Maintaining annual NABU audit currently justified given requirements and context - Kachka

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka believes that maintaining annual format of audit of National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is currently justified in view of existing legislative requirements and context.

"Law on NABU provides for annual external independent evaluation (audit) of effectiveness of National Bureau’s activities. At same time, in accordance with law, decision to start formation of Evaluation Commission is made by Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine no later than thirty calendar days before end of one-year term from date of approval of last audit of NABU’s performance. Initiative to conduct audit in this case is compliance with rule of law," Kachka told Interfax-Ukraine agency, commenting on information published in media.

He drew attention to fact that provisions of law on NABU differ from norms on audit of National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).

In particular, according to law on prevention of corruption, independent evaluation of effectiveness of National Agency’s activities is carried out once every two years by government decision.

"Law also provides that Cabinet of Ministers approves and publishes criteria and methodology for such evaluation, which often causes discussion in anti-corruption community. In case of NABU audit, these criteria are determined exclusively by Audit Commission. That is why we plan to approve criteria and methodology and conduct audit in accordance with rule of law," Deputy Prime Minister added.

In addition, Kachka reminded that audit of Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) is also conducted every two years, and Prosecutor General appoints audit commission.

"Last year’s NABU audit drew attention to need to assess expediency of conducting evaluation annually. Taking into account pace of organization, conducting audit and further implementation of its recommendations, two-year cycle may be more effective. At same time, in my opinion, maintaining annual format of audit is currently justified given current requirements and context. Discussed this issue with NABU leadership, and I am convinced we will reach a common, effective solution, taking into account current norms of legislation. So there is no need to look for a catch in routine," Deputy Prime Minister noted.

At same time, he stated that resonance regarding "even such a technical issue and attempt to give it deeper political meaning indicates that we face great deal of work to ensure stable and calm functioning of criminal justice system."

As reported, earlier on Tuesday, Ukrainska Pravda publication published article stating that in mid-March Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka initiated draft resolution of Cabinet of Ministers on formation of commission to conduct independent audit of NABU, but consideration of draft of corresponding resolution did not take place.