On 7 December, on the eve of the International Anti-Corruption Day, Transparency International Ukraine organized a conference ‘De-corruption of Ukraine’ in Kyiv. Civic activists, journalists, representatives of international organizations, authorities and Ukrainian businesses gathered at the event to analyse the anti-corruption reforms that have been held in Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity.
Eka Tkeshelashvili, Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI), also took part in the conference and delivered a speech during the second panel discussion on corruption prevention. During her speech, she stressed on the need for a trustful system for verification of declarations and outlined the main areas of work in the fight against corruption.
Eka Tkeshelashvili @tkesho3 at #decorruptionconference: For EU it is extremely important that Ukraine would have trustful system for verification of declarations because such a system could provide the trust to the system that is changing.
— EUACI (@EUACI_Ukraine) 7 декабря 2018 г.
The discussion on corruption prevention was also joined by:
• Maksym Nefiodov, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade,
• Olena Sukmanova, First Deputy Minister of Justice,
• Denys Bihus, investigative journalist,
• Mykhailo Ivchenko, deputy mayor of Mariupol.
Participants discussed the progress of Ukraine in ensuring transparency of the state authorities and made a conclusion that corruption fight requires consolidated efforts. ‘Sure I have hope for reforms of all state structures, but we should understand that this will not be fast and will not be painless,’ said Maksym Nefiodov, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade. He also stressed on the need to develop innovations and new technologies in Ukraine.
"When the country is weak, it is easier to resolve problems through bribes rather than invest in innovation and honest competition." - Maksym Nefiodov @nefyodov, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, #decorruptionconference #TIUkraine
— TI Ukraine (@TI_Ukraine_eng) 7 декабря 2018 г.
During the conference ‘Decorruption of Ukraine’ there were three panel discussions devoted to punishment for corruption, its prevention and public engagement in anti-corruption activity.
The speakers had the opportunity to share their vision and to answer the questions of participants and media representatives after the speeches.