The Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania (STT), together with the Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO), the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB), the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau of Latvia (KNAB), the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention of Ukraine (NACP), have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The purpose of the Memorandum is to establish a permanent regional practical and operational platform aimed at safeguarding EU and national funds allocated for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau of Poland (CBA) will participate in the platform as an observer.
The initiative originates from a high-level meeting of Baltic anti-corruption authorities held last year, with Ukraine participating as a guest. During the meeting, discussions focused on how the Baltic States could further support Ukraine through the exchange of experience and expertise and by strengthening cooperation, as well as on enhancing security and transparency across the region. The idea to reinforce structured cooperation, developed during that meeting, has now been implemented through the signing of this Memorandum.
“Large-scale reconstruction projects inevitably entail increased risks of corruption and fraud. Declarations alone are not sufficient – concrete operational mechanisms are essential. This Memorandum sends a clear signal that the region’s anti-corruption institutions stand united in support of Ukraine. Lithuania, together with Estonia, Latvia and Poland, drawing on extensive practical experience in combating corruption, is assuming an active role in strengthening structured and operational cooperation with Ukrainian partners. I am confident that this partnership will establish an effective mechanism for regular information exchange, enhance the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to implement new financial control legislation, and make a significant contribution to protecting the EU’s financial interests and detecting corruption cases,” said Linas Pernavas, Director of the Special Investigation Service of Lithuania.
“This Memorandum reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in preventing and combating corruption. For NABU, partnership with our Baltic colleagues is not only an exchange of expertise, but a practical instrument to reinforce accountability and institutional resilience, especially in times of ongoing security challenges,” noted Semen Kryvonos, Director of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine.
“We are moving from diplomatic agreements to practical cooperation on the ground, which is based on three principles: the protection of reconstruction funds, supporting Ukraine on its path to the EU, and direct cross-border interaction between our analytical and investigative units. Through real-time data exchange, we will be able to promptly block and dismantle potential international corruption schemes,“ said Viktor Pavlushchyk, Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention of Ukraine.
“By taking part in the Frontline Regional Initiative for the Protection of EU Financial Interests in Ukraine, we strengthen cooperation between regional partners. The Memorandum provides a clear framework for regular and steady cooperation to protect the European Union’s financial interests in Ukraine,” commented Jānis ROZE, Deputy Director for Criminal Intelligence of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau of Latvia.
„Corruption makes countries and their people vulnerable. This cooperation agreement will help improve the well-being of Ukraine and the whole Europe,“ noted Andres Ratassepp, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Internal Security Service.
The platform is being established in the context of the long-term financial and institutional commitment of the European Union and its Member States to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction. The initiative highlights the practical contribution of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, as well as Poland and other countries in the region, in ensuring the transparent and accountable use of assistance funds and strengthening cross-border preventive and law enforcement cooperation.
The cooperation will include regular coordination meetings involving investigators, analysts and liaison officers. The partners will exchange information and risk indicators related to EU and national reconstruction funds, including public procurement, grants, subsidies, budget support and other financial instruments.
Joint thematic seminars are planned, focusing on investigative methodologies, risk analysis and the strengthening of transparency assurance systems. Close cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is also envisaged, ensuring alignment with EU-level mechanisms and judicial cooperation frameworks.
The Memorandum has been signed by six institutions: the Special Investigation Service of Lithuania, the Estonian Internal Security Service, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau of Latvia, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention of Ukraine.
All signatory institutions are members of the European Partners against Corruption (EPAC/EACN) network, which is currently chaired by the STT. The Memorandum establishes a mechanism allowing additional participants to join in the future, enabling the initiative to expand and involve more countries and institutions over time.
