European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen has asked Ukrainian President ,Volodymyr Zelenskyy for explanations on the controversial reform weakening the country’s anti-corruption agencies.
Von der Leyen’s Spokesperson said that she conveyed her “strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments,” adding that she requested “explanations” about the change.
The European Union (EU) is “very concerned” about the adoption of the new law, which it said “risks weakening strongly the competences and powers of anti-corruption institutions of Ukraine.”
It stressed that respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the bloc. It noted that as a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. “There cannot be a compromise,” it added.
Prior to this, Zelenskyy met with anti-corruption and security officials pledging to draw up a plan to fight corruption within the next two weeks as he seeks to address the public frustration with the rushed reform in this area.
In a post on Telegram, he called it a “very necessary meeting, a frank and useful conversation that really helps.”
“We all have a common enemy – the Russian occupiers, and the protection of the Ukrainian state presupposes sufficient strength of the law enforcement and anti-corruption systems, and therefore – a real sense of justice.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Responding to last night’s protests, he said, “We all hear what society says.” He added, “We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the efficiency of each institution.”
Zelenskyy disclosed that during the meeting, they discussed the necessary administrative and legislative decisions that will allow them to strengthen the work of each institution, resolve existing contradictions, and eliminate threats. “Everyone will work together, and we will support them at the political level,” he stated.
He added that the group will present a detailed plan on “what steps are needed and will be implemented to strengthen Ukraine and eliminate existing issues, provide more justice, and truly protect the interests of Ukrainian society” within the next two weeks.
Zelenskyy Urged To Repeal New Law
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to approve a contentious bill weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies is facing growing criticism at home and abroad .
France’s European Minister, Benjamin Haddad said that it was not too late for Ukraine to reverse its decision.
“It is not too late to go back on this. We will be extremely vigilant on the subject.”
Benjamin Haddad
Ukrainian environmental activists added their voices to the growing domestic criticism of President Zelenskyy’s rollback of anti-corruption reforms.
Razom We Stand, an NGO that campaigns against authoritarian fossil fuel regimes, said that the move undermined the rule of law in Ukraine and “potentially jeopardises” crucial aid such as the Ukraine Facility and critical investments in reconstruction and renewable energy, as well as the country’s chances of joining the EU.
Svitlana Romanko, Founder of Razom We Stand, said that the law is a clear threat to the rule of law, demolishing the independence of anti-corruption prosecutors and undermining citizens’ hope of building a “democratic, European Ukraine.”
“It strips key institutions of their autonomy, making them indistinguishable from ordinary law enforcement agencies.”
The group, which has pushed the EU to stop buying Russian fossil fuels, called for the immediate repeal of the law. It said independent anti-corruption institutions have been essential to attracting private investments in Ukraine, and would be needed for a green reconstruction including transition minerals and energy infrastructure.
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