EU concerned over Ukraine’s moves against key anti-corruption agencies
Photo: European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier (x.com guillaume_mcr)
The European Union has expressed concern over Ukraine's recent actions against National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The EU emphasized that these bodies must remain independent, as this is the key to reforms and the fight against corruption, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier says.
According to the spokesperson, the European Union is concerned about Ukraine's recent actions regarding anti-corruption bodies, in particular the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).
"These bodies are crucial for Ukraine's reform program and must act independently to fight corruption and maintain public trust," he emphasized.
The European Commission representative emphasized that the EU provides significant financial assistance to Ukraine on condition of progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance.
Brussels also reminded that Ukraine's accession to the EU will require a strong capacity to fight corruption and ensure institutional sustainability.
"The EU will continue to monitor the situation and support Ukraine in respecting the rule of law," said Mercier.
Searches at NABU and SAPO
Yesterday, the NABU said that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), allegedly without official warning, came to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to check compliance with the law on state secrets.
The SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office also conducted a special operation to neutralize Russian influence on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.
For its part, the SBU announced a comprehensive inspection of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office regarding compliance with state secrets legislation. The agency emphasized that it did not receive access to classified information.
In addition, the Verkhovna Rada will consider a bill to limit the powers of the NABU and the SAPO. Anti-corruption agencies oppose this decision.
