NABU continues to operate under significant external pressure and high public demand for anti-corruption efforts, Maintaining independence, transparency, and effectiveness requires overcoming a range of both internal and external challenges. These include interference in operations, information attacks, and the need to protect Bureau employees.
Preserving Independence and Strengthening Public Trust
In the face of increasing external pressure and attempts to interfere with its work, safeguarding NABU’s independence remains one of today’s key challenges. Beyond legislative initiatives that may undermine the Bureau’s ability to effectively investigate high-level corruption, NABU must continuously demonstrate its capacity to remain an independent, transparent, and trustworthy institution.
Enhancing Transparency and Communication
Openness and transparency are strategic principles of NABU’s work, ensuring public and partner trust. Combating disinformation, manipulation, and reputation attacks requires a systemic strengthening of NABU’s communication capacity. Regular, clear, and comprehensive public updates on the progress of investigations and the Bureau’s results are an integral part of its operations and a key tool in maintaining public confidence.
Polygraph Examinations
Recent legislative amendments introduced the polygraph as a mandatory element of screening NABU employees for potential ties with the aggressor state. The testing methodology must be agreed upon in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine. It is critical that this measure is not used as a tool of influence, but rather as part of the integrity assurance system. Moreover, the requirement poses a significant staffing and organizational burden. Conducting a large number of tests requires engaging qualified specialists, modernizing procedures, and enhancing internal capacity to ensure the objectivity and confidentiality of the process.
Documenting Pressure on NABU Employees and Ensuring Their Protection
NABU employees face ongoing unlawful pressure — ranging from surveillance and information gathering to direct physical actions. Recently, there have been incidents involving searches conducted without court orders and the use of physical force against Bureau staff. Such actions are not only illegal but clearly indicate attempts to influence the independence of the anti-corruption body. NABU documents each instance of pressure and takes all possible measures to protect its personnel.
