Ukrainians Protest in Brussels for the First Time Over NABU and SAP Independence Restrictions
A historic protest took place in Brussels, marking a significant moment for the Ukrainian diaspora.
Ukrainian nationals gathered not to demand weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but to voice their discontent with recent internal legal changes compromising the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
On July 23, dozens of Ukrainians assembled in front of the Ukrainian Representation to the EU, protesting against Law No.
12414, which severely weakens the positions of NABU and SAP, threatening their independence and effectiveness in fighting corruption.
This was the first such event during the ongoing full-scale war, where the Ukrainian community in Brussels demonstrated activity centered on domestic issues.
The protesters emphasized that their solidarity is aimed not only at fellow citizens within Ukraine but also at those abroad who oppose policies that undermine judicial and anti-corruption independence.
They reminded that Ukrainian soldiers are fighting not for laws that erode democratic institutions but for the future of reform and sovereignty.
The protesters also called on European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to seek clarifications from Kyiv on this legislation, as it poses threats to Ukraine’s future European integration prospects.
Reports also indicate that protests inside Ukraine persist on the second day, growing in scale and intensity, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and disagreement with laws that undermine the independence of anti-corruption bodies.