.
The Ukrainian delegation informed the participants of the Working Group in detail about the actions that have already been taken in Ukraine to get rid of corruption.
Meeting with representatives of the French delegation, as well as with the French Ambassador to the OECD
The Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of the French delegation and Amélie de Montchalin, the French Ambassador to the OECD.
"First, I thanked the French side for all the support, both on our path to the OECD and in the context of financial and military assistance to Ukraine over the past three years. I provided detailed information about the activities of the anti-corruption infrastructure in our country," said Oleksandr Kornienko.
Ukraine highly appreciates France's support for Ukrainian decentralization and public governance reforms.
Ukraine's goal is to be a member of the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions, which it is actively working on. Membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is equally important.
Meeting with representatives of the UK delegation
Representatives of the Ukrainian parliamentary and the UK delegations discussed Ukraine's path to membership in the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions.
Oleksandr Korniyenko stressed the significance of adapting Ukrainian legislation to the most advanced international standards in fighting corruption.
"Recently, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted key draft laws that confirm our desire to meet the Working Group's criteria and implement best practices," said the First Vice-Speaker.
According to him, Ukraine will become a worthy participant in the Working Group. The state is ready to share an experience of building anti-corruption mechanisms that have been implemented since 2014.
Meeting with the Directorate of Global Relations and Cooperation
The Ukrainian delegation met with the Directorate of Global Relations and Cooperation on the sidelines of the OECD Working Group on Combating Bribery in International Business Transactions meeting.
The Directorate's work focuses on assistance in coordinating the OECD's relations with partner countries, regions, international organizations, and global forums to ensure the global impact of the Organization's standards and best practices.
Ukraine has again demonstrated its desire to implement OECD practices, follow the strategy to combat corruption, and develop the economic sector.
Active work is underway at all levels to achieve the set goal, such as joining the Working Group and membership in the Organization. Ukraine's path and progress were presented in this matter.
Meeting with representatives of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network
The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation discussed Ukraine's work plans to join the Organization with the OECD Global Parliamentary Network representatives.
The Global Parliamentary Network aims to support multi-level cooperation and dialogue. During the meeting, there was significant coordination regarding the Ukrainian Parliament's role in acquiring membership in the OECD.
Friends of the OECD in Ukraine Meeting
As part of the Friends of the OECD in Ukraine meeting, the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation presented the results of a study on assessing the quality of state strategies regarding integrity, the fight against corruption in Ukraine, accountability in policy formation, and the effectiveness of internal control.
The meeting participants discussed how Ukraine is implementing OECD and EU standards. The legislative efforts of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, particularly regarding the issue of anti-corruption reforms, were considered.
According to Oleksandr Korniyenko, much has been done in Ukraine for the function of the anti-corruption system. The state seeks to ensure that the relevant system works effectively not at individual levels but at absolutely all levels.
During a whole working visit to France, the Ukrainian delegation heard a lot of practical feedback from representatives of other countries.
"It is essential for us because, relying on our colleagues' experience and best practices, we will shape our next steps," emphasized the First Vice-Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament.