Ukrainian anti-corruption officials are urging the European Commission to commence accession negotiations, emphasizing that such actions would bolster their independence amid increasing state interference. Semen Kryvonos, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), and Oleksandr Klymenko, the Deputy Prosecutor General overseeing the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), stressed these points during a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement. They highlighted that formal negotiations would safeguard their ongoing anti-corruption efforts and assure adherence to rule-of-law mandates integral to the EU accession process.
The discussions also revealed concerns over possible encroachments on their agencies’ operations. Notably, Kryvonos and Klymenko cited a recent incident involving the detention of two detectives following actions from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Such incidents have raised alarms regarding the integrity of their investigations, particularly in light of ongoing allegations surrounding Russian infiltration. NABU and SAPO have disputed any claims of misconduct against their personnel, signaling a commitment to maintaining their operational independence.
A significant worry for both agencies revolves around a proposed law granting immunity to individuals engaged in counterintelligence activities, which they believe could undermine their authority. This draft legislation would allow the SBU to protect individuals from investigations led by NABU or SAPO by asserting that these individuals were cooperating with their efforts, thereby eroding the integrity of anti-corruption measures in Ukraine. The ongoing debate surrounding this legislation underscores the precarious balance between national security and anti-corruption enforcement.
Compounding these issues, a recent law passed by Ukrainian parliament—which initially restricted NABU and SAPO’s ability to investigate high-level corruption—sparked national protests and attracted sharp criticism from both civil society and European officials. Although this controversial law was subsequently repealed, it reflects the turbulent landscape in which anti-corruption bodies operate, as both internal and external entities scrutinize Ukraine’s commitment to combating corruption.
The European Commission, in response to these developments, affirmed its unwavering support for NABU and SAPO. The Commissioner underscored that the fight against corruption is pivotal for Ukraine’s EU accession and broader reconstruction efforts. It was emphasized that establishing a robust anti-corruption framework is essential not only for meeting EU accession criteria but also for creating a secure and inviting environment for foreign investment crucial for Ukraine’s recovery.
Despite Ukraine being granted EU candidate status shortly after Russia’s invasion, the momentum towards initiating formal negotiations has been stalled, notably due to concerns from Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s consistent disparagement of Ukraine as a “corrupt mafia state” exemplifies the political obstacles facing Ukraine on its path to EU integration. Meanwhile, an external audit of NABU indicated that, while the agency is moderately effective, further reforms—such as granting autonomy in wiretapping and access to classified information—are necessary to enhance its independence and effectiveness in combating corruption.
