Corruption investigator: EU welcomes Zelensky’s withdrawal

Brussels (dpa) – Senior representatives of the EU welcomed the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s reversal on a controversial decision regarding corruption investigators. Zelensky’s signature on the law to restore the independence of the special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the national anti-corruption bureau was a welcome step, commented EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa in a joint message. The rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine should continue. They remain crucial for Ukraine’s progress on its path to the EU.

Zelensky had previously signed a law just last week that effectively placed the two anti-corruption bodies under the General Prosecutor’s Office. This had led to strong protests among the Ukrainian population and also within the EU. Both bodies were established in 2015 with Western support to combat bribery and nepotism among high-ranking state officials and politicians.

Effective anti-corruption measures are one of the fundamental prerequisites for the EU to enable Ukraine to make rapid progress towards its desired membership in the Union. According to the non-governmental organization Transparency International, the country attacked by Russia continues to be among the states with the most significant corruption problems in Europe. (July 31)