Von der Leyen Demands Strict Ukraine Anti-Corruption Reforms

European Commission Presses Ukraine on Anti-Corruption Reforms

During a phone call on July 28 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of establishing a robust institutional framework for Ukraine as a future EU member. She highlighted the necessity of preserving the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, signaling a clear stance from the EU on this critical issue.

The European Commission has urged Ukraine’s Parliament to adopt a new draft law without delay. This law aims to fully restore the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The Commission stressed that respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are fundamental principles of the European Union. These values are central to the accession process and reflect the expectations of the Ukrainian people.

A spokesperson for the Commission stated that “compromise is not possible” and that the EU expects Ukraine’s leadership to take decisive action to restore public and international trust by upholding the rule of law effectively. This message underscores the urgency of the situation and the high stakes involved in Ukraine’s reform efforts.

Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance

European Pravda reported that the EU had warned Ukraine of potential consequences if Parliament fails to repeal provisions in the recently adopted law that undermine NABU and SAPO’s independence. On July 24, EU representatives reportedly informed the Ukrainian government through diplomatic channels that all financial assistance to Ukraine would be suspended. According to the report, this pause will remain in place until a new law restoring NABU and SAPO’s independence is adopted.

This move highlights the EU’s firm position on the matter and signals that financial support is conditional upon Ukraine meeting certain standards. It also reflects the broader concerns within the EU about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption measures and their impact on the country’s progress toward EU membership.

Controversial Law No. 4555: What We Know

On July 22, Parliament passed draft law No. 12414, now known as Law 4555, which was widely condemned as an attempt to strip NABU and SAPO of their independence. President Zelenskyy signed the bill into law that same evening, and it entered into force on July 23 following its publication in the official parliamentary paper Holos Ukrainy.

The law introduces further amendments to a package of changes to Ukraine’s Criminal Code. These changes were proposed by lawmaker Maksym Buzhanskyi of the Servant of the People party. The passage of this law sparked protests in Kyiv and several other cities, including Odesa, Lviv, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk, on the evening of July 22. Larger nationwide protests followed on July 23–24.

Despite calls to veto the bill, Zelenskyy signed it into law. In a video address published overnight on July 23, he stated that NABU and SAPO would continue to operate despite the new legislation. At the same time, he argued that Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure must be “cleansed of Russian influence.”

New Bill Submitted by Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy later submitted a new bill to Parliament on NABU and SAPO, claiming it would “strengthen the system of law enforcement.” This new proposal comes amid growing pressure from the EU and domestic stakeholders to ensure the independence and effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.

Parliament is expected to consider Zelenskyy’s new draft law on NABU and SAPO on July 31. The outcome of this legislative session could have significant implications for Ukraine’s relationship with the EU and its overall anti-corruption efforts.

Ongoing Challenges and Public Response

The controversy surrounding Law 4555 has raised concerns among both domestic and international observers. The OECD has warned that the anti-graft law threatens defense investments and recovery aid, highlighting the broader economic implications of the legislation.

Protests and public demonstrations have underscored the deep divisions within Ukrainian society regarding the direction of the country’s anti-corruption reforms. While some support the need for change, others fear that the new law may weaken the very institutions meant to combat corruption.

As Ukraine navigates these challenges, the pressure from the EU and the demands of its citizens will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its anti-corruption framework. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Ukraine can meet the expectations set by its European partners and build a more transparent and accountable governance system.