EU's Concerns Over Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Reforms

The European Union has voiced its concerns over Ukraine's recent actions regarding its National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) in light of the passage of bill No. 12414. 

Brussels is troubled by the adoption of a law that restricts NABU's operations.

European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier stated that the EU is concerned about the recent developments.

This was reported by NV from the EU representation in Ukraine.

Mercier emphasized that NABU and SAP are crucial for Ukraine's reform agenda and must operate independently to effectively combat corruption and maintain public trust.

He noted that the EU provides significant financial assistance to Ukraine on the condition of progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance. Furthermore, he stated that Ukraine’s EU accession will require a robust capacity to fight corruption and ensure institutional resilience.

“The EU will continue to monitor the situation and support Ukraine in upholding the rule of law,” the European Commission added.

At the same time, according to data from “European Truth,” Mercier mentioned that the European Union is currently not planning to raise the issue of suspending financial assistance to Ukraine due to these actions.

“This issue is not currently under discussion,” said Mercier.

He explained that when it comes to the financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine, there are several decision-making systems and control mechanisms that could theoretically be applied. “Thus, there are safeguards in place. But we will see if we ever get to that point,” the EC spokesperson remarked.

NABU Director Semen Kryvonos stated that the approval of bill No. 12414 by the Verkhovna Rada effectively undermines the anti-corruption infrastructure.

This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

“In fact, this poses a threat to our country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Two independent institutions – NABU and SAP – are being effectively placed under a dependent regime,” said the NABU director at a briefing on Tuesday, July 22.

It is worth noting that today the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 12414 in its entirety, which, according to experts, grants the Attorney General the power to interfere in NABU investigations and transfer cases from the Bureau to other law enforcement agencies.

The Rada adopted a bill that could subordinate NABU and SAP to the Attorney General.

Today, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted bill No. 12414, which had been criticized in parliament and by anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency International, as an attempt to strip the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) of their independence.

The controversial bill was supported by 263 members of parliament.

These legislative amendments effectively make the Attorney General the head of SAP, allowing for direct influence over NABU.