The EU evokes Ukraine to order. Von der Leyen demands “explanations” regarding the fight against corruption

The chairwoman of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen demanded explanations from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelnski after the adoption of the Act on anti -corruption institutions, which caused a wave of protests in Ukraine – the spokesman of KE Guillaume Mercier told PAP.

He reported that von der Leyen “expressed serious concern about the consequences of new regulations that deprive the anti -corruption bodies of independence, and” demanded explanations from the Ukrainian government. “

On Tuesday, the European Commission expressed a deep concern about the adoption by Ukraine by changes in the Penal Code, which – according to Brussels – can seriously weaken the competence and independence of key anti -corruption institutions: the National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nab) and the Special Anti -Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP).

– Both of these institutions are widely recognized as the foundations of the state of law in Ukraine. They must remain independent to effectively fight corruption and maintain social trust (to the authorities) – wrote Mercier.

Von der Leyen contacted this matter directly with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelnski.

Mercier reminded that respect for the rule of law and effective fight against corruption are the basic conditions for membership in the European Union. “As a candidate country, Ukraine is obliged to fully follow these rules. There is no place for compromise in this matter,” he warned.

Commissioner for the rule of law Michael McGrath also referred to changes in Ukrainian. At a press conference in Copenhagen, he said that the position of both anti -corruption organs has been built in Ukraine for a decade and they are seen as the cornerstone of the rule of law in this country.

– Respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are the basic elements of the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine must fully observe these standards and in this matter there can be no compromise, regardless of the circumstances in which Ukraine is located, ”emphasized McGrath.

– We do not want the progress that is hard to win in Ukraine and which was built for many years, to be withdrawn – he added. According to him, the EC is afraid that as a result of Nab and SAP changes they will be subordinated to the Prosecutor General.

Changes in Ukrainian almost cause concern in the context of the ongoing accession process of this country to the EU and extensive reforms, which Ukraine undertook to conduct as part of approaching the standards of the European Community.

Ukrainian anti -corruption agencies, the National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti -Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), called on Wednesday to restore their independence after talking to Zelanski. The meeting with the head of state was organized in connection with the adoption of a law significantly limiting the autonomy of Nab and SAP.

Nabu and SAP ensured their devotion to the interests of the Ukrainian nation. They informed that they continue working on the preservation of the professionalism of both institutions and maintaining the results achieved over the years of their activities. The bosses of both agencies pointed out that the rule of law and compliance with the law remain key values for them and “expect the same approach from other bodies (state)”.

Nabu thanked Ukrainian citizens for support. “It was thanks to the active participation of citizens that the anti -corruption reform became possible” – it was emphasized.

Earlier on Wednesday, the President of Ukraine, the leadership of law enforcement agencies and anti -corruption institutions, including NAB and SAP, as well as Prosecutor General Rusłan Krawczenko agreed that next week a working meeting would be held on a joint action plan. In two weeks this plan is to be ready.

On Tuesday late in the evening, the signature of Zełueski appeared on the Parliament of Ukraine's Parliament under the Act on the Limitation of NAB and SAP autonomy.

Earlier, the Interfax-Ukraina agency reported that there was a protest in Kiev against the Act (parliament) adopted by the Supreme Council, which limits Nab and SAP independence. Over 1,000 people came to the demonstration.

Parliament voted on Tuesday a law on the reduction of NAB and SAP autonomy, which is now to be subject to the Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine. The day before, SBU carried out searches in anti -corruption institutions; At least two people were detained.

The director of Nabu Semen Krywonos stated on a press briefing that the parliament, when adopting the bill on limiting NAB and SAP autonomy, actually destroyed anti -corruption infrastructure.

The National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine was established in 2014. Its creation was one of the conditions for cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF.

From Brussels Łukasz Osiński (PAP)

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