Ukraine needs to adopt an anti-corruption strategy, address the head of the CAP and complete judicial reform
The Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas emphasizes the need to create a Ukrainian “road map” of the real fight against corruption, complete judicial reform and ensure maximum transparency in the selection of new heads of anti-corruption bodies.
On Thursday in Kyiv during the conference “Seven Years of Anti-Corruption”, dedicated to the International Anti-Corruption Reform, he noted that Ukraine has made significant progress in building anti-corruption infrastructure.
“In the context of reform, there is something, so to speak, to deny it, but the results are already tangible … It is very important to maintain and achieve sustainable results. And you can be sure that the European Union is with you and continues to provide full political and technical support “, – certain Massikas.
“Today I am speaking here, and at the moment Russia is increasing its military presence near Ukraine’s borders. I want to reiterate that we certainly support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Despite these challenges, we see Ukraine as an important partner on the world stage. “, – said the ambassador.
In this context, he noted that Ukraine should “develop an anti-corruption agenda.” “We need to strengthen work with civil society, begin to develop a narrative of zero tolerance for corruption… This is necessary to improve the investment climate, and we support Ukraine on this path,” said Maasikas.
According to him, in particular, it is very important to focus on sectoral reforms to reduce corruption in the energy and defense sectors.
“Unfortunately, Ukraine has not yet developed a strategic plan to implement anti-corruption reforms, it depends on the Verkhovna Rada and this document has not been studied for too long,” the ambassador said.
He decided that anti-corruption activities would not only offer an analysis of the fight against corruption, but also a “realistic roadmap for strategic problems.”
“Regarding the judiciary, we see that very important steps have been taken this year. The Ethics Council of the High Council of Judges has been established. The High Qualifications Commission of Judges has also been established. such a reform was implemented very quickly, “Massicas said.
According to him, “the reform of the Constitutional Court should not be delayed either.”
In addition, the Ambassador stressed the importance of a transparent, politically distant process of electing the heads of anti-corruption bodies and completing the competition for the position of the head of the SAP as soon as possible.
“It is necessary to support this efficiency and independence of NABU, SAP, WACS, NAPC… Guarantees of depoliticized process of selection of heads of anti-corruption bodies. It is very important that the process of selection of new head of SAP was carried out without any delays. And this experience should be taken into account when the process of selecting a new NABU director is underway, “Massikas said.