The European Commission has issued its strongest criticism yet of Ukraine’s leadership, warning that a new law undermining anti-corruption agencies could jeopardise Kyiv’s EU membership path.
The European Commission is hardening its tone against Ukraine following the approval of a controversial law that weakens the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The legislation, signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, just hours after being approved by parliament, places both institutions under the direct oversight of the prosecutor general, a political appointee. The prosecutor general will also have the power to reassign cases being investigated by NABU and SAPO, a move critics warn could erode investigative autonomy and enable political interference.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen telephoned Zelenskyy on Wednesday to express what a Commission spokesperson described as her “strong concerns” and to demand “explanations” from the Ukrainian leadership.
“President von der Leyen conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments, and she requested the Ukrainian government for explanations,” the spokesperson said.
“The respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. There cannot be a compromise.”
The public rebuke represents a significant shift in tone from Brussels, which has largely offered uncritical political support to Kyiv since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. This marks the first time the Commission has issued such direct criticism of the Zelenskyy administration.
On Tuesday, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also condemned the legal amendments, warning they “risk weakening strongly the competences and powers of the anti-corruption institutions of Ukraine.”
“Both institutions, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) are widely regarded as cornerstones of Ukraine’s rule of law. These institutions are crucial to Ukraine’s reform agenda and must operate independently to fight corruption and maintain public trust,” the Commission said.
Anti-corruption reform is a core condition for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and is also seen as essential for attracting foreign private investment needed for post-war reconstruction. Ukraine’s candidate status was granted in June 2022, but further progress requires demonstrable commitment to EU standards.
In response to the backlash, Zelenskyy used his nightly video address to defend the government’s position, suggesting the reforms aim to insulate the institutions from malign foreign influence.
“The anti-corruption infrastructure will work, only without Russian influence – it needs to be cleared of that. And there should be more justice,” Zelenskyy said, referencing recent raids on NABU over alleged Russian espionage links.
“It is important that the Prosecutor General is determined to ensure that in Ukraine, the inevitability of punishment for those who go against the law is actually ensured. This is what Ukraine really needs.”
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffi...
Kazakhstan has elected its first unicameral Kurultai, bringing into force a sweeping political overhaul launched less than a year ago. The vote mar...
Syrian and Israeli officials held U.S.-brokered talks in Jordan on Sunday to ease tensions after an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase near Tü...
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a wartime election, arguing that holding a vote while Russia's full-scale invasion continues would divide the country and undermine national unity.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is seeking to raise up to $1.77 billion in a Hong Kong IPO after its valuation fell around 70 per cent from its private-market peak four years ago.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th of August, covering the latest developments.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Monday that his party will introduce a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media. The proposal would allow fines of up to 10 per cent of a platform’s global revenue for non-compliance.
Icelanders will vote on Saturday, 29 August, on whether to resume negotiations with the European Union, in a referendum that could reopen the country’s long-debated membership question.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment