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Concerns have been raised by numerous critics of the recent legislation, suggesting Ukraine might be backtracking on a decade of democratic progress. While Ukraine has adopted a firm stance against corruption, a move seen as crucial for its EU aspirations and for maintaining the confidence of allies providing wartime assistance, investigators indicate that corruption remains a significant challenge.
Marta Kos, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, strongly criticized the vote, emphasizing the vital role of anti-graft bodies for Ukraine’s EU accession journey. She expressed her “serious concern” over the vote on X, stating that “The dismantling of key safeguards protecting Nabu‘s independence is a serious step back.”
Anastasia Radina, who chairs the Ukrainian parliament’s anti-corruption committee, commented that the bill contradicts Ukraine’s EU accession process. an anonymous european diplomat described the progress as “unfortunate,” but also noted, “Is it a setback? Yes. Is this a point of non-return? No.”
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s former foreign minister who departed the government in 2024, characterized the measures as a “bad day for Ukraine.” He added that “Now the President has a choice – to stand on the side of the people or not.”
On July 21, law enforcement carried out extensive raids at NABU, apprehending an employee suspected of espionage for Russia. Transparency International’s Ukrainian branch characterized these raids as an “attempt by the authorities to undermine the independence of Ukraine’s post-revolution of Dignity anti-corruption institutions.”
In 2024,Transparency International ranked Ukraine 105th out of 180 countries in its “corruption perceptions index,” an advancement from its 144th position in 2013.
