PRESS RELEASE : In order to build a successful Ukraine, it is necessary to continue to resolutely and systematically eradicate corruption – Andriy Yermak [December 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 December 2022.

Open and transparent reconstruction processes, equal and comfortable rules for investors are the basic conditions for the success of Ukraine and its accelerated economic growth. That is why our state seeks to become a member of the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions. This was stated by Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak at the event “Cooperation with the OECD and new horizons for the Ukrainian anti-corruption agenda: the responsibility of legal entities”.

“Ahead is an extremely difficult struggle. But we will certainly expel the occupier’s troops from our land. After that, we will have to restore what was destroyed. In order to build a successful Ukraine, it is necessary to continue to resolutely and systematically eradicate corruption. Open and transparent reconstruction processes, equal, fair and comfortable rules for investors are the basic conditions for success,” he said during his speech.

The Head of the Office of the President called the large-scale inflow of investments in Ukraine for accelerated economic growth a success in this context. He believes that our country’s membership in the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions will contribute to this process.

Today, Andriy Yermak thanked Chair of the OECD Working Group Drago Kos and all its members for the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a participant.

“This vote was historic and showed us and the world that we are moving in the right direction in this area. I emphasize: this decision is not a gift to Ukraine. This is the result of our hard work on the way to the highest anti-corruption standards,” said the Head of the President’s Office and assured that every member of the Working Group realizes that after this decision we need to work even harder, because membership in the OECD Working Group is Ukraine’s ultimate goal.

He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Ukraine Christopher Smith.

“Thanks to the support of the American Embassy, we have expert power. Therefore, our movement towards the goal is much faster,” stated the Head of the Office of the President.

Regarding the topic of the event “Cooperation with the OECD and new horizons for the Ukrainian anti-corruption agenda: the responsibility of legal entities”, Andriy Yermak noted that the responsibility of legal entities is a difficult topic for discussion among academics and practicing lawyers. However, in his opinion, it is only through cooperation that it is possible to develop the best option for the implementation of this norm in Ukrainian legislation.

“The rules on the liability of legal entities for bribing foreign officials should work effectively and bring us closer to the standards of the OECD Convention,” he said.

Separately, the Head of the President’s Office thanked Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, who also took part in the event, for his leadership in the law-making process. Andriy Yermak wished the participants of the round table a fruitful discussion.

“I thank all of you for the fact that, despite the difficult circumstances, you found an opportunity to contribute to bringing Ukraine closer to OECD standards and overcoming our internal enemy,” Andriy Yermak emphasized.