The EU urges Ukraine to defend the independence of anti -corruption organisms, after this week's controversy
Ursula von der Leyen with Volodimir Zelenski, photo: Ukraine Presidents Office / Alamy / Profimedia
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urged the leader of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, to preserve the independence of anti -corruption organisms, following the controversy of Kiev's initiative to limit their powers, AFP reports.
In a post on X Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen said he had a “good conversation” with Volodimir Zelenski.
“Ukraine has already achieved a lot during its European. It has to build on these solid foundations and preserve independent anti -corruption bodies, which are the foundation stones of the Ukraine law. Ukraine can rely on our support to make progress during its European course,” added the President of the European Commission.
Ukraine sparked a wave of criticisms on Tuesday, when the Kiev Parliament voted to revoke the autonomy of two anti -corruption institutions, placing the National Anticorruption Bureau (NABU) and the specialized anti -corruption prosecutor (SAP) under the direct authority of the Attorney General, which is appointed by Zelenski.
At that time, the EU described the measure as a “serious step back”, with critics saying that such an approach will allow the Kiev government to mix in cases of high corruption.
Von der Leyen himself asked for “explanations” of Zelenski, a rare reprimand from Brussels, who came in the context in which Kiev makes efforts to join the EU.
The action sparked unprecedented protests in Kiev, and the President of Ukraine gave back two days later, announcing new legislative provisions to guarantee the independence of anti-corruption bodies.
“I just approved the text of a draft law that guarantees a true consolidation” of justice and security services and protects them from “any Russian influence or interference”, while ensuring “the independence of anti -corruption agencies,” Zelenski said on Thursday.
The EU quickly greeted the announcement of President Zelenski, saying that the anti -corruption fight is “an extremely important priority for us and Ukraine.”
