Over the past six months, we have witnessed numerous corruption scandals. They concerned both bribes to high-ranking officials and procurement, including in the defense sector. All these stories caused certain apprehension regarding future reconstruction.
All this happened against the backdrop of russia’s aggression. As of April 2023, the documented direct damages inflicted upon Ukraine’s infrastructure by russia’s illegal full-scale invasion amount to EUR 134.6 billion (at replacement cost). The destruction of residential buildings, enterprises, educational institutions and agro-sector infrastructure is ongoing. In particular, this material losses mentioned do not indicate the losses from the catastrophe at the Kakhovka HPP and all the destruction over the past two months.
Nowadays, Ukraine faces a significant undertaking: rebuilding the country according to the “build back better” principle, with the aim of surpassing its previous state. Such is a demand, in particular, of citizens within the country. At the same time, Ukraine’s need for military support remains crucial in its fight against russian aggression, to protect its people and restore territorial integrity.
Undoubtedly, the success of the recovery effort hinges upon the government’s complete commitment to the reconstruction’s integrity. According to a recent sociological survey commissioned by Transparency International Ukraine, 73% of Ukrainians and 80% of business representatives are most concerned about the resumption of corruption schemes in the country’s recovery processes.
Therefore, to ensure transparent and effective reconstruction, it is necessary to introduce reforms in our country and enhance the anti-corruption ecosystem.
Since the presentation of our last analytical document for the International Anti-Corruption Conference in December 2022, the anti-corruption progress of Ukraine has changed significantly — some issues have been resolved during this time, while other challenges have arisen; their overcoming requires significant efforts of the state and civil society. Therefore, on the occasion of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, Transparency International Ukraine and the Basel Institute on Governance prepared their comments and recommendations on enhancing anti-corruption measures to safeguard transparent reconstruction.
Therefore, to ensure transparent and effective reconstruction, it is necessary to introduce reforms in our country and enhance the anti-corruption ecosystem.
