The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), together with the Scientific Center for the Issues of Integrity Education and Corruption Prevention in the Security and Defense Sector (BITEC) of the National Defence University of Ukraine (NDUU), is joining efforts to effectively implement NATO’s best standards in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This was stated by NACP Head Viktor Pavlushchyk during the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the NACP and the NDUU. The signatories of the document were NACP Head Viktor Pavlushchyk and NDUU Commandant Colonel General Mykhailo Koval.
The Memorandum provides for the exchange of information and the development of effective tools for preventing corruption, building integrity in the security and defense sector, taking into account the best national and international practices, conducting joint events, and preparing proposals to improve the relevant legislation.
Among the key areas of cooperation are: organizing information and analytical work on building integrity in the security and defense sector, promoting its development in cooperation with international partners, participating in and supporting research, conducting awareness-raising activities, implementing educational programs for military personnel and defense sector employees, as well as preparing proposals for improving anti-corruption legislation in the security and defense sector.
“We understand that preventing corruption begins with the high moral principles of each person serving in the Ukrainian army. This applies both to those who wear uniforms and to civilian personnel. The signing of this Memorandum will help to systematically implement integrity principles in this field,” emphasized Viktor Pavlushchyk.
Background
NACP was designated as the National Coordinator for Ukraine’s Cooperation with NATO in the Field of Integrity Building by Presidential Decree No. 344/2023. In July 2023, the National Agency established the Department for Integrity Policy Development in the Security and Defense Sector.
As part of joint work with the NDUU in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration, NACP coordinates the implementation of Interoperability Objective 0204 “Integrity Development” from NATO’s Initial Partnership Goals for Ukraine - one of NATO’s projects under the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine.
For the effective implementation of NATO requirements, the National Agency, together with security and defense sector bodies, has developed a unified action plan for fulfilling the tasks defined under Objective 0204. This plan includes, in particular, the introduction of training courses and educational programs on integrity building for civilian and military personnel in the security and defense sector.
BITEC of the NDUU was involved in drafting this plan. This cooperation will continue at the stage of practical implementation of NATO requirements. Objective 0204 also provides for the development of a culture of integrity, in particular by incorporating NATO’s Integrity Education Discipline into the curricula of academic institutions in the security and defense sector, based on a nationally synchronized approach.