The European Union welcomed Ukraine’s decision to reverse a controversial law undermining the independence of its anti-corruption agencies after President Zelenskyy submitted new legislation addressing Brussels’ concerns.
The European Union is keeping a close watch on developments in Ukraine after a recently approved law undermining the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies prompted Brussels’ first official rebuke since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The law, swiftly passed by Ukraine’s parliament and signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct control of the prosecutor general, a political appointee. The prosecutor general will now have the authority to select cases handled by NABU and SAPO and reassign them to other state entities, as well as issue binding instructions—changes critics warn could enable the executive branch to influence or derail high-profile investigations.
The European Commission, which regards NABU and SAPO as cornerstones in the fight against corruption, has voiced strong opposition. Last year’s enlargement report praised SAPO’s independence and recommended that its head be able to open investigations into lawmakers without prosecutor general involvement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed “strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments” to Zelenskyy and requested explanations, a Commission spokesperson said. “The respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. There cannot be a compromise.”
Amid pressure from widespread protests in Ukraine and warnings from EU officials, Zelenskyy reversed course and submitted a new bill described as offering “full-fledged guarantees of the independence of anti-corruption agencies.” The proposal includes regular polygraphs for NABU and SAPO employees who handle state secrets.
The draft law was presented to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration on 31 July, with Parliament Chairperson Ruslan Stefanchuk proposing it be adopted immediately and signed urgently. NABU and SAPO issued a joint statement saying the new law would restore “all due process powers and guarantees of independence” and urged swift approval.
The Commission cautiously welcomed the reversal, with a spokesperson saying, “We welcome the fact that the Ukrainian government is taking action and we’ll work with them to make sure that our concerns, which have been clearly explained, are indeed taken into account.” A source familiar with the process said the Commission is largely satisfied with the new draft law but will not publicly endorse it until all objections are addressed, offering technical assistance to Kyiv as needed.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy denied having spoken with von der Leyen recently, calling reports of such a conversation “fake.” The Commission declined to comment on his remarks.
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