Ukraintegrity / Updates on Fundamental Reforms #1
- iborzilo
- Nov 11, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Welcome to Ukraintegrity, our new monthly digest by DUB!
We’re launching this newsletter to keep the international community informed about key reforms, integrity efforts, and governance developments shaping today’s Ukraine.
This initiative is part of the Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, which amplifies Ukraine’s voice in Europe and fosters dialogue between Ukrainian and EU institutions.
As we launch Ukraintegrity, we return to a simple conviction that guides our work: there is no path to the EU without real progress on integrity. To open our first edition, we invite you to read the interview of DUB’s CEO Mattia Nelles and the Head of the Anti-Corruption Center Mezha Martyna Boguslavets where they reflect on this belief and explain the logic of our common project.
Sincerely,
Inna Nelles on behalf of the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) Team
HIGHLIGHTS
⚡️National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office claim to have uncovered a major corruption scheme in the energy sector. Early on 10 November, Ukrainian media broke the news that anti-corruption detectives from NABU were conducting large-scale searches linked to Timur Mindich, a businessman known for his ties to the president. Within hours, NABU and the SAPO confirmed the operation — code-named “Midas,” a nod to the legendary king whose obsession with gold nearly destroyed him. Investigators say the case has been under development for over a year, involving hundreds of hours of recordings and the full engagement of NABU’s top teams. The “Midas” operation may prove to be one of Ukraine’s most significant corruption investigations to date.
⚡️The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Package acknowledges that Ukraine has made “remarkable commitment” to its EU accession path despite the war of aggression, including completion of the screening process and progress on key reforms — especially in financial and economic chapters. However, the report stresses that an acceleration of reforms is essential, particularly in the field of the rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption and protection of civil society.
⚡️European Pravda takes a sharp look at the European Commission’s latest Enlargement Report, arguing that while Brussels praised Ukraine’s reform progress and avoided harsh criticism, the positive tone masks deeper challenges. The article highlights that the EU deliberately “warned but did not punish” Kyiv — noting real progress in judicial and governance reforms but also clear red flags, including pressure on anti-corruption institutions like NABU. It’s a must-read for those following Ukraine’s EU path — a reminder that even friendly assessments come with expectations.
⚡️A pair of new civil society “shadow reports” has been published in October, offering a candid assessment of Ukraine's progress in rule-of-law, justice and fundamental rights. One of them released by a coalition on Anti-Corruption Action Centre, Anti-Corruption Centre Mezha, the DEJURE Foundation and others, highlights pressing risks in Ukraine’s reform roadmap and flags worrying trends — including stalled judicial appointments and ongoing influence over anti-corruption bodies. Another, by the coalition led by the Agency for Legislative Initiatives together with Transparency International Ukraine, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, and others, analyses Chapters 23 (“Judiciary & Fundamental Rights”) and 24 (“Justice, Freedom & Security”) of the European Commission’s Ukraine Report and presents 500+ recommendations for reform. Together, these reports send a clear message: while Ukraine remains committed to EU-aligned reforms, significant gaps persist and civilian oversight must remain vigilant to safeguard momentum
🔗Shadow Report by AntAC & Partners
🔗Shadow Report by ALI & Partners
⚡️Mattia Nelles has published an in-depth article examining the July 2025 attacks on Ukraine's independent anti-corruption agencies and their aftermath. To remind, in July, Ukraine's leadership attempted to strip NABU and SAPO—the country's independent anti-corruption bodies—of their autonomy. Only mass protests and strong international pressure forced a reversal within 48 hours. However, the threat continues: Ukraine's domestic intelligence service (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office continue to pressure these institutions through investigations of their staff and proposed legislation that would limit their powers.
Inside COSAC
DUB led an expert delegation — including Anastasia Radina, Tetiana Shevchuk, Martyna Boguslavets, and Mattia Nelles — to Berlin and Copenhagen for meetings with MPs, ministers, and civil society. Discussions focused on rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms, the shadow report on Ukraine’s EU alignment, and defence transparency.
On 15 September, DUB and partners, including the GMF, held high-level talks in Brussels on Ukraine’s EU accession. With speakers such as Taras Kachka, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, and EU officials, the discussion focused on the importance of overcoming the Hungarian veto, opening the first cluster and the need to sustain reform momentum
Together with partners, the Anti-Corruption Centre Mezha brought experts from EUAM, NACP, the National Police, and civil society to discuss the need for transparent, merit-based selection in law enforcement.
What’s NEXT
📌14 November, 8:00–9:00 (CET), Online / Virtual briefing on anti-corruption and justice reform in enlargement report
DUB invites you to an online expert discussion on the European Commission’s Enlargement Report, with a special focus on anti-corruption and justice sector reforms in Ukraine. Recent reactions to the report in Kyiv and Brussels show notable differences in interpretation. In this small, virtual round (held under Chatham House Rule), we will take a closer look at key rule-of-law aspects and discuss what they mean for the next steps in the EU accession process.
📌24 November, 19:30–21:30, Berlin / “Democracy Under Fire” - Public conversation with Oleksandra Matviichuk
We’re coming together at the Berliner Ensemble for a very special evening — a dialogue on human rights, resistance and hope in times of war. Together with our partners, we’re creating space for an honest conversation about what it means to defend democracy while your country is under attack. Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will share her personal reflections on courage, justice and human dignity, joined by Mattia Nelles, Sabine Adler, Michael Meyer-Resende and Rebecca Harms. This evening is not just about Ukraine — it’s about all of us who believe that freedom and integrity must endure, even in times of war.
📌10-12 December, Loccum / Second Transatlantic Ukraine Seminar
We are pleased to announce the second edition of the Transatlantic Ukraine Seminar, “Together Alone? Ukraine Policy in a New Phase of Atlanticism,” taking place from December 10–12 at the Evangelische Akademie Loccum. This gathering brings together leading experts, policymakers and analysts from Europe and Ukraine to reflect on the past year’s developments and lay the groundwork for future cooperation on governance, integrity and peace-building. Together with partners we promise you three days of vibrant debate and strategic foresight on the war’s trajectory, reforms, and transatlantic solidarity.
This initiative is part of the Continuing Successful Anti-Corruption (COSAC) Reform Initiative, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, which amplifies Ukraine’s voice in Europe and fosters dialogue between Ukrainian and EU institutions.
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