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Ursula von der Leyen Calls Zelenskyy Over Anti-Corruption Agencies Independence Law
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![Photo of Maryna Kulakova]( "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
Ursula von der Leyen has reportedly called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to voice “strong concerns” and demand “explanations” over a new Ukrainian law that undermines the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), according to EuroNews citing a EU Commission spokesperson on July 23.
"President von der Leyen conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments, and she requested the Ukrainian government for explanations," a Commission spokesperson said.
"The respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the European Union. As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. There cannot be a compromise."
The legislation, passed by Ukraine’s parliament on July 22 and signed by Zelenskyy, places both agencies under the direct supervision of the prosecutor general—a political appointee. Under the new rules, the prosecutor general will have the power to handpick cases from NABU and SAPO and reassign them to other state institutions, a move critics say could open the door to political interference in sensitive investigations.
Previously on July 22, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos issued a statement aimed at halting the law’s progress, warning that its rapid passage through parliament had alarmed EU officials.
"We are very concerned about the adoption of the Criminal Code amendments in Ukraine. They risk weakening strongly the competences and powers of the anti-corruption institutions of Ukraine," the spokesperson continued.
"Both institutions, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office are widely regarded as cornerstones of Ukraine’s rule of law. These institutions are crucial to Ukraine's reform agenda and must operate independently to fight corruption and maintain public trust."
Earlier, Ukrainian President gathered all heads of Ukraine’s law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, along with the Prosecutor General.
“It was a much-needed meeting—a frank and constructive conversation that truly helps. We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers. And defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement and anti-corruption system—one that ensures a real sense of justice,” he wrote.
He added that they agreed that everyone would work solely in a constructive manner.
