The Business Ombudsman Council was set up after the Revolution of Dignity as part of the same wave of combating corruption as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. Our role is to give bona fide businesses the opportunity to openly and honestly challenge unlawful actions of state bodies out-of-court, as well as to draw up general recommendations based on these complaints about steps to improve the business climate in Ukraine.
Alongside integrity, the most crucial factor in building trust for entrepreneurs – both Ukrainian and international – is predictability. The hasty introduction, voting, and signing of Draft Law #12414 undermines this trust.
“From our contacts at European and North American forums, we know that the independence of anti-corruption bodies is a key motivator of sustained international business engagement in preserving and rebuilding the Ukrainian economy,” said Business Ombudsman Roman Waschuk.
“Support for the independence of NABU and SAPO from many Ukrainian entrepreneurs — who are currently the most important domestic investors — shows that they too are united in the public aspiration for justice through integrity and transparency,” he added.
We also hear words of caution from our international co-founders: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reminds us that the independence of anti-corruption institutions is a key pillar of the rule of law. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warns that Draft Law #12414 could undermine Ukraine’s credibility among partners investing in Ukraine’s recovery and defence.
The Business Ombudsman Council calls for restoring NABU and SAPO independence through clear, open and meticulously well-considered legislative actions. Both business and society at large rightfully expect the harm caused to be immediately undone, as well as the restoration of hope for predictability and justice.
