EU Commission Calls for Expanded Asset Declarations, Strengthened NABU, and SBU Reform in Ukraine

EU Commission Proposes Enhancements to Ukraine’s Asset Declaration System

According to 5 канал: The European Commission’s draft report from September 2023 outlines key recommendations to improve Ukraine’s asset declaration framework. It emphasizes broadening the scope of individuals required to declare their assets, including advisers and aides to senior politicians, such as those in the Office of the President, as well as leaders of major state-owned enterprises. The report also highlights ongoing systemic pressure on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), and calls for a thorough reform of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). This report is scheduled for official release on October 28, 2023, as part of the EU Enlargement Package.

Among the report’s main recommendations is expanding the list of persons obligated to submit asset declarations. This expansion targets advisers and assistants to high-ranking officials, particularly within the Presidential Office, along with top managers of state enterprises. In August 2023, the European Solidarity faction advocated for mandatory declarations from all staff and advisers of the Presidential Office, submitting amendments during the draft legislation process aimed at restoring asset declaration requirements.

Ongoing Pressure Undermines Anti-Corruption Institutions

The Commission’s report also documents persistent efforts to undermine the independence and effectiveness of NABU and SAPO. These include criminal investigations against NABU personnel, surveillance activities, and media campaigns designed to discredit their leadership. To address these challenges, the report recommends expanding NABU’s jurisdiction to cover all positions with a high risk of corruption, notably including leaders within the Presidential Office and regional governors. It further suggests granting NABU autonomous authority to conduct wiretapping and access expert analyses, while empowering the head of SAPO to independently initiate proceedings and approve investigative actions involving members of parliament without requiring consent from the Prosecutor General.

Regarding the SBU, the draft report notes a lack of significant progress in reform efforts. The European Commission urges the removal of SBU’s monopoly on wiretapping, divestment of its unrelated pre-trial investigation powers, and refocusing its role strictly on national security matters. Concerns are also raised about impartiality issues within the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) in certain areas of its work.

"All members of the Presidential Office, both permanent and external staff, must be required to declare their assets. The Presidential Office effectively governs the country today. Individuals directly influencing state decision-making must be held to the same declaration standards as leaders and representatives of state enterprises."

Irina Herashchenko

Overall, the draft report presents significant proposals that could substantially strengthen Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts and reform key governmental bodies responsible for transparency and accountability.

The European Commission’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for reforms in Ukraine’s asset declaration system and anti-corruption institutions. In the face of mounting challenges and a growing demand for public trust in state institutions, these measures represent a critical step toward improving the country’s fight against corruption. The report’s official publication on October 28 may prompt Ukrainian authorities to take decisive action on the proposed reforms.

As the EU emphasizes the need for enhanced asset declarations in Ukraine, it is crucial to consider the recent announcements from President Zelensky regarding the reinstatement of asset declaration requirements for law enforcement officials. This move aims to bolster transparency and accountability within the government. For more insights on these developments, read about the return of asset declarations for law enforcement and the vetting processes being implemented in the leadership.