The whistleblowing institute in Ukraine is strengthening as an effective mechanism for combating corruption and building public trust in the state. This was emphasized by the Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), Viktor Pavlushchyk, while opening the fifth annual conference “Whistleblowers of corruption in Ukraine: success and challenges.” The recording of the event is available at the link.
According to him, the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal has become an important tool for interaction between the state and citizens over its two years of operation. Currently, more than 11,000 organizations are connected to it, over 7,500 reports have been submitted, and 157 individuals have officially received whistleblower status.
“As part of a survey conducted by the NACP, the Whistleblower Portal received a rating of 8.1 out of 10 from authorized users. This is compelling evidence that digital services can foster a culture of integrity,” noted Viktor Pavlushchyk.
The Head of the NACP stated that further priorities in the development of the whistleblowing institute include regulating the procedure for reward payments, strengthening the protection of whistleblowers in the defense sector, and expanding reporting channels, particularly for military personnel.
The Deputy Head of the NACP, Serhii Hupiak, elaborated on the strategic steps for 2026, noting that a detailed plan for the development of the whistleblowing institute will be included in the State Anti-Corruption Program for 2026–2030.
He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms, as Ukraine’s EU candidate status obliges the country to align its legislation with EU Directive 2019/1937. It is also necessary to expand the definition of the term “whistleblower” and strengthen their protection.
The 2026 Roadmap focuses on strategic outcomes that integrate the best practices of the European Union and NATO. It provides for, in particular:
- analysis of international legislation with the participation of the European and Venice Commissions;
- development of a draft law to expand the definition of a whistleblower and improve the reward mechanism;
- modernization of the Whistleblower Portal;
- educational programs and information campaigns.
A separate focus will be placed on reforming the reward system. The NACP has already prepared the relevant draft law and, in 2026, plans to adapt international approaches to create a transparent and proportionate payment system. This work will include recommendations on the authority or individuals responsible for paying whistleblower rewards.
“We strive to create a system in which whistleblowers feel protected and society is motivated to act. This is a sign of the maturity of our state,” summarized Serhii Hupiak.
Regarding the need for a comprehensive draft law that would extend the definition of a whistleblower beyond corruption-related reports, the Head of the NACP Whistleblowing Development Department, Anastasiia Renkas, noted: “Developing such a draft law requires a conceptual approach and broad discussion involving many institutions. This task cannot be accomplished by a single agency. At the same time, the NACP can serve as the coordinator of this process, as it has the necessary experience and established mechanisms for interacting with whistleblowers.”
The conference participants also discussed the protection of whistleblowers who are military personnel, the regulation of reports containing restricted information, and the effectiveness of institutions in protecting whistleblowers. Current challenges in this area were illustrated with real-life examples presented by whistleblowers, lawyers, and specialists in free legal aid.
The event was organized in cooperation between the NACP, ACREC, and the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy,” with the support of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation.
Speakers at the conference included representatives of state authorities, members of parliament, international and national experts, anti-corruption officers, lawyers, and whistleblowers themselves.
