Ukrainian Parliament’s Anti-Corruption Committee Supports Zelensky’s Initiative to Restore Independence of NABU and SAP: Key Events and Future Government Plans
On Tuesday, July 29, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took a significant step toward strengthening anti-corruption institutions by unanimously endorsing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s draft law No.13533 aimed at fully restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
This initiative was the result of persistent efforts by the anti-corruption sector and sent a clear signal to both domestic and international partners about Ukraine’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the autonomy of key law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Yaroslav Zeleznyak from the Holos faction noted that during the review of the bill, representatives from NABU confirmed they had no objections.
He emphasized that the process is primarily managed by the Committee on Law Enforcement, indicating cross-party consensus.
The next day, July 30, the Law Enforcement Committee is scheduled to review Zelensky’s bill and other alternative proposals from different factions.
Although the Batkivshchyna faction announced that they would not support the bill, the position of other parliamentarians and law enforcement officials remains crucial for the decision-making process.
Zeleznyak explained that if the bill passes the first vote, alternative proposals will be considered in the subsequent voting, with a possible second round if the initial attempt fails.
In case of failure, the parliament will vote again on various alternative bills, including one registered by 48 deputies — bill No.13531.
The ongoing political tensions are exacerbated by the European Union’s potential to halt funding if the independence of NABU and SAP is not restored.
Following controversial legislation (bill No.12414), which limited the independence of anti-corruption agencies, President Zelensky promised to develop a new bill guaranteeing their independence and protection from Russian influence.
The registration of Bill No.13533 reflects that effort.
Experts like lawyer Mykola Myakhov warn that between the previous bill restricting independence and the new initiative, a loophole exists that could be exploited by top corruption officials, particularly through the Prosecutor General.
The future of Ukraine’s anti-corruption reform remains uncertain, with parliamentary and civil society actors playing crucial roles in shaping the reforms.
The ongoing debate underscores the importance of maintaining the autonomy of NABU and SAP for Ukraine’s political and social stability.