EU Demands Clarification from Ukraine
(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to explain recent actions taken against the nation’s anti-corruption bodies.
These developments have triggered widespread public demonstrations across the country and sparked criticism from abroad.
The integrity of these institutions was considered vital to Ukraine’s aspirations for European Union membership and the continuation of assistance from Western allies.
According to legislation approved by Ukraine’s parliament on Tuesday and signed into law by Zelensky shortly afterward, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have now been brought under the authority of the Prosecutor General.
This position is politically appointed, raising concerns about the independence of the agencies.
The contentious measure came after law enforcement operations were carried out at NABU, following President Zelensky’s assertions that the bureau may have fallen under Russian sway.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier confirmed that von der Leyen had engaged in dialogue with Zelensky.
During their communication, she “conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences” of the legislation and sought “explanations.”
Mercier emphasized that the new law “risks weakening strongly the competences and powers of anti-corruption institutions of Ukraine.”
He also relayed von der Leyen’s appeal for the preservation of “the rule of law” and the ongoing “fight against corruption,” stating firmly, “There cannot be a compromise.”
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