Brussels (dpa) – High-ranking EU officials have expressed approval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s decision to reverse a contentious move concerning corruption investigators. Zelensky’s endorsement of the law reinstating the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the national anti-corruption bureau was praised by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa in a joint statement. They emphasized the need for continued rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, which are vital for the country’s advancement towards EU integration.
Just a week prior, Zelensky had signed a law that effectively subordinated the two anti-corruption entities to the General Prosecutor’s Office, provoking significant backlash from both the Ukrainian populace and EU officials. These institutions were created in 2015 with Western backing to fight corruption and favoritism among senior state officials and politicians.
Robust anti-corruption efforts are essential for the EU to facilitate Ukraine’s swift progression towards its aspiration for Union membership. The non-governmental organization Transparency International reports that Ukraine, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, remains one of the European nations grappling with severe corruption issues. (July 31)
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