NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub took part in the 20th anniversary Brussels Forum, organized by the German Marshall Fund. This annual event gathers leading international policymakers, diplomats, government officials, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the most pressing challenges in international security, democracy, and geopolitics. This year, once again, the Russian-Ukrainian war was a central theme of the summit.
As part of the forum, a closed working lunch was held with representatives of Ukrainian civil society, including Olena Tregub, Executive Director of NAKO and a member of the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. She emphasized that today, the national defence sector accounts for a significant share of Ukraine’s GDP, and therefore, transparency, accountability, and integrity in this sector are of critical importance. During wartime, when the level of secrecy rises and institutional oversight is often limited, corruption risks can escalate into real threats — not only for Ukraine but for the security of Europe as a whole.
Olena also called on European partners to provide more systematic support to Ukraine, particularly by establishing joint ventures in the production of critical technologies and defence infrastructure. She stressed that Ukraine’s experience is invaluable for Europe, from rapid adaptation to threats to implementing reforms during war. If Europe wants to be prepared for future challenges, it must begin learning from Ukraine’s experience today.
Photo by the German Marshall Fund