Von der Leyen names key condition for Ukraine’s EU accession amid anti-corruption law
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (Getty Images)
To join the European Union, Ukraine must continue reforms in the areas of the rule of law and anti-corruption, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Twitter (X).
She commented on the signing of the law on the independence of NABU (the National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAP (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to von der Leyen, this was a positive step.
"Ukraine’s rule of law and anti-corruption reforms should continue. They remain essential for Ukraine’s progress on the European path. The EU will continue to support these efforts," the European Commission President added.
NABU and SAP regain their powers
Last week, the Verkhovna Rada (the parliament - ed.) passed a bill by majority vote that curtailed the powers of NABU and SAP and made them partially subordinate to the Prosecutor General.
This initiative was sharply criticized by the European Union, as it threatened Ukraine’s fight against corruption.
However, today, on July 31, Members of Parliament adopted a new law that restored the powers of NABU and SAP. The bill was submitted to the Rada by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
