Threat to investment and financing: OECD on the consequences of the loss of independence of NABU and SAP
Фото: з відкритих джерел
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned Ukraine that the attack on NABU and SAPO will negatively affect investments and financing.
This is stated in a letter addressed to the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Mudra, reports “European Truth”.
In a letter, the Head of the OECD Anti-Corruption Division, Julia Fromholtz, expressed “deep concern” about the NABU and the SAPO after the adoption of Bill No. 12414.
She stated that this law significantly undermines the independence of Ukraine’s specialized anti-corruption bodies.
The letter also notes that these changes in legislation may be viewed by the OECP working group as a weakening of Ukraine’s compliance with its obligations.
Fromholz stated that this law jeopardizes Ukraine’s aspirations to join the OECD.
“If this letter reaches you after the signing of the bill, we call for further legislative changes to preserve the independence of specialized anti-corruption bodies. I urge you to consider this issue with the utmost seriousness,” the document states.
Fromholz also warned of the consequences for Ukraine if Kyiv does not take action to correct the problem.
“If (the issue raised by the adoption of the law) remains unresolved, it will not only jeopardize Ukraine’s prospects for joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and its efforts to join the OECD, but will also undermine its credibility among international partners, including those considering investing in Ukraine’s defense sector and its long-term reconstruction,” she concluded.
As a reminder, on 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.
Subsequently, 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.
However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a high-profile law that significantly changes the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), strengthening control by the Prosecutor General.
By the way, the Verkhovna Rada plans to prepare a submission to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to repeal Law No. 12414, which limits the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
It is worth noting that Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp expressed concern about the restrictions on the independence of anti-corruption institutions in Ukraine, emphasizing that this threatens the country’s progress towards EU membership .
Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , Twitter , Telegram , and Instagram.