Through the Nansen Program for Ukraine, Norway has entered into agreements with the Ukrainian anti-corruption organizations Transparency International Ukraine and the Anti-Corruption Action Center totaling NOK 50 million. The organizations conduct investigative advocacy work among private and state-owned entities, with the goal of preventing corruption.

Since 2014, Ukraine has made significant progress in the fight against corruption. Small-scale corruption, such as bribery in the healthcare sector, has been drastically reduced. Specialized state anti-corruption units have been established and have proven to be both independent and effective. Civil society has also been a strong and effective driving force against corruption.

Even though things are moving in the right direction, Ukraine still faces major corruption challenges. As part of its civilian support for Ukraine, Norway therefore contributes to various organizations with extensive experience in this area.

‘There is a high risk of corruption and financial mismanagement in Ukraine, a country at war. It is always important that no funds go astray, but this is even more critical now as global aid has fallen significantly. Norway stands with Ukraine in the fight against corruption. We are further contributing to this effort now by supporting two robust Ukrainian anti-corruption organizations,’ said Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust.

Minister Aukrust and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg met with Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko in Washington, D.C. yesterday in connection with the World Bank and IMF spring meetings. At the meeting, the Norwegian ministers received an update on the situation in Ukraine, including civilian needs in the coming period. In addition, Norway pledged new support for anti-corruption efforts.

‘The reconstruction of Ukraine requires enormous resources and our collective support. It will be crucial for the country’s economy to get back on track, which also includes private investment and a well-functioning financial market. For the Ukrainian market to be attractive to such investments, the fight against corruption must continue. Norway is contributing to this,’ said Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

The Nansen Program contributes to anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine through support for reform processes with an emphasis on transparency, institution-building, and strengthening the public sector. Norway supports a range of actors who hold the authorities accountable: investigative journalists, civil society, whistleblowers, and oversight bodies. This is crucial for building institutions and ensuring that the fight against corruption continues, even in challenging times.

‘Norway has zero tolerance for financial misconduct. That is why we have robust systems in place. We have effective control mechanisms to ensure that Norwegian funds reach their intended recipients, and at the same time we contribute to national reforms’, said Aukrust.