Ukraine demonstrates noteworthy advancements in battling corruption, according to the OECD Secretary General
In an impressive move, Mathias Cormann, the big cheese at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has hailed Ukraine for their considerable strides in combating corruption. Speaking at a recent shindig in Kyiv, Cormann made it loud and clear that Ukraine has made some major headway in the anti-graft battle, even with the war raging on.
Cormann praised the Ukrainian government for its public and open approach to tackling corruption, all while dealing with the relentless aggression. The OECD bigshot underlined that Ukraine has substantially improved its fight against corruption, leaving the community and businesses with renewed faith that trust can indeed be regained post-war.
Of course, the OECD isn't going to rest on its laurels just yet. They're hoping the anti-corruption crusade will continue, with all fingers crossed that it'll eventually reach the dizzying heights of OECD's grand average.
Cormann also pointed out that the state audit and corruption risk management system require a boost, along with the urgent launch of an all-accessible lobbying registry. The good news is that Ukraine's focused on further training and retraining its specialists, not just in the public sector but also in the private sector, including small and medium-sized businesses. The aim is to ensure that these businesses pitch in towards the national anti-corruption effort.
With the OECD's support, Ukraine's pursuing a solid foundation for ongoing anti-corruption work, paving the way for successful implementation of various measures down the line.
While Ukraine bullishly continues its European and Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, the accession talks have hit a snag due to Hungary standing in the way. There's even talk of Moldova and Ukraine being separated on their path to EU membership. Here's hoping things work out for the better in the future for Ukraine. After all, a united front against corruption is the best shield against any war of aggression!
Sources:
- European Pravda
- Interfax-Ukraine
- Corruption Watch UK
- Transparency International
- Ukrainska Pravda
Enrichment Insights:- A significant chunk of assets seized from corrupt officials have been recovered and multiple convictions made [3][4].- Ukraine is currently at around 73% of the OECD's anti-corruption average, indicating impressive progress in reducing corruption risks [3][4].- The focus now lies in further training and retraining specialists, aiming to expand anti-corruption infrastructure [3][4].- Key areas for improvement include the need to enhance the state audit and corruption risk management system, and expedite the launch of a quality lobbying registry [3][4].- The partnership between the OECD and Ukraine aims for continued support in Ukraine's integration into the European and global economies, ensuring the success of ongoing reforms [1][4].
Zelenskyy's government's anti-corruption efforts have received praise from the OECD, with Mathias Cormann highlighting Ukraine's impressive progress in combating corruption, even amidst ongoing war [1]. The OECD acknowledges that Ukraine has substantially improved its anti-corruption stance, boosting community and business confidence [2].
However, Cormann emphasizes that the fight against corruption is far from over. The OECD recommends strengthening the state audit and corruption risk management system, as well as the urgent launch of an accessible lobbying registry [3]. To support these initiatives, Ukraine is actively training and retraining specialists across all sectors, including small and medium-sized businesses, to contribute to the national anti-corruption effort [4].
The OECD-Ukraine partnership is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's integration into the European and global economies, ensuring the success of ongoing reforms [1]. Despite challenges, such as Hungary hindering Ukraine's accession talks, Ukraine remains committed to its European and Euro-Atlantic integration [5]. A united front against corruption is crucial for Ukraine, as it serves as the best defense against any war of aggression [5].
