The European Commission’s spokesperson, Guillaume Mercier, stated that Ukraine should delay implementing controversial regulations until the independence of anti-corruption bodies is ensured. This remark follows a conversation between EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kaczka.
On July 31, Ukraine’s parliament will meet to discuss an urgent draft law from President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at enhancing the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). Following a review of the proposed changes, NABU and SAP indicated that the draft restores their previous powers.
Zelensky’s push for urgent amendments came in response to criticism from the European Commission and various European capitals regarding recent parliamentary changes that limited NABU and SAP’s autonomy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen directly reached out to Zelensky over these concerns. Under the controversial amendments, NABU and SAP would fall under the authority of Ukraine’s Attorney General, who reports to the president.
Mercier informed PAP on Friday that the European Commission will keep monitoring the developments in Ukraine and the subsequent actions taken. “The European Commission also offered its support in this process,” he noted.
He expressed support for President Zelensky’s statement and the Ukrainian authorities’ commitment to act, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions, which are vital for Ukraine’s reform agenda and EU accession process. He urged the Ukrainian authorities to guarantee these standards fully and stated that controversial regulations should be halted until then.
Commissioner Marta Kos also had a phone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kaczka, highlighting that adherence to the rule of law and EU values is essential not just for EU membership, but also reflects the desires of the Ukrainian populace.
Ukrainian citizens have protested against the restrictions on NABU and SAP’s autonomy over the past week across various cities, even amidst the ongoing war. (26.07.2025)
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