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Ukraine passes bill targeting bribery of foreign officials
Ukraine’s parliament passed a bill on 10 November to tighten penalties for bribing foreign public officials in international business. The measure is intended to strengthen efforts against cross-border corruption and support Ukraine’s commitments in its negotiations to join the European Union.
Proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the bill covers bribes offered or given to foreign officials to obtain favourable contracts or other improper advantages. It also aims to improve criminal and procedural laws, strengthen accountability and close legal gaps. Passing it is a step towards Ukraine joining the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, which enables countries to co-operate on corruption investigations.
In short
- Ukraine passed tougher rules on bribery of foreign officials.
- The bill targets improper advantages in international business.
- It supports Ukraine’s EU and OECD commitments.
Explained simply
Bribery of foreign public officials happens when a person or company offers money or another benefit to influence an official in another country, often to win a business contract. Such conduct can cross borders, making investigations and prosecution more complicated.
Ukraine’s parliament makes the country’s laws, while the president can propose legislation. The bill concerns people and businesses involved in international trade, as well as officials who may be offered improper benefits.
Ukraine is seeking to join the European Union, which requires progress on tackling corruption. The OECD anti-bribery convention sets shared standards and helps countries co-operate on investigations involving officials abroad.