The order in the use of finances is one of the conditions for Ukraine's membership in the EU, in particular ensuring protection against abuse of budget funds and protection of the financial interests of the EU, including international technical assistance that will be provided for the reconstruction of the country.

This and more was discussed during the meeting of the Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine Vadym Melnyk with the Head of the EU Consultative Mission (EUAM) Antti Hartikainen in the office of the Mission and further directions of cooperation were discussed.

Recently the European Union granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. Our country aspires to become a full member of the EU, and the support of European countries and European institutions is extremely important both for the country and for state authorities. The decision to obtain candidate status is an important signal of support and the need to continue reforms in Ukraine, approximation to EU standards.

Investigation of economic crimes, seizure of assets of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, prevention of unjustified use of budget funds, as well as institutional development of the Bureau - current areas of activity of the ESBU in wartime conditions.

For the effective implementation of these areas, the parties agreed to cooperate on the following issues:

• investigation of criminal offenses related to misuse of state funds and international financial assistance.

• seizure of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

• detection and prosecution of financial schemes of organized crime.

• development of analytical capabilities.

• international cooperation with partner agencies in EU countries.

Protection of Ukraine's economic interests is one of the components of the National Security of our country. The EUAM is ready to support the activities of the ESBU in the prevention and fight against economic violations through strategic consultations, methodological support, trainings and the exchange of European experience. With joint efforts, we will ensure the economic security of our state.