NABU 2026: Holding the Independence Perimeter

The key challenge for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the entire anti-corruption system in 2026 remains preserving the perimeter of institutional capacity and independence. In practical terms, this means maintaining the ability to act autonomously, professionally, and effectively in the face of ever-increasing external pressure.

First and foremost, attention must be paid to the challenges associated with the Bureau's further scaling. The growth of the organizational structure, the expansion of mandates, and the increased workload are accompanied by risks to preserving institutional identity. Under these conditions, the stability of procedures, internal culture, managerial control, and the ability to ensure performance regardless of the pace of development take on particular importance.

The second set of challenges concerns decisions for which the need has formed not only objectively but also over time. This refers to the establishment of an independent forensic institution and the implementation of the right to autonomous wiretapping. These tools are viewed as critical for increasing the efficiency of investigations and reducing the influence of external factors on the activities of anti-corruption authorities.

A separate dimension of challenges is forming within the sphere of legislative regulation. Existing gaps in the legal field continue to be exploited to evade accountability. Closing these gaps, updating legislation, and further adaptation to European Union standards are essential conditions for strengthening the anti-corruption system. At the same time, this remains a component of Ukraine's international obligations on the path to EU membership.

Maintaining public trust requires special attention. The anti-corruption system was granted a significant mandate of trust, which can only be sustained through consistent, daily, and effective work. A lack of tangible results or a perception of stagnation inevitably impacts this level of trust and must be factored into future management decisions.

It is within this perimeter—of institutional capacity, independence, and responsibility—that NABU enters 2026, understanding that the results of our work in the next reporting period will be evaluated primarily by their quality, resilience, and real impact.