On 10 November, the Verkhovna Rada adopted, at second reading and in its entirety, the presidential bill No. 15056, which strengthens the fight against the bribery of foreign officials in international business transactions. The bill was supported by 247 MPs, with none voting against it. The law introduces amendments to Ukraine’s criminal and anti-corruption legislation in line with the standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Its adoption is an important step towards finalising Ukraine’s accession to the international anti-corruption convention and fulfilling its obligations on the path to EU membership.
- The Verkhovna Rada has passed the President’s anti-corruption bill No. 15056 at second reading and as a whole.
- 247 MPs voted in favour of the bill; none voted against it.
- The law strengthens the mechanisms for holding those responsible for bribing foreign public officials to account.
- The changes bring Ukrainian legislation closer to the OECD’s anti-corruption standards.
- The adoption of this document contributes to Ukraine’s fulfilment of its commitments on the path to EU membership.
What changes does the law on international corruption entail?
Bill No. 15056, tabled by the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March 2026, aimed at bringing Ukrainian legislation into line with the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
The document clarifies the definition of a foreign public official and refines the mechanisms for holding legal entities accountable for corruption offences. In particular, it concerns the application of appropriate measures to the legal successors of companies involved in unlawful activities.
The law also improves the procedures for appealing against court decisions restricting the activities of legal entities during a pre-trial investigation.
Certain provisions require authorised representatives of companies to take measures to prevent corruption.
Why the passing of this law is important for Ukraine’s accession to the EU
Ukraine began the process of acceding to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention in 2025. In March 2026, parliament passed a law on accession to the convention; however, in order to complete the process, national legislation had to be brought into line with international requirements.
Previously, the chair of the parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement Sergei Ionushas stressed that Bill No. 15056 closes loopholes that could have hindered the effective investigation of international bribery.
Implementing the OECD’s recommendations is also linked to European integration commitments Ukraine, in particular through reforms in the areas of the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
When will the new law come into force?
The bill was approved at first reading on 26 May 2026. On that occasion, 237 Members of Parliament voted in favour of it. After being finalised by the relevant committee, the bill was put to a final vote.
As of 10 November, the bill has been passed by parliament and is being prepared for signing. In order to come into force, the bill must undergo the signing and official publication procedures laid down by law.
