The EIB and ESBU have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen exchanges of information, operational support for investigations and technical cooperation.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EIB has provided more than €2 billion to meet Ukraine’s most immediate needs.
Over the coming years, the EU bank plans to deploy at least €2 billion more from the Ukraine Facility to invest in critical public- and private-sector projects. Ensuring that this financial support reaches the intended beneficiaries, the people of Ukraine, and is not diverted by fraud and corruption is key.
The memorandum of understanding, signed by EIB Inspector General Monique Koning and ESBU Deputy Director Andrii Pashchuk, calls for sharing information on allegations of fraudulent or other irregular practices affecting EIB operations in Ukraine, aiding investigations and taking preventive measures aligned with the EIB Group Anti-Fraud and EIB Exclusion policies. These are the EIB’s two key policies to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability of banking operations by preventing fraud and promoting ethical behaviour.
Zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption
The EIB has a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and corruption. The Investigations Division of the EIB’s Inspectorate General conducts investigations into allegations of fraud and misconduct affecting EIB Group operations. Under the EIB Group’s Anti-Fraud Policy, the Inspectorate General can refer suspected cases to national authorities for further investigation or criminal prosecution and collaborate on exchanging information, best practices and joint actions.
The EIB has a longstanding partnership with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, including collaboration with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) since signing a cooperation arrangement in 2018.