Ukraine's anti-corruption law

EU after corruption talks with Zelensky: "Ukraine can count on support"

On Sunday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Volodymyr Zelensky about the country's anti-corruption laws, which have become a hot topic in Ukraine.

von der Leyen urged Zelensky to protect the independence of anti-corruption authorities. After a law amendment that limited their independence was met with strong criticism, the Ukrainian president presented a new proposal that will restore their independence.

Ukraine must preserve the "cornerstones of the rule of law principles," the EU leader wrote on X after the talks. She also stressed that the country can "count on support" when it comes to working towards future EU membership.

EU withdraws 16.5 billion in Ukraine aid after the crisis

The EU is withdrawing 1.5 billion euros, just over 16.5 billion kronor, in aid to Ukraine after the controversy surrounding the country's anti-corruption law, which has been deemed a step in an autocratic direction, reports the New York Times.

The money will be withdrawn from planned payments to Ukraine, which are made on an ongoing basis on the condition that certain reforms in a democratic direction are implemented. However, the decision is not final and may be changed if certain criteria are met.

Among other things, the EU wants to see changes in decentralization and the appointment of judges to the highest anti-corruption court.

The conditional aid package runs over four years. A total of 50 billion euros can be paid and lent, to stabilize Ukraine's economy and support the recovery after the war, writes the Kyiv Independent.

New law – it’s relevant

• On July 22, the Ukrainian parliament voted to pass a law restricting the independence of the anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sapo.
• President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law the same day, despite widespread protests in Kyiv and several other cities.
• The European Commission and several European leaders expressed concern and warned that the law could affect Ukraine’s EU ambitions.
• Zelensky defended the law on the grounds that it would clear out Russian influence, but promised after the protests to present a new bill.
• On July 24, Zelensky presented a new bill to restore the independence of the anti-corruption agencies, which was welcomed by the EU and the relevant authorities.