European Commission chief expects Ukraine to clarify scandalous NABU law

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has discussed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy the law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada that reduces the powers of the NABU and the SAP. The European side is concerned about the consequences of the changes for the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies.

According to a representative of the European Commission, Guillaume Mercier, Brussels is closely monitoring the situation and expresses serious concern. According to him, the NABU and the SAP remain key elements of the country's legal system and play a critical role in the implementation of reforms.

President von der Leyen asked President Zielenski for clarification. She emphasised that Ukraine, as a candidate for EU accession, is obliged to observe the principles of the rule of law and effectively fight corruption. There can be no compromises in this matter," Mercier noted.

We shall remind you that on 22 July, the Verkhovna Rada adopted law No. 12414, which, according to experts and international partners of Ukraine, threatens the independence of the anti-corruption infrastructure. The document allows the Prosecutor General to interfere in the work of NABU and SAP, redirect cases and give binding instructions to detectives and prosecutors.

In addition, as the author of Socialportal notes, Ukraine will face the risks of European integration. Ukraine has faced criticism from the European Union after the adoption of a law limiting the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP).

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Koss said that the adopted changes contradicted the commitments made by Ukraine on the eve of its accession negotiations with the European Union. According to her, one of the key reforms, which was a condition for the start of the European integration process, has been jeopardised.