Chapter 4: Civilian Control, Governance, and Anti-Corruption

This paper examines the central role of civilian control, democratic governance, and anti-corruption measures in meeting NATO standards, with a focus on the challenges facing Ukraine as it seeks deeper Euro-Atlantic integration during wartime. Drawing on survey data, institutional assessments, and discussions from an expert workshop, the study analyses the persistence and evolution of corruption in Ukraine, its impact on defence governance, and the fragility of oversight mechanisms under conditions of armed conflict. Key findings highlight widespread societal perceptions of corruption, a rise in corrupt practices—particularly in defence procurement—and declining public confidence in reporting mechanisms. The war has accelerated procurement demands and reduced transparency, creating opportunities for misuse of resources and weakening existing watchdog institutions. The paper documents recent episodes of political interference in anti-corruption bodies, structural fragmentation in procurement across security institutions, and pressures on civil society actors. It concludes that strengthening civilian oversight requires both domestic reforms and sustained external support. Conditionality from Western partners, enhanced parliamentary expertise, and reinforced roles for independent watchdogs are identified as essential components for improving governance and aligning Ukraine with NATO’s integrity standards.