Anti-Corruption Reforms in Ukraine: Institutional Progress and Public Perception in the Context of EU Integration

Abstract

Corruption has long been one of Ukraine’s most pressing issues, imposing significant costs on the state budget, businesses, and citizens while discouraging investment and undermining the rule of law. Combating corruption is also essential for Ukraine’s EU integration, given that compliance with anti-corruption standards is a core accession requirement. This article explores the evolution and effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms in the context of European integration. It analyses the historical and structural features of corruption in Ukraine and identifies its dominant form as being driven by the elite. Using a combination of policy analysis alongside public opinion data, the study evaluates the implementation of reforms and how society perceives their impact. Despite notable institutional progress, public trust remains limited, highlighting a discrepancy between formal advancements and citizens’ perceptions. By comparing reform outcomes with public opinion, the article highlights the crucial role of civil society and businesses in sustaining anti-corruption efforts and provides policy recommendations to strengthen public credibility and ensure the long-term success of reforms. The recent controversy surrounding Law No. 12414, which temporarily undermined the independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption bodies, highlights the importance of robust anti-corruption frameworks and an engaged civil society.