You're reading: Rainin: Package of bills on abolition of e-declaration for anti-corruption NGOs is well-thought out and balanced

Head of the presidential administration of Ukraine Ihor Rainin believes that the package of bills introduced by the president on abolition of the requirement to file electronic declarations for anti-corruption non-governmental organizations is well-thought and balanced.

“The president is determined not to give any grounds for speculations that e-declaration can be used as an instrument of pressure. I think that the proposals put forward are well-thought out and balanced, they allow non-governmental organizations to conduct activities without any reservations and provide certain financial control,” he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Rainin also said he does not see a problem in the requirement to file e-declarations, and believes NGOs should be able to freely exercise their control and monitoring functions, but should not be engaged in political activities.

“Filling in an electronic declaration means openness and transparency, which is talked about a lot. There is nothing to worry about. If you are ready to engage in activities that are related to governing functions or influence on the public opinion, fill in the declaration,” the presidential administration head said.

Rainin also added that lawmakers will return to consideration of the proposals submitted by the president this fall.

As reported, bill No. 6172 on amending certain laws of Ukraine on the specifics of financial control of certain categories of officials was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on March 23 and signed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on March 27. This document exempts servicemen of the rank and file, sergeant, sergeant corps, junior officers from the obligation to file e-declarations. At the same time, the bill obliges individuals who receive funds and/or property for anti-corruption activities, in particular, heads of relevant public organizations, members of public councils under state agencies, candidates for elected offices, to file data on property and incomes.

As reported, on July 10, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko submitted a package of bills regarding the abolition of e-declaration for anti-corruption public organizations to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration.

According to the presidential press service, the matter concerns the draft laws on amendments to the Tax Code and on amending certain legislative acts to ensure openness to the society of information on financing public associations and using international technical assistance.