The Government is concerned about the possible delay in completing the competition for the position of Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is one of the key steps towards Ukraine’s democratic transformation. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Government session on January 17.

He stressed that since obtaining the EU candidate status, Ukraine had made a number of very important steps to ensure irreversibility of reforms and comply with the 7 recommendations of the European Commission.

“First of all, a head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office was appointed to ensure effective investigation of crimes. Following a transparent selection based on international standards, the High Council of Justice has been formed. Soon, the first competitive selection of judges to the Constitutional Court in the history of our independence will begin,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine should continue to demonstrate high dynamics of democratic transformations. In particular, with regard to completing the competition for the position of Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

“Five out of nine stages have already been passed. Now the Government is concerned about the possible delay of this process. The candidates have to complete a practical task, pass an assessment of personal competencies and a corresponding interview with the Selection Commission. I am confident that two weeks is enough to complete these procedures and submit a list of three selected candidates for the position of NABU Director by January 31,” the Prime Minister said.

Denys Shmyhal stressed that it is important for Ukraine to do its “homework” in time and in full, the first assessment of which will take place in February this year during the EU-Ukraine Summit. In particular, to complete the competition for the position of Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.