Engagement: Independence, Responsibility, Trust

In the second half of 2025, the interaction between the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and international partners, European Union institutions, and civil society remained one of the key factors in maintaining the institutional resilience and independence of the anti-corruption system.

Under conditions of constant external pressure and high public expectations, international support took on not only practical but also strategic significance. Throughout the reporting period, contacts continued with representatives of the European Commission, G7 countries, and partner governments, consistently reaffirming the position that any interference in the activities of anti-corruption bodies is unacceptable and seriously affects Ukraine's European integration.

This position was further reinforced by visits to Ukraine from high-ranking international representatives, including European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos and France's Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad. During meetings with NABU leadership, it was emphasized that the independence of anti-corruption institutions is the foundation of the rule of law, public trust, and international confidence, as well as a key prerequisite for Ukraine's further progress toward European Union membership.

A significant step in developing international cooperation was Ukraine’s engagement with the anti-corruption mechanisms of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), specifically its participation in the Working Group on Bribery and the invitation to join the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. This served as recognition of Ukraine's progress in building institutional anti-corruption capacity while defining further obligations to comply with international standards.

A distinct line of engagement involved cooperation with civil society. During the reporting period, NABU signed a memorandum with the "Come Back Alive" Foundation aimed at strengthening integrity and protecting public resources during wartime — an example of consolidating the efforts of a state institution and a reputable public initiative.

It was through this multi-level engagement — both international and public — that NABU ensured the stability of its operations in the second half of 2025, maintaining independence, responsibility, and trust.