DUB Delegation Visits Kyiv to Assess Ukraine’s Rule-of-Law and Anti-Corruption Reforms

In the beginning of October 2026, a delegation from the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) visited Kyiv to assess the latest developments in Ukraine’s rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms, with a particular focus on their implications for the country’s EU accession process.

The visit took place within the framework of the Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. It aimed to facilitate direct exchanges with Ukrainian institutions, policymakers, civil society representatives and international partners, providing first-hand insights into reform progress, outstanding challenges and priorities for the months ahead.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with senior representatives of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). Discussions on judicial reform also involved representatives of the High Council of Justice (HCJ) and the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ).

Further exchanges took place with representatives of the Ukrainian parliament and government administration, the German Embassy, the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI), and leading Ukrainian civil society organisations.

Reform Progress and Remaining Challenges

The meetings confirmed that Ukraine continues to advance important institutional reforms despite the extraordinary challenges posed by Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion. However, the pace of implementation remains insufficient to match the country’s EU accession ambitions.

Key concerns discussed during the visit included continued pressure on independent anti-corruption institutions and civil society watchdogs, delays in fulfilling reform commitments, and persistent challenges related to the independence and accountability of judicial and law-enforcement bodies.

Particular attention was given to transparent, competitive and merit-based selection procedures for leadership positions in key institutions. The discussions highlighted the importance of safeguarding these processes against political interference and ensuring the meaningful participation of independent international experts.

These issues are central to Ukraine’s progress under the Fundamentals Cluster (Cluster 1) of the EU accession negotiations. Strengthening institutional independence, ensuring effective accountability mechanisms and implementing agreed reforms remain essential for maintaining the credibility of Ukraine’s European integration process.

Sustaining Reform Momentum Through International Engagement

The visit also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between Ukrainian reform stakeholders and international partners. Continued political support, independent monitoring and clear expectations regarding reform implementation are essential to maintaining momentum and preventing potential setbacks.

The insights gathered during the meetings will inform DUB’s ongoing analytical and advocacy activities aimed at supporting Ukraine’s democratic transformation and facilitating evidence-based dialogue with German and European decision-makers.

A more detailed analysis of the visit’s findings and recommendations will be published separately.

DUB expresses its gratitude to all Ukrainian and international partners for their openness, constructive exchanges and continued commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s democratic institutions.

The visit was organised as part of the Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).