European Diplomats Emphasize the Importance of Independent Key Anti-Corruption Institutions in Ukraine
Amid concerning news regarding Ukraine's efforts in the fight against corruption, European diplomats have reiterated the urgent need to preserve the independence of crucial anti-corruption bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Kateryna Maternova, held an important meeting with Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, discussing the prospects of maintaining the integrity and independence of these institutions. According to diplomatic sources, the conversation focused on the necessity to continue reforms within the prosecutor’s office to ensure the effective and autonomous functioning of anti-corruption agencies, which play a vital role in combating high-level corruption. The meeting took place ahead of significant political signals: President Volodymyr Zelensky, in media comments, emphasized his commitment to rectifying the situation with NABU and SAP to safeguard Ukraine’s European future. However, Brussels expressed concerns over a new law passed in Ukraine and has requested further clarifications from Kyiv. EU Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mersché stated during a recent press briefing that Brussels is deeply worried about this issue and has already contacted President Zelensky regarding his position. The upcoming steps, based on official announcements, involve close cooperation between Ukraine and the European Commission to ensure that European concerns are properly addressed. European leaders are urging Ukrainian authorities to consider all warnings concerning the legal independence of anti-corruption structures, emphasizing that this matter is not only internal but also crucial for Ukraine’s European integration process.