Ukraine’s parliament voted on Tuesday, July 22nd, to take away the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
These bodies, created after the 2014 revolution, were meant to fight corruption and ensure transparency in public life. Now, they will be placed under the control of the Prosecutor General—an official appointed by the president.
The move, which passed with 263 votes in favour and only 13 against, has raised serious concerns at home and abroad. Critics warn that this change could allow political interference in investigations, weaken efforts to fight corruption, and hamper investigations into authorities or individuals close to the president.
Just days before the vote, Ukraine’s security service arrested two NABU employees, accusing them of spying for Russia. Some believe this was used as an excuse to push the law through quickly.
Despite this setback for democracy and the rule of law, the European Union continues to push for Ukraine’s fast-track accession. This is alarming, as the EU has long said that fighting corruption is a basic requirement for joining.
