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Ukraine has advanced significantly in institutionalizing anti-corruption mechanisms, especially since 2022. This paper examines how state authorities have integrated corporate governance principles—namely stakeholder engagement and institutional culture—into public governance. It analyzes legal reforms, enforcement agencies, digital tools, and cultural dynamics, benchmarking Ukraine’s progress against OECD and EU standards. While the legal and institutional frameworks are now relatively advanced, challenges remain in enforcement, stakeholder inclusion, and changing long-standing institutional norms. The study argues that durable progress depends on building a culture of integrity and inclusive governance beyond formal compliance.

Following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has prioritized anti-corruption as a core pillar of democratic resilience and EU integration. The adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2021–25, supported by a detailed State Programme, marks a key milestone. Reforms include strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), and High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). These developments align with corporate governance principles such as transparency, accountability, and stakeholder oversight. Yet implementation remains uneven, and cultural change is essential for long-term impact.

The study applies corporate governance concepts to public sector reform. Key elements include:

· Stakeholder Engagement: Civic, business, and media involvement in oversight and policy-making.

· Institutional Culture: Informal norms (e.g., patronage or hierarchy) that influence ethical behavior and reform sustainability.

Corporate governance ideals—transparency, audit, merit-based hiring, and ethics codes—are analyzed in relation to Ukraine’s state authorities. This approach is complemented by OECD Principles and EU good governance criteria,which emphasize public integrity, rule of law, and stakeholder accountability.

Qualitative analysis was conducted using policy documents, laws, official communications, OECD and EU reports, and governance indices (e.g., CPI, OECD Integrity Indicators). The study focuses on reforms from 2022 to 2024, with thematic analysis covering institutional design, stakeholder mechanisms, and cultural dimensions.

Institutional Reform and Legal Framework. Ukraine has established a multilayered anti-corruption system:

· Enforcement: NABU and SAPO were strengthened via merit-based appointments; HACC is operational and delivering convictions.

· Prevention: Strong conflict-of-interest rules, asset declarations (reopened in 2023), and whistleblower protections.

· Digital Tools: ProZorro e-procurement platform has saved over $6 billion and enhanced public trust.

According to OECD reviews, Ukraine now meets 73–80% of integrity standards, often surpassing OECD averages. Still, only 42% of the Anti-Corruption Strategy’s measures were completed by end-2023. Gaps remain in financial audit functions and legal enforcement.

Corporate Governance Practices in the Public Sector. Corporate governance principles are increasingly reflected in public institutions:

· Internal Audit: Required in most agencies, with independent oversight.

· Transparency: Public data access for procurement, budgets, and asset disclosures.

· SOE Governance: Firms like Naftogaz now follow OECD-aligned corporate governance charters and have independent boards.

ProZorro and Dozorro platforms demonstrate successful stakeholder engagement in public procurement monitoring. However, further clarity on institutional roles (e.g., the Accounting Chamber vs. State Audit Service) is needed to improve oversight and feedback mechanisms.

Cultural and Stakeholder Challenges. Legal reforms alone are insufficient without cultural transformation:

· Institutional Culture: Patronage, informal networks, and bureaucratic resistance hinder implementation.

· Stakeholder Engagement: New lobbying legislation remains under debate; many mechanisms remain consultative rather than participatory.

· Public Trust: Stagnant CPI scores (35/100 in 2024) reflect skepticism about real-world change.

OECD and civil society emphasize the need for behavioral change, ethical leadership, and civic empowerment alongside formal rulemaking.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms increasingly reflect corporate governance standards, showing significant alignment with OECD and EU frameworks. Strong legal foundations, digital transparency tools, and dedicated enforcement agencies are now in place. However, the implementation gap and resistance from entrenched interests underline the importance of transforming institutional culture and fostering inclusive stakeholder governance. Sustained success depends not only on laws and institutions but also on values, behaviors, and civic oversight embedded in the system.