EditEU sounds alarm as Ukraine curbs anti-corruption agencies
A Western diplomat described the developments as “the most dangerous moment” for Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework
Kyiv’s recent move to tighten control over its anti-corruption agencies has sparked sharp criticism from the European Union, raising doubts about Ukraine’s commitment to reforms critical for its EU accession ambitions and lending credence to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s assertion that Ukraine is unprepared for membership.
On 22 July Ukraine’s parliament passed amendments granting the general prosecutor, appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sweeping authority over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
These changes, which shift oversight from independent bodies to the executive, have been decried as a rollback of anti-corruption efforts, prompting protests and warnings from EU officials that Ukraine’s path to membership is at risk.
The amendments, approved by Zelenskyy’s parliamentary majority, allow the general prosecutor to transfer cases and reassign prosecutors within NABU and SAPO, undermining the agencies’ autonomy. Established post-2014 Maidan Revolution to combat endemic graft, these bodies have been central to Ukraine’s reform agenda, a prerequisite for EU integration and securing billions in Western aid. Their independence has been a cornerstone of Kyiv’s alignment with European values, particularly in eradicating the legacy of corruption tied to past Russian influence.
However, recent actions, including the arrest of two NABU officials on 12 July by Ukraine’s security agency on suspicions of Russian ties, have intensified concerns about political interference. Critics, including NABU chief Semen Kryvonos, labeled the arrests and subsequent legislation as an attempt to “destroy” Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.
The EU’s response was swift and pointed. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed “serious concern,” stating that dismantling NABU’s independence is a “serious step back” for rule-of-law reforms at the heart of accession talks. The EU has long emphasized that fighting corruption is non-negotiable for Ukraine’s membership bid, initiated with its candidate status in 2022.
The rollback gives arguments to EU sceptics, notably Orbán, who has repeatedly argued that Ukraine’s governance and judicial weaknesses make it unfit for membership. His stance, often framed as a defence of EU standards, gains traction as Kyiv’s actions appear to validate his concerns, potentially complicating consensus among the EU’s 27 member states required for Ukraine’s accession.
Public backlash in Ukraine was immediate, with hundreds protesting near the presidential administration in Kyiv on 22 July, marking the largest demonstrations since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Smaller protests erupted in other cities, reflecting fears that executive overreach could erode democratic gains.
Vladyslava Kirstyuk, an 18-year-old protester, voiced concerns rooted in her childhood under Russian occupation in eastern Ukraine, saying, “I know what it means for one person to have all the power, when nothing is transparent.”
The protests underscore a broader public sentiment that curbing anti-corruption efforts risks returning Ukraine to a system of unchecked power, reminiscent of its pre-Maidan era.
Zelenskyy defended the amendments in a late-night address, insisting that NABU and SAPO would continue functioning but must be “cleansed” of any Russian influence. He emphasized the need for “more justice” and accountability, framing the changes as necessary to protect national security.
However, critics argue the reforms prioritise control over independence, a move that could alienate Western allies. A Western diplomat described the developments as “the most dangerous moment” for Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework, warning that Kyiv is “testing the limits” of its partners’ patience.
The financial markets reflected the unease, with Ukraine’s government bonds dropping over 2% on international markets, trading at 45–50 cents on the dollar. This follows a $20 billion debt restructuring in 2024, signalling investor concerns about Ukraine’s reform trajectory.
Anti-corruption campaigners are further alarmed by recent government actions, including fraud charges against a prominent activist and the rejection of an internationally endorsed NABU detective for an economic security role, seen as political retribution.
Caption: European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos speaks to the press during a European Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers Council in Brussels, Belgium, 20 May 2025. The Council will discuss EU military support for Ukraine and the latest developments in the Middle East and in Syria. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
Updated: July 23, 2025 - 10:29
