The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the First Vice-Speaker took part in the conference on the implementation of the State Anti-Corruption Programme
05 April 2023, 12:41
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and the First Vice-Speaker Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the conference “The Way to a Corruption-Free Future: Step-by-Step Guide” dedicated to the presentation of the State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2023-2025.
In his address to the participants, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that the issue of preventing and combating corruption remains relevant even during martial law. According to him, despite the fact that almost all the resources of the state and society are now focused on defending against unprovoked military aggression by russia, Ukraine is making some progress in the fight against corruption.
“In particular, Ukraine’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2022 improved by 1 point, and the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) recently noted Ukraine’s progress in implementing anti-corruption recommendations,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
At the same time, he reminded the audience that the Ukrainian Parliament approved the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021-2025 in June last year, but achieving the goals set out in it is impossible without implementing the State Anti-Corruption Programme, a roadmap for reforms in this area.
“In this regard, we expect that the practical implementation of the measures envisaged in the State Anti-Corruption Programme will make it possible to cleanse the state apparatus of dishonest officials, eradicate corruption schemes in key areas of public policy, and significantly reduce the number of corruption-prone factors in national legislation,” Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
He also emphasised that effective anti-corruption investigations and judicial proceedings are one of the requirements on Ukraine’s path to the European Union.
“I am confident that by consolidating our efforts, we will be able to fulfil this task with flying colours. It’s time to move from discussing our plans and wishes to the actual implementation of anti-corruption measures as soon as possible,” the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called.
“The adoption of the State Anti-Corruption Programme to implement the anti-corruption strategy is a great event. I hope that this document will indeed become a clear guideline that will lead our country to a future without corruption,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
At the same time, he noted that corruption, especially in times of war, can be a crime with grave consequences, which is why the implementation of the State Anti-Corruption Programme is a common cause that will bring the country closer to international and European standards: “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will play its role in this.”
In addition, the First Vice Speaker emphasised that it is necessary to start and continue with the restoration of a full-fledged declaration infrastructure: “To return declarations, taking into account the nuances of martial law regarding the safety of our military and those who perform critical tasks related to protection and defence.”
“There is a lot of new work for all of us. But if we work together, we will succeed,” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.
For reference. The event was organised by the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) and the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI).