Serhii Hupiak, Deputy Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), presented Ukraine's experience in identifying corruption risks in public procurement and reconstruction at the 24th annual professional conference and General Assembly of EPAC/EACN, held in The Hague (Netherlands) on 24–25 November 2025.
He outlined three key challenges for Ukraine: the processes of European integration, the adoption of a new State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2026–2030, and the spread of the russian narrative about Ukraine's total corruption, which is used to discredit the state.
«The russian federation's invasion continues to cause serious losses for Ukraine, particularly socio-economic and environmental losses. Direct losses have already reached more than $176 billion, and the total reconstruction needs amount to $524 billion. These figures are as of the end of last year, and they continue to grow. The most affected sectors include housing, transport, energy, industry, and the environment,» said Serhii Hupiak, Deputy Head of the NACP.
According to him, the issue of reconstruction during the war and in the post-war period is a priority. Citizens expect clear and transparent rules that will ensure high-quality restoration of the state, investment, and the creation of new jobs. The NACP has introduced a sectoral approach to preventing corruption, one of the important areas being the implementation of a tool for identifying corruption risks, particularly in the field of reconstruction and restoration.
The agency identifies and describes corruption risks in priority areas of activity of state authorities, local self-government bodies, and enterprises, determines the sources of corruption risks, and provides recommendations for their elimination.
Among the important materials of the NACP are a study on corruption risks in the field of construction, reconstruction, and major repairs of civil objects for the restoration of Ukraine (2025), the top 10 corruption risks during the implementation of a pilot project for the restoration of settlements affected by the armed aggression of the russian federation (2024), corruption risks during public procurement under martial law (2023), corruption risks in the reconstruction of real estate damaged/destroyed as a result of armed aggression by the russian federation: modelling and proposals for their minimisation/elimination (2023).
In addition, the use of digital tools, such as Prozorro and Dream, helps to minimise risks.
The conference brought together more than 150 anti-corruption experts, prosecutors and law enforcement officials from 30 countries and 80 institutions. Eurojust co-organised the event.
The conference served as a platform for the exchange of professional experience, strategic dialogue, and networking between anti-corruption agencies, representatives of EU institutions, and international organisations.
Participants discussed issues of strategic support in the fight against corruption and integrity, and the development of international cooperation. During parallel sessions, the topics for discussion were: current challenges for integrity and the rule of law, new approaches to cross-border cooperation, the fight against corruption in public procurement and infrastructure projects, the use of innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies; raising awareness of anti-corruption reforms in post-conflict and unstable states, etc.
Traditionally, the EPAC/ECAN award for the best initiative and most innovative idea promoting transparency was presented during the annual professional conference.
Serhii Hupiak presented Ukraine's experience in implementing a nationwide anti-corruption communications strategy (2023–2025) and fostering integrity in children through innovative educational materials.
«The National Anti-Corruption Communications Strategy is the first systematic and comprehensive document in the field of communications in Ukraine, developed by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). It is a unique project that brings together government agencies, state-owned enterprises, local authorities, journalists, and civil society organisations. It is based on three pillars: measurable data, communication infrastructure – a single platform that brings together more than 100 state bodies; nationwide information campaigns focused on fostering integrity, promoting digital alternatives, and protecting whistleblowers, etc.,» said the Deputy Head of the NACP.
He also noted the importance of educational materials for educators and presented the PROdobrochesnist (PROintegrity) manual. This is an innovative educational resource that helps teachers integrate topics of integrity, civic responsibility, and anti-corruption behaviour into regular school subjects. According to the results of an online vote, the NACP project took second place and received positive feedback from colleagues from other agencies.
EPAC/EACN President and Director of the Lithuanian Special Investigation Service Linas Pernavas noted that the fight against corruption, as well as the promotion of prevention and integrity, is not only a national priority but also a truly European mission, and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between states.
Seven new agencies joined the European Partnership Against Corruption Network (EPAC/EACN), including the Office of the Prosecutor General.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Hague Declaration, which reaffirmed the network's shared commitment to independence, transparency, and strengthening international cooperation. The document condemns the russian federation's ongoing acts of aggression against the territorial integrity and rule of law in Ukraine and expresses support for Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies for their ongoing efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability. In addition, it emphasises the importance of continuing reforms in line with international standards.
It should be noted that the NACP became a member of the European Partners Against Corruption Network (EPAC/EACN) in 2024. The decision to include the NACP was adopted during the 23rd annual professional conference and General Assembly of EPAC/EACN, held in Bucharest.
EPAC/EACN (The European Partners against Corruption and European contact-point network against corruption) is a network of European anti-corruption organisations.
Presentation on the Anti-Corruption Communications Strategy: https://cutt.ly/UtyrtDir
Photo: EPAC/EACN
