TI Ukraine expects the Verkhovna Rada to consider the initiatives concerning canceling obligatory electronic declaration for members of anti-corruption CSOs as soon as possible. As for extended reporting of CSOs, we believe it to be most appropriate to wait for the opinion of the Venice Commission, which is expected in March of 2018.
Taking that into account, the Ukrainian chapter of Transparency International calls on the authorities to support draft law #6674 “On Introduction of Changes to Certain Legislative Acts Concerning Provision of Openness of Information on Financing of Civil Society Organizations and Use of International Technical Aid to the Public,” however, to exclude clause 2.2 on reporting of the organizations. As for draft law 6675 “On Introduction of Changes to the Tax Code of Ukraine to Ensure Openness of Information on Financing of Civil Society Organizations and Use of International Technical Aid to the Public,” we believe that, taking into account it is about to be analyzed by our European partners, it is best to postpone consideration of this initiative. Thus, it will be possible to resolve the problem and to wait with the reporting part until the Venice Commission issues an opinion.
Taking into account the statements of the chief of state and representatives of the parliamentary coalition, namely leader of Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction Artur Herasymov at the Conciliatory Panel of the parliament this plenary week, we expect them to comply with the publicly undertaken obligations to the society and international partners.
Transparency International Ukraine supports transparency in the activity of civil society organizations. All information on the international aid received by the organization and its expenses has to be public. However, we believe that introduction of obligatory personal electronic declaration for members of anti-corruption movement would be a groundless emotional move, revenge on the civil society for its sucesses in disclosure of bribery and development of the country’s anti-corruption infrastructure. We have faith that MPs will find it in themselves to fix this mistake before the year is over.
