On 30 January 2025, EUROMIL representatives met in Brussels with key figures from the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and the Public Anti-Corruption Council (PAC) under Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. The discussions focused on Ukraine’s ongoing defense reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, military personnel and veterans and the growing role of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability within the security sector.

Key Participants in the Meeting

EUROMIL engaged in productive discussions with Olena Tregub, Secretary General of NAKO, who has been at the forefront of anti-corruption governance and defense sector reforms in Ukraine. With extensive experience in economic development and oversight of international projects, she has played a key role in shaping Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen transparency in defense procurement.

Anastasiia Shuba, Advisor to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a former elected member of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau, has been instrumental in monitoring defense procurement, enhancing accountability, and advocating for independent oversight bodies.

Tetiana Nykolaienko, journalist at Censor.NET and member of the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense, has dedicated more than two decades to political journalism, specializing in investigating arms contracts, analyzing defense procurement procedures, and exposing illicit supplier links.

Strengthening Transparency in Defense Procurement

The Public Anti-Corruption Council (PAC), an advisory body within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, plays a crucial role in monitoring defense procurement and identifying corruption risks. In January 2024, a new PAC was elected through a nationwide online voting process that engaged over 100.000 citizens, demonstrating strong public demand for reform and transparency in defense governance.

To enhance oversight and accountability, Ukraine has established two independent procurement agencies under the Ministry of Defense. The Defense Procurement Agency (DOT) is responsible for logistics procurement, while the Armament Procurement Agency (AOZ) oversees arms acquisitions. Both agencies operate under strict oversight mechanisms, with the PAC actively monitoring their activities to ensure ethical procurement practices and prevent corruption.

The Role of Civil Society in Defense Reforms

Ukraine’s commitment to democratic oversight and military transparency has been reinforced by the creation of the Office of Change Support, a newly established consultative body within the Ministry of Defense. This initiative fosters cooperation between civilian experts and military leadership, strengthening governance and ensuring alignment with international best practices.

These reforms mark an important step toward Ukraine’s European integration, aligning defense and security structures with EU standards on transparency, accountability, and good governance.

EUROMIL’s Commitment to Democratic and Transparent Armed Forces

EUROMIL has long advocated for democratic control over the armed forces, respect for human rights in the military, and ethical defense governance. As Ukraine continues to implement critical defense reforms, EUROMIL stands in solidarity with its Ukrainian partners, supporting their efforts to build transparent, accountable, and resilient military institutions.

The meeting in Brussels provided an opportunity for meaningful exchanges and collaboration, reaffirming the importance of civil society and international partnerships in shaping the future of democratic armed forces. EUROMIL looks forward to further engagement with Ukrainian institutions and stakeholders to contribute to a stronger, more transparent security and defense sector in Europe.