The President of Ukraine has submitted a new bill concerning the functioning of anti-corruption bodies. The proposal has been deemed acceptable by key organizations such as NABU and SAP, though certain reservations remain regarding the autonomy of these institutions. The bill ensures institutional independence and introduces regular polygraph tests for employees to prevent possible infiltration by foreign actors.
Ongoing debates focus on the risk that new procedures may be leveraged to pressure staff, and on the provision allowing appointments in the Prosecutor General’s Office without open competition. Another area under discussion is the procedure for conducting searches, with further amendments expected during parliamentary debate.
Ukrainian society has demonstrated its capacity to reach consensus with the government, even during wartime. Public activism did not undermine the government's legitimacy; instead, it highlighted the maturity of Ukrainian democracy and reassured international partners that Ukraine maintains an active civil society and open debate.
Preserving the independence and legitimacy of anti-corruption agencies is especially critical given Ukraine’s current reliance on international financial support. Experts warn that attempts to change the system during a full-scale war could send the wrong signal to Western allies about Ukraine’s commitment to reforms and European integration.
This compromise strengthens trust in government and safeguards Ukraine’s prospects for further external financing and support for ongoing reforms, which are vital during a period of large-scale conflict.
