In response to growing nationwide protests and pointed criticism from the European Union, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has forwarded a new bill to parliament that aims to restore the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. This move comes as concerns mounted over recent legislative changes perceived to undermine these bodies. The bill, introduced to the Verkhovna Rada, seeks to guarantee full autonomy to these institutions, safeguard them from Russian interference, and adopt preventative measures against potential abuses. Zelenskyy emphasized that EU experts had been consulted to ensure comprehensive expert capabilities were engaged. The Verkhovna Rada is expected to consider the bill by the end of July alongside other legislative initiatives.
Earlier, the quick passage of a contentious law, known as 4555-IX, ignited widespread protests throughout Ukraine, including cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and Odesa. Protestors raised alarms that this legislation compromises the efficacy and independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). These agencies were originally established in the wake of the Euromaidan movement in 2015 and were integral to Ukraine securing financial support from the International Monetary Fund. The adoption of 4555-IX, followed by President Zelenskyy’s swift signing, bolstered the role of the Prosecutor General while potentially curtailing the operational autonomy of NABU and SAPO.
The EU has also expressed its concern, with President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission reaching out to President Zelenskyy. She communicated apprehensions regarding the legislative changes’ implications and demanded an explanation from the Ukrainian government. A European Commission spokesperson further reiterated that adherence to the rule of law and robust anti-corruption efforts are essential pillars for EU membership, reflecting the expectations placed on Ukraine as a candidate country. Moreover, Human Rights Watch cautioned that the new legislation threatens not only the rule of law but also Ukraine’s democratic integrity and its aspirations for EU accession, drawing attention to the targeting of prominent anti-corruption activist Vitaliy Shabunin.
As Ukraine navigates this complex situation, the proposed bill represents an effort to address both domestic dissent and international criticism. With the upcoming deliberations in the Verkhovna Rada, stakeholders and observers alike are closely watching the developments. More details can be accessed in the report by JURIST.