Prospects and Challenges of Reforming the Bureau of Economic Security: Personnel Reassessment and Future Operations
The head of the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) Oleksandr Tsvinskyi recently shared ambitious plans for restructuring and enhancing the agency’s effectiveness through a significant personnel reform, involving widespread reassessment and recruitment of new specialists.
According to him, the reform process is now gaining momentum, with a series of measures already launched aimed at ensuring transparency and objectivity in renewing the team.
An official letter for international partners, who meet legal criteria and are invited to participate, has been posted on BES’s website.
Tsvinskyi emphasized that Ukraine, passing relevant legislation, carefully considered the opinions of its international partners to guarantee a fair, independent, and transparent reassessment process, which presents a considerable challenge for the new administration.He explained that to complete the process within the legally prescribed maximum of 18 months, it is necessary to establish several commissions, ideally at least four, including international representatives.
In total, these commissions will comprise up to 24 members—six from international entities and the rest Ukrainian experts.
The main goal is to conduct the reassessment efficiently, ethically, and with utmost respect for personnel, ensuring the process remains lawful, transparent, and respectful.
Tsvinskyi highlighted that adherence to legal procedures is crucial to avoid risks of illegal dismissals, and he expressed confidence that support from international donors will be critical for the financial and procedural stability of the reform process.Regarding commission composition, he stated that he would appoint an additional six independent Ukrainian experts, including reputable representatives from legal, civil society, and media sectors, to facilitate objective evaluations and uphold transparency.
Decisions will be made by a voting system, requiring at least seven votes, with three votes allocated to international members.
If votes are tied (3-3), the decision will not be ratified, and a consensus must be achieved.
Tsvinskyi assures that the process will strictly follow European standards, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and respectful treatment of personnel, thereby avoiding humiliation and fostering a positive environment.He described the operational philosophy as a system of four main components, stressing that all decisions must comply with legal procedures to mitigate liability and legal risks.
The Ukrainian side bears significant legal responsibility for correct conduct throughout the process.
Funding and resource mobilization are ongoing talks with the government and donors, as proper financing is vital for a successful overhaul.
He acknowledged that immediate solutions are unrealistic; instead, incremental steps should be taken toward strengthening the institution, including improving personnel quality and legislative support for independence.Tsvinskyi expressed hope that cooperation with international partners will help overcome resistance and ensure the timely completion of the reform.
He concluded by emphasizing that honest resolution of legal and ethical dilemmas, combined with a European-inspired approach to teamwork, is central to establishing a modern and effective Bureau of Economic Security capable of fighting economic crimes and protecting Ukraine’s financial stability.