Combating corruption is a multifaceted and complicated process requiring cooperation between the state and its citizens. Today, when Ukraine is fighting the aggressor state for its freedom and democracy, this synergy is especially important. There are many ways how citizens may contribute to this fight – oppose corruption by keeping it in check, report corruption misdoings and crimes, and ask for appropriate countermeasures. But everything always starts with a strong mind and determination to build a better future.
In this issue of our newsletter, we will explore Ukrainians` latest perception of corruption and their readiness to oppose corrupt practices. Traditionally, we will talk about the latest news and opportunities for the civil society of Ukraine. Get engaged!
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Today citizens’ participation in anti-corruption efforts cannot be underestimated. At the same time, zero tolerance for corruption is the precondition of concrete engagement. How have Ukrainians changed their attitude toward corruption in 2022? According to our Civic Engagement Poll, the share of those who think that corruption can never be justified rose steeply from 40% in 2021 to 64% in 2022. More Ukrainians report that they are ready to join collective protests against corrupt officials on national and local levels (78% in 2022 vs 40% in 2021; 81% vs 42%, respectively). Readiness to report corruption cases increased to 84% from 44% in September 2021. Check for more details in our weekly chart!
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USAID/ENGAGE and NAPC Urge Students to Adopt Integrity Practices
Quality education is an investment in the future of our state. Therefore, when you enter the university, pass the exams honestly, and if asked for a bribe, be sure to contact the anti-corruption authorities. Create a country where you want to live, love, and work honestly. Learn how to implement integrity practices at study.nazk.gov.ua and follow the #доброчесністьперемагає hashtag on social networks for useful tips offered by a joint USAID/ENGAGE & National Agency for Prevention of Corruption campaign “Integrity Wins.”
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Activists Encourage Virtuous Professionals to Apply for Competition for NABU Head
On November 16, the competitive commission started the reception of documents for the selection of the next Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). Candidates will have three weeks (21 days) after the announcement to collect and send the required documents. Transparency International Ukraine prepared an explainer of the competition`s requirements, conditions, restrictions, and stages. CSO calls on all worthy professionals to apply and expects the selection of a professional, apolitical, and honest leader for the NABU in adequate timeframes.
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Civil Society Activists Advocate for Enhanced Support for Ukraine at Halifax International Security Forum
On November 18-20, the leader of the National Interests Advocacy Network “ANTS” and the executive director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center took part in Halifax International Security Forum in Canada. Activists held meetings with Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense, the defense ministers of Sweden and Canada, representatives of the Congress and Bundestag. The event was focused on the security situation in Ukraine, support for Ukraine`s fight against Russia, and protecting global democracy.
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Center of United Action Analyzes the Bill on the Exemption of Volunteers from Taxation
On November 16, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted bills No.8076 and No.7492, which provide for the exemption from taxation of volunteer aid starting January 1. While the law applies only to those, who are in the Register of Volunteers, the procedure for inclusion in this register will be simplified. Click on the link to read the material by the Center of United Action and learn what the adoption of the law will cha
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Civil Society Organizations Call for a Green Marshall Plan for Ukraine
On November 11, representatives of the United4Ukraine network signed a joint statement that offers an outline for the development of the new Marshal Plan for Ukraine. The key strategic spheres of the Plan encompass emergency aid, recovery and reconstruction of the damaged cities; economic integration and preparations for EU membership; decarbonization of the economy; energy transition and integration into European energy markets; gradual termination of fossil fuel imports to Europe and its replacement with green energy from Ukraine; creation of employment opportunities for both in Ukraine and the EU member states.
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CHESNO Movement Demands to Remove Pro-Russia Politicians from Offices
During the nine months of a full-scale war, the Supreme Court banned 12 pro-Russia parties. However, the representatives of these parties, elected on local and national levels, maintained the powers they had until February 24, 2022. To protect the political system of Ukraine from the influence of pro-Russia propaganda, CHESNO Movement and civil society activists released a statement in which they call for the development of a unified policy regarding deputies from pro-Russia parties in local councils and the Verkhovna Rada.
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Ukrainian Leadership Academy Invites Pro-Active Youth to Join the Intensive for the Recovery of Kherson
“DreamKherson” is an intensive program from the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. For a month, the participants will learn to create inclusive projects, find like-minded people, and will be able to get support for the initiatives in their home city. Young people aged 16-20 from Kherson or Kherson oblast are invited to participate. The application deadline is November 25.
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Black Sea Trust is Launching a Call to Support Civil Society Actors
In response to the security and humanitarian challenges posed by Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (BST) is launching a call for project proposals to further support the response of civil society actors in the wider Black Sea region. This call is part of the Strengthening Regional Links and Transition Sharing in the Wider Black Sea Region action. The action aims to support civil society groups, independent media outlets, and journalists from the wider Black Sea Region countries and the new EU member states. Project proposals must be sent by December 1, 2022.
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European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative Announces Call to Support Civil Society Initiatives
The goal of this call is to support strategic and innovative project initiatives from Ukraine’s civil society, investigative media and business networks. The proposed projects should deliver concrete and measurable results in one or more of the following fields: ensuring a transparent and efficient process of Ukraine’s reconstruction; supporting the further implementation of anti-corruption reforms; monitoring the work on asset recovery, forfeiture and management, etc. The deadline for proposal submission is December 16, 2022.
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What We Read: Exporting Corruption 2022: Assessing Enforcement of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention
Bribery of foreign public officials by multinational companies gives them illicit profits, with huge costs and consequences across the globe. Foreign bribery diverts resources and undermines democracy and the rule of law. The Transparency International Exporting Corruption 2022 report assesses foreign bribery enforcement in 43 of the 44 signatories to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Bribery Convention as well as in China, Hong Kong SAR, India and Singapore. The report also identifies inadequacies in legal frameworks and enforcement systems as well as progress in addressing them.
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