EU still concerned despite Ukraine reversing controversial NABU law
Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement (Getty Images)
The European Commission believes that the law adopted today by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) restores key guarantees of independence for NABU and SAPO. At the same time, it notes that problems still remain, according to Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.
"The Rada corrected last week's damaging vote undermining NABU's & SAPO's independence. Today's law restores key safeguards, but challenges remain," said Kos.
She also emphasized that the European Union supports citizens' demands for reforms, and that "upholding fundamental values & fighting corruption must remain the priority."
NABU and SAPO powers restored
On July 31, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk signed draft law No. 13533, aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO, which had previously been adopted by MPs. A total of 331 members of parliament voted in favor.
The document was developed as an alternative to the controversial draft law No. 12414, which significantly restricted the powers of the anti-corruption agencies and triggered public outrage as well as criticism from international partners.
The bill was promptly sent to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for signature, and he signed it as well.
Why the controversy arose
Last week, the Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 12414, which limited the independence of NABU and SAPO by transferring part of their powers to the Prosecutor General.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly signed the document, sparking a wave of public outrage. Mass protests took place in Kyiv and several other cities across Ukraine.
A few days later, Zelenskyy submitted a new draft law, No. 13533, to parliament, aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO.
