EU concerned about the elimination of the independence of anti-corruption bodies: details
фото: facebook Ruslan Stefanchuk
The Verkhovna Rada’s support for draft law No. 12414, which effectively strips the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) of its independence and could limit the powers of NABU, has raised serious concerns in the European Union. The decision will affect the annual assessment of Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership, which the European Commission will publish in October.
This is reported by ZN.UA.
The decision of the Ukrainian Parliament to support draft law No. 12414, which, according to experts and international partners, significantly limits the independence of the SAPO and NABU, may have strategic consequences for the European integration process.
A source in the EU structures notes that the impact of this decision will be undeniable in the context of the annual assessment of the progress of candidate countries towards EU accession, which the European Commission traditionally conducts in the autumn. The next report is due to be published at the end of October.
“Official Kyiv was clearly informed about the potential consequences. European diplomats did everything possible to warn about the risks of such a decision,” the publication’s interlocutor in Brussels noted.
In response to the situation with the adoption of the bill, European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier expressed deep concern. According to him, the EU continues to support Ukraine, but expects real progress on issues of transparency, judicial reform, and the fight against corruption.
“Ukraine’s accession to the EU requires a strong capacity to fight corruption and ensure institutional stability. The EU will continue to closely monitor events in Ukraine,” Mercier emphasized.
Brussels is awaiting the Ukrainian authorities’ reaction and a possible course correction. At the same time, according to EU sources, the results of the progress assessment could significantly affect the pace of further negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Previously, the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to sign the bill , which, in their opinion, destroys the independence of these bodies.
As a reminder, on Tuesday, July 22, the Verkhovna Rada voted for a bill that significantly limits the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), effectively subordinating their activities to the Prosecutor General.
As reported, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have published an official statement regarding draft law No. 12414, which is being prepared for the second reading in the Verkhovna Rada. The anti-corruption bodies warn that the latest amendments to the document pose a serious threat to the independence of their activities.
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