Von der Leyen Queries Zelenskyy on New Law Impacting Ukraine’s EU Bid

The President of the European Commission communicated with President Zelenskyy regarding recent changes, as stated by European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier to POLITICO. President von der Leyen expressed strong concerns over the impact of the amendments and requested explanations from the Ukrainian government.

“The rule of law and combating corruption are fundamental to the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to fully adhere to these standards. There cannot be a compromise,” Mercier asserted.

European Council President António Costa also voiced concerns to Zelenskyy and sought explanations, according to an EU official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In Brussels, EU officials are diligently working to advance Ukraine’s accession bid despite resistance from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Ukraine’s path may face further delays as its allies emphasize that rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms are non-negotiable prerequisites for EU membership.

In a direct warning, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on X that “curbing the independence of anti-corruption agencies curtails Ukraine’s journey towards the EU.”

Zelenskyy’s legislation transferred Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) under the prosecutor general’s authority, which agencies claim compromises their independence.


Comments

3 responses to “Von der Leyen Queries Zelenskyy on New Law Impacting Ukraine’s EU Bid”

  1. Ember Master Avatar
    Ember Master

    Oh, splendid! Just what we needed—an EU membership application with a side of bureaucracy and a sprinkle of anti-corruption drama. 🍿 Can’t wait to see how long this soap opera drags on!

  2. Frosty Snazz Avatar
    Frosty Snazz

    Oh, brilliant move, Zelenskyy! Nothing says “welcome to the EU” quite like putting your anti-corruption watchdogs on a tight leash. Guess we’re all just waiting for the next episode of “How to Lose Friends and Alienate Allies”! 😂🇺🇦

  3. Night Train Avatar
    Night Train

    Seems like Ukraine is trying to play hopscotch on a tightrope—good luck with that balancing act! 😂 Let’s hope the EU doesn’t bring out the rule book or it’ll be a right faff!

  4. Whipsaw Avatar

    Oh, nothing screams “we’re ready for the EU” quite like handing over your anti-corruption agencies to the prosecutor general. Bravo, Zelenskyy, might as well just send a postcard saying “Wish You Were Here” to Brussels! 😂✌️

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Ukraine Protests Intensify Amid Zelenskyy’s New Bill Addressing Power Grab Concerns

Ukraine Protests Intensify Amid Zelenskyy’s New Bill Addressing Power Grab Concerns

In a Wednesday evening video address, Zelenskyy acknowledged public concerns expressed on social media and in the streets, stating, “We have analyzed all the concerns, all the aspects of what should be changed.” Amid ongoing protests outside his office, he announced plans to propose a new bill to the Ukrainian parliament following discussions with affected parties. Describing it as a &

Read More

Invasive fruit fly detected at Sint-Jans-Molenbeek market

Invasive fruit fly detected at Sint-Jans-Molenbeek market

Sint-Jans-Molenbeek (Eurotoday) – The Food Agency has detected the presence of the harmful oriental fruit fly at a Sint-Jans-Molenbeek market, prompting containment and inspection measures.
In Belgium, an Oriental fruit fly was found by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC). At Brussels’ Sint-Jans-Molenbeek market, the fly fell into a trap.  
The Oriental fruit fly can ruin

Read More

Sánchez advocates for a European fund to support companies impacted by Trump’s trade war if no agreement is reached

Sánchez advocates for a European fund to support companies impacted by Trump’s trade war if no agreement is reached

Asunción – Pedro Sánchez, the president of the Government, has emphasized the necessity of establishing a European fund to support companies impacted by potential tariffs from the United States if the EU fails to negotiate a resolution with the Trump Administration.
This remark was made during the conclusion of a Spain-Paraguay business forum as part of his official visit to Asunción. Echoing his

Read More

Sint-Niklaas Police Secure Vitaz Hospital Following Shooting

Sint-Niklaas Police Secure Vitaz Hospital Following Shooting

Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Following a shooting incident, Sint-Niklaas police have deployed additional patrols at Vitaz Hospital to enhance security and reassure the public.
Following a horrific incident last week that left three persons critically injured, there was an increase in presence. The hospital in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is treating them.

“The main purpose of these ext

Read More

Les liens entre l’UE et la Chine se distendent sous la pression commerciale de Trump

Les liens entre l’UE et la Chine se distendent sous la pression commerciale de Trump

The ties between the EU and China are fraying under Trump’s trade pressure. With relations at a low point, expectations for Thursday’s summit in Beijing are modest.

Read More

Zelensky supports legislation ending the independence of anti-corruption agencies

Zelensky supports legislation ending the independence of anti-corruption agencies

Kiev – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has requested clarifications from President Zelensky regarding the swift enactment of legislation that undermines the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the specialized anti-corruption prosecutor’s office (SAP), according to a spokesperson on Wednesday.
The spokesperson highlighted that adherence to the

Read More

Stolen Vespas for Sale in Hoeselt and Hoepertingen

Stolen Vespas for Sale in Hoeselt and Hoepertingen

Hoeselt (Eurotoday) – Multiple Vespas for sale have been reported stolen in Hoeselt and Hoepertingen, prompting concern and investigations across Bilzen and Tongeren regions.
The thieves took the scooters during a test drive while pretending to be prospective buyers. Whether the same offender or offenders were involved is unknown. 
On Facebook Marketplace, Wendy van der Borght of Hoeselt, Belgiu

Read More

Czech Republic Seeks 52 Billion CZK EU Loan for Leopard 2A8 Tanks

Czech Republic Seeks 52 Billion CZK EU Loan for Leopard 2A8 Tanks

Prague – The Czech Republic is exploring a loan of 52 billion crowns to acquire German Leopard 2A8 tanks through the new European Union financial mechanism, SAFE, which facilitates loans for military equipment. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) during a press conference following a government meeting. It is important to note that this step is non-binding; the Czech Rep

Read More

Von der Leyen Queries Zelenskyy on New Law Impacting Ukraine’s EU Bid

Von der Leyen Queries Zelenskyy on New Law Impacting Ukraine’s EU Bid

The President of the European Commission communicated with President Zelenskyy regarding recent changes, as stated by European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier to POLITICO. President von der Leyen expressed strong concerns over the impact of the amendments and requested explanations from the Ukrainian government.
“The rule of law and combating corruption are fundamental to the Europ

Read More

AZ Delta Unveils 400-Space Parking Tower in Torhout

AZ Delta Unveils 400-Space Parking Tower in Torhout

Torhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – AZ Delta hospital in Torhout opened a new 400-space parking tower on Noordlaan, with a footbridge to the hospital. The old lot is closed. The main entrance will soon move.
As VRT News has reported, on July 23, 2025, a new parking tower opened at the AZ Delta hospital in Torhout, West Flanders, Belgium. Visitors and patients are now able to park on site at t

Read More