EU welcomes Ukrainian law on the independence of the anti-corruption authorities

EU welcomes Ukrainian law on the independence of the anti-corruption authorities

A large number of European leaders welcomed the news that the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj has signed a law that restores the independence of the most important anti-corruption authorities in his country. A total of 331 out of 340 MPs present on Thursday voted for the law, which forms an overwhelming constitutional majority.

Anti-government protests in Ukraine

Last week nationwide Anti- Government protests in the Ukraine, after the parliament had approved a law, which put the two main institutions - the national anti -corruption office of Ukraine (NABU) and the specialized anti -corruption prosecutor (SAPO) - under the control of the government. These large-scale demonstrations were the first significant anti-government protests in Ukraine since Russia's invasion of 2022.

withdrawal of the controversial law

When he approved the law last week, Selenskyj called a necessary step to free the two authorities from "Russian influence". Two employees of one of the institutions were "suspected of working for Russian secret services last week". But on Thursday the president rowed back and in a Explanation on X exist to withdraw the controversial law.

New legislation for the integrity of the country

The law that he signed on Thursday is "a guarantee for the proper independent functioning of the anti-corruption authorities and all law enforcement authorities in Ukraine," said Selenskyj. He added that the new law has regular polygraphent tests for "all law enforcement officers who have access to state secrets or have relatives in Russia".

support of the European Union

"This is the right decision. It is very important that the state listens to public opinion. That it hears its citizens. Ukraine is a democracy - without a doubt," said Selenskyj. Ukraine has long been one of the most corrupt countries in Europe. The European Union has warned Kiev that it has to implement strong anti-corruption measures if it wants to join the block.

positive echo from Europe

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and António Costa, the President of the European Council, said in identical contributions to X that the law signed on Thursday was a "welcome step". "The rule of law and the anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine should be continued. They remain decisive for Ukraine's progress. The EU will continue to support these efforts," they said.

Kaja Kallas, the high representative of the EU for foreign and security policy, also expressed that "the step of Ukraine to restore the powers of the anti-corruption authorities demonstrates their will to quickly get back on track when it comes to European values. ” "The rule of law and the fight against corruption are crucial for every country that is aiming for the EU accession," she emphasized. Diplomats from the EU countries Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden also welcomed this step.