Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Law: Which Family Members Are Banned from Working Together in Government

Restrictions on Family Members Working Together in Government

According to НАЗК: Ukrainian law prohibits close relatives from working together in state bodies and local self-government agencies to prevent conflicts of interest. Under the 'On Prevention of Corruption' law, public officials cannot have close relatives in their direct line of command, nor can they be directly subordinate to a close relative themselves. This legislation is a key part of Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption reforms, which aim to improve governance and align with international standards.

A direct subordinate relationship is defined as a connection between an employee and any supervisor who has the authority to make decisions regarding hiring, firing, applying incentives or disciplinary actions, and giving instructions and oversight. The law introduces these restrictions to ensure transparency and avoid situations that could lead to corruption risks.

Who Is Exempt from the Restrictions

It is important to note that the restrictions do not apply to lay judges or jurors. Furthermore, close relatives who become directly subordinate to one another due to one of them acquiring elected official status are also exempt. Additionally, individuals working in rural settlements-except for those that are district centers-and in mountainous settlements are not subject to these rules.

The law defines the following as close relatives subject to these restrictions:

• husband
• wife
• children
• parents
• stepfather
• stepmother
• stepson
• stepdaughter
• siblings and first cousins
• grandfathers
• grandmothers
• great-grandfathers
• great-grandmothers
• grandchildren
• great-grandchildren
• uncles and aunts
• nephews and nieces
• mother-in-law
• father-in-law
• husband's mother (mother-in-law)
• daughter's husband (son-in-law)
• son's wife (daughter-in-law)
• adoptive parents
• guardians
• wards

These new rules are designed to reduce the potential for conflicts of interest within the public sector, representing a significant step toward increasing transparency and public trust in government institutions. Ensuring clear boundaries in workplace relationships is crucial for fostering accountability and ethical conduct in public service.

The implementation of such restrictions forms part of Ukraine's broader anti-corruption reform agenda, aimed at improving public sector management. These initiatives are vital for strengthening societal trust in state institutions, particularly in a context where corruption remains a pressing concern. Transparency in the relationships between public servants and their relatives is essential for promoting responsibility and ethics in the public sector.