The European Commission has approved the Report within the framework of the 2024 Enlargement Package, which contains the European Commission's assessment of the progress made by the candidate and potential candidate countries for EU accession over the past year. In particular - Ukraine.
The report contains a detailed assessment of the progress made by Ukraine on its way to EU membership. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of reforms in such areas as the fight against corruption, the functioning of the judiciary, fundamental rights and freedom of speech, etc.
The European Commission noted that Ukraine has made progress in preventing and combating corruption, in particular, by strengthening the anti-corruption institutional framework, enhancing the independence and institutional capacity of the SAPO, NABU and NAPC, and gaining experience in pre-trial investigation, trial and judgment in grand corruption cases.
Ukraine's progress in introducing the institution of lobbying was also positively assessed. The European Commission emphasized that NACP has achieved good results and demonstrated its independence from political and vested interests.
One of the key recommendations of the European Commission is to ensure the implementation of the measures of the State Anti-Corruption Program for 2023-2025 and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, as well as to develop and timely approve the next anti-corruption strategy and program for its implementation.
Other priority recommendations include:
- Increase the number of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) and administrative staff;
- continue measures to further improve the results of investigations of grand corruption cases, including the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets, focusing on cases against top officials and high-profile cases of systemic corruption in the most important sectors and institutions;
- continue strengthening the NABU's capacity to conduct forensic examinations and independent information gathering;
- immediately complete the implementation and full use of the e-Case system for anti-corruption agencies and the HACC;
- ensure that the HACC has permanent premises.
In addition, the European Commission emphasizes the need to harmonize the regulatory framework for whistleblower protection with the provisions of Directive 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.10.2019.
A number of important recommendations relate to the improvement and development of the field of prosecution for corruption. The European Commission notes that although the NABU and the SAPO have maintained their operational efficiency and remain important institutional pillars of the anti-corruption structure. However, there is still a need to gradually expand the powers of the Head of the SAPO (e.g., to empower him/her to initiate pre-trial investigations and approve investigative actions of the NABU/SAPO in proceedings against MPs independently of the Prosecutor General).
Amendments to the procedural legislation to prevent procedural abuse during the trial of criminal proceedings also remain a priority.
Efforts should also be made to bring Ukrainian legislation closer to the requirements of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and the recommendations of the OECD Council.
The progress assessment shows that Ukraine has managed to maintain the momentum of reforms and continue to move steadily toward European integration. The 2024 Report shows that the European Commission expects Ukraine to abandon the policy approach of “reactive” response to individual challenges. The EU recommendations emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to reforms in various areas, which will ensure sustainable development and systematic approximation of the country to European standards.
NACP will make every effort to apply a systemic and comprehensive approach to fighting corruption and ensuring strategic decision-making, implementation of systemic rather than point and chaotic changes in the field of preventing and fighting corruption.
For more information.
Every year, the European Commission adopts the Enlargement Package. At the heart of this package is the Communication on Enlargement, which analyzes the changes that have taken place over the past year. It examines the progress made by the candidate and potential candidate countries, the challenges they have faced and the reforms that need to be implemented, and sets out proposals for further action.
The package also contains Reports, in which the Commission's units present their detailed annual assessment of the state of reform in each candidate and potential candidate country over the past year. These assessments are accompanied by recommendations and guidance on priority areas for reform.
The report for the 2024 Enlargement Package contains assessments of Ukraine's progress in all negotiated chapters, including Chapter 23, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, which covers the fight against corruption.
