The Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law on the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2020-2024 in first reading

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopteda draft law 4135 “On the Principles of State Anti-Corruption Policy for 2020–2024 (Anti-Corruption Strategy)”, developed by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). 320 Members of Parliament voted for this decision. The MPs also supported the finalization of the draft law within just one week. "Adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy in today's conditions is a logical and necessary step, as this document gives a chance to not just to restore the anti-corruption system, but to ensure its further development," said Head of NACP Oleksandr Novikov. "We are grateful to the President, the National Council for Anti-Corruption Policy, the Government and MPs for the quality work on the draft law and successful cooperation." According to Olexandr Novikov, there are at least three arguments for the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy:

• healthy state budget: the implementation of the strategy will save up to UAH 200 billion annually;
• it takes into account the interests of all stakeholders who are involved in anti-corruption: NACP held numerous consultations with citizens and agreed on the project with 37 authorities.
• the areas in which the Strategy focuses on combating corruption are identified through a survey of citizens and businesses: in total, these are 8 key areas, including health care, the defense sector, the fight against illegal construction, etc.

The next stage after the adoption of the bill in the second reading is the development of a detailed state program for the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy by the NACP. This program should be approved by the decision of the Government. It will be implemented by state bodies at both - central and local levels. This will ensure teamwork of all authorities on preventing and combating corruption in Ukraine.