On 9 June 2026, a public discussion in Kyiv showcased concrete achievements in integrity and transparency made by Ukrainian cities with support from the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI). The event, titled "Building Integrity in Ukrainian Cities: The Example of Mykolaiv and Other Cities," brought together mayors, international partners, and governance experts. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova highlighted that Ukraine is carrying out reforms while fighting a war, and that the EUACI — a programme worth nearly €60 million funded by the EU and implemented by Denmark — supports local reformers and institutions.
Kasper Mølbæk Jacobsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine, noted that integrity is a culture of accountability and openness. Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development, emphasized that cities provide ready-made solutions for scaling at the national level.
Dmytro Yakymchuk, Head of the Integrity Cities Component, outlined the programme's evolution: cooperation with cities began in 2018, and currently seven partner cities — Zhytomyr, Mariupol, Nikopol, Sheptytskyi, Chernivtsi, Mykolaiv, and Poltava — have progressed from corruption risk assessments to systemic changes. Achievements include approved Integrity Plans, functioning internal audit departments, geographic information systems, electronic reception offices, corporate governance and KPI systems for municipal enterprises, and new rules for technical supervision of construction.
Mykolaiv, which joined in 2022 under Denmark's patronage for recovery, reported significant results. Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych stated that updated procurement procedures saved 40 million hryvnias in 2025. Budget revenues from outdoor advertising increased 11-fold due to improved regulatory policy. The city approved a new council structure and, for the first time in Ukraine, formed a supervisory board for a municipal enterprise according to OECD corporate governance standards. The City Integrity Plan for 2026–2028 was also approved.
A panel discussion featured representatives from Sheptytskyi, Nikopol, Poltava, Zhytomyr, and Chernivtsi. In Chernivtsi, an auction for the right to place a mobile structure through the Prozorro.Sales system saw the starting price increase 39-fold — from 9,000 to over 350,000 hryvnias. Poltava, which joined in 2025, restored public access to its geoportal, making urban planning information open to residents and businesses.
A new community for exchanging experience was launched, with first participants including Boiarka, Fastiv, Myrhorod, Khmelnytskyi, and Trostianets. The EUACI, launched in June 2017, is funded by the EU, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and co-funded and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Ukrainian cities gain concrete financial savings and improved governance tools, enhancing transparency and accountability. The EU and Denmark see their anti-corruption investment yielding measurable results. Ukrainian citizens benefit from more efficient public services and reduced corruption. Municipal enterprises face new corporate governance standards, which may require adaptation but improve long-term performance.