You're reading: US Embassy criticizes changes to law on e-declaration

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine said the changes in legislation extending the list of those obliged to file electronic income declarations to include public activists is a step back in Ukrainian reforms.

“E-declarations for senior public servants is a strong step forward for reform in Ukraine. Members of civil society play vital role for transparency; targeting them is a step backwards,” the Embassy wrote on Twitter.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed bill No. 6172 exempting servicemen of the rank and file, sergeant, sergeant corps, junior officers from the obligation to file e-declarations, but required a number of other categories of persons to file this report.

In particular, the bill obliges individuals and individuals who receive funds and/or property for anti-corruption activities, in particular, heads of relevant public organizations, members of public councils under state bodies, candidates for elected offices, to file data on property and incomes.