**Ukraine’s ARMA Agency Seeks Reform Amid Corruption Scrutiny**
The State Asset Management Agency (ARMA) in Ukraine has been at the center of a significant reform effort aimed at improving the country’s anti-corruption measures. Headed by Olga Duma, the agency was tasked with reorganizing its operations to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
**Reform Efforts Gain Momentum**
In a recent statement, Duma highlighted several key achievements during her tenure, including increased transparency, stronger international partnerships, and billions of dollars in revenue for the state budget. These reforms were backed by Ukraine’s Western partners, including the European Union, which saw them as crucial to unlocking EU funding.
**Billions at Stake**
ARMA’s reform was a condition listed in the EU’s Ukraine Facility funding plan, which provides 50 billion euros ($58 billion) over several years. The delay in implementing this reform has already led to a reduction in the next tranche of funding from 4.5 billion euros ($5.2 billion) to 3.05 billion euros ($3.5 billion).
**New Legislation Unblocks EU Funds**
The recent legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to unblock an additional 600 million euros ($690 million) in EU funds under the Ukraine Facility. This move comes amid growing scrutiny over stalled anti-corruption reforms.
**Growing Scrutiny**
Zelensky and his party faced backlash last week after swiftly approving a law that effectively destroyed the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Following mass protests at home and criticism from international partners, Zelensky proposed a new bill restoring the agencies’ independence.
**What’s Next?**
Duma’s resignation is now pending government approval. Once approved, a competition for her successor will be held in accordance with the new rules introduced by the legislation reforming ARMA. These reforms include stricter integrity and qualification standards for leadership candidates, merit-based hiring through open competitions involving civil society, independent external audits, clear deadlines for appointing asset managers, and the use of certified professionals who are legally accountable for mismanagement.
**Experts Weigh In**
Anti-corruption experts, lawmakers, and Transparency International in Ukraine have backed the reforms. However, discussions over the bill had dragged on for months since several versions were introduced in December 2024 and January. The legislation’s passage is expected to bring much-needed momentum to Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts.
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