Combating corruption in Ukraine has become increasingly urgent because of the impact it is having on the willingness of companies to invest in the country. With setting up of Business Ombudsman Council, Ukraine has taken a major step forward towards the improvement of its investment climate.

Business Ombudsman Council is meant to be the first point of contact for companies seeking redress against unfair treatment. The new institution provides for greater transparency of business practices in Ukraine.

The Business Ombudsman Council is financed from the Ukraine Stabilisation and Sustainable Growth Multi-Donor Account (MDA) managed by the EBRD. Contributors to the MDA are Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, the largest donor.

The Team

The Business Ombudsman Council includes the Business Ombudsman, two Deputies, and other staff that the Council may hire, as the need arises, in accordance with current regulations. Currently, the Council’s team consists of 32 people: distinguished experts with mostly western education and practical experience in law, strategic management, economics, auditing, and risk management.

Regulatory framework

The Business Ombudsman Institution is governed by the Constitution and the laws of Ukraine, acts of the President of Ukraine, acts of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, consistent with the Constitution and the laws of Ukraine and the acts of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, other legislative acts, and the Memorandum of Understanding for the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Initiative dated May 12, 2014.

Cooperation

One of the Business Ombudsman Council’s key goals is providing effective systemic communication of business with the authorities, government and local self-government agencies, as well as state-owned enterprises or subordinate to government agencies.