In recent years, Ukraine’s efforts to combat corruption have been instrumental not only in improving governance but also in aligning with its aspirations for EU membership. Anti-corruption measures are among the EU’s key recommendations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. This week’s newsletter focuses on critical issues of corruption, transparency, and accountability. We explore insights from the latest Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International, highlighting Ukraine’s progress in the fight against corruption. Our National Corruption Perceptions and Experience Poll also indicates positive trends, with a decrease in corruption perception and participation in corrupt activities. Furthermore, we highlight updates and events from our civil society partners aimed at fostering transparency and encouraging citizen engagement in democratic governance processes. Join us as we delve into these significant developments shaping Ukraine’s path toward greater transparency and accountability.
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The latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International highlights Ukraine’s progress, with a score of 36 out of 100 in 2023, placing the country 104th out of 180 nations. This 3-point growth marks one of the best results globally. Moreover, Ukraine is among the 17 countries that have achieved their best-ever performance in this year’s CPI. According to these indicators, Ukraine has already caught up with the EU candidate countries. However, the country is still far from the EU member countries. Our National Corruption Perceptions and Experience Poll underscores this positive trend, with 89% of respondents recognizing corruption as a serious issue, down from 94% in 2021. Additionally, there’s a decline in the percentage of Ukrainians involved in corruption, with only 14% in 2023 compared to 16% in 2021.
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Civil Society News
CHESNO Movement Evaluates Impact of Petitions Submitted to the President
On January 23, the CHESNO Movement published an analytical report titled “Not Everyone is Heard. Why Doesn’t President Zelenskyi React to the Petition Tool?” The report underscores the significance of electronic petitions as a primary means of citizens’ influence during the full-scale war and delves into how the President responds to these petitions. While only 19 petitions were responded to in 2021, 2022 witnessed 105, and 2023 peaked with 1,196 petitions backed by citizens. The CSO emphasizes that citizens’ appeals on the president’s website remain a primary means for their engagement in the state’s affairs during wartime.
Our Civic Engagement Poll also testifies to the increased awareness and participation of Ukrainians in this civic activity with 66% of Ukrainians aware of initiatives or signings of electronic petitions to the city mayor, district, regional council, the President and other entities. Additionally, the CEP highlights a significant increase in petition signing in 2023, with 28% of respondents participating compared to only 5% in 2021.
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Kharkiv Anticorruption Center Launches New Collaboration with the Clarity Project Open Data Analytical Platform
Kharkiv Anticorruption Center (KhAC) announced its collaboration with the Clarity Project open data analytical platform to enhance its public procurement analysis. This collaboration provides KhAC with free access to essential data and analytics, empowering the CSO to generate insightful materials, monitor funds for the Kharkiv region’s reconstruction, and gain a comprehensive understanding of procurement statistics and relationships with contractors in the region.
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Institute of Analytics and Advocacy Addresses Trends and Challenges of Reconstruction in Ukraine
On January 25, the Institute of Analytics and Advocacy hosted an online public discussion on the main trends, events, and challenges of reconstruction in 2023 and 2024. During the event, the CSO presented the analytical overview “Reconstruction in Ukraine 2023-2024: Conclusions and Challenges.” Valeriia Ovcharova, Program Officer on Recovery and Reconstruction at USAID/ENGAGE, highlighted key challenges, including insufficient regulation of civil society’s role in local and regional planning, limited capacity of local CSOs and government, and low citizen awareness of engagement tools.
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Plato Addresses Citizens’ Participation in Green Reconstruction
On January 26, NGO “Plato” held an online public discussion titled “Green Participation in Lviv. (Re)loading.” The organization showcased the potential of green spaces for activating public engagement, using the case study of the urban gardening space “Rozsadnyk,” previously shortlisted among the top 10 finalists for the Responsibility Award 2023 by the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation. The discussion delved into the potential replication of this experience in Lviv and other communities, addressing both opportunities and challenges while exploring the support needed for green dialogue in the context of Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.
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National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) to Host Forum on Democratic Resilience of Ukrainian Civil Society Amidst the War
On February 9, the National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) will host the Forum “FORGING VICTORY: From Citizen Resilience to the State of Gratitude.” The Forum aims at consolidating national, regional, and local partners to develop effective proposals for the democratic resilience of the civil society of Ukraine amidst war conditions and martial law. The forum will cover topics such as international support, human capital development, social issues, adapting businesses to new realities, and networking to find new partners.
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Opportunities
Check Our Request for Applications for CSOs
We are pleased to introduce our updated and enhanced Request for Applications for civil society initiatives. It provides expanded institutional and project support, contributing to increased citizen participation in democratic processes, strengthening confidence in civil society, and advancing Ukraine’s drive toward victory. We encourage you to review its terms and conditions, submit your applications, and join us in empowering civil society in Ukraine!
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Join Us! Discover More Opportunities and Job Vacancies on Our Website
We invite qualified vendors to visit our website’s procurement section to access the latest consultant requests for USAID/ENGAGE – https://bit.ly/3u391QK
Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
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What We Read
Road with a Clear Goal: What Is Behind the Results of the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index
According to last year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Ukraine scored 3 additional points, reaching 36 out of 100 points. According to these indicators, Ukraine has already caught up with the EU candidate countries, although it still lags behind EU member countries. This result may inspire many, offend some, and provoke outrage among others. However, the CPI provides a comprehensive assessment of changes and the stability of these processes. However, the trend we see is encouraging. Read the column by Andriy Borovyk, Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine, to understand what this result means for Ukraine and why it is important for the country’s European integration.
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