The OECD warned Kyiv about the consequences for defense investments in Ukraine due to NABU

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned Kyiv that an attack on anti-corruption bodies would negatively affect defense investments in Ukraine and recovery financing, and also explained what Kyiv must do to emerge from the crisis. This is stated in a letter addressed to the Deputy Head of the President’s Office Iryna Mudra, which came into the possession of European Pravda.

In the letter dated July 22, Julia Fromholz — head of the OECD Anti-Corruption Division — expressed “deep concern” regarding recent events involving NABU and SAP: namely the adoption of draft law No. 12414.

She stated that this law (which was signed shortly after Kyiv received this letter — on the evening of July 22, president Zelensky signed it) significantly undermines the independence of Ukraine's specialized anti-corruption bodies. The OECD representative also predicted that these legislative changes could be seen by the OECD working group as a weakening of Ukraine’s commitment to its obligations.

Fromholz noted that in the future, this law threatens Ukraine’s aspirations to join the OECD. In this regard, she urged Ukraine and the president to veto the draft law.

“If this letter reaches you after the bill has already been signed, we urge further legislative changes to preserve the independence of the specialized anti-corruption bodies. I strongly request that this issue be considered with the utmost seriousness”, - the document states.

Fromholz also warned about the consequences for Ukraine if Kyiv fails to take action to correct the situation.

“If the issue (arising from the adoption of the law) remains unresolved — this will not only jeopardize Ukraine’s prospects of joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and its efforts to become a member of the OECD, but also undermine its credibility among international partners, including those considering investments in Ukraine’s defense sector and its long-term recovery”, - she concluded.