Ukraine Reinstates Anti-Corruption Agencies After EU Pressure and Mass Protests
By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Under pressure from the European Union and amid growing public unrest, Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday passed a law restoring the independence of the nation’s two key anti-corruption agencies — a move widely seen as vital to its EU membership ambitions.
The vote followed the largest anti-government protests since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with tens of thousands rallying across Kyiv, the capital, and other cities to demand accountability and transparency.
The legislation was adopted by a wide margin, with 331 lawmakers voting in favor, far surpassing the 226 votes required. The outcome marked a dramatic reversal for many lawmakers who had only days earlier supported controversial legislation that undermined the independence of anti-corruption institutions, triggering widespread outrage.
Crowds outside parliament erupted in cheers when the result was announced. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had faced mounting criticism over the issue, signed the bill into law within two hours, his office confirmed in a post on social media.
Even as jubilant demonstrators celebrated what they described as a victory for democracy, Kyiv was reeling from another deadly Russian drone and missile attack overnight.
Authorities confirmed that at least 16 civilians were killed and over 150 injured after strikes hit residential neighborhoods in the capital. Emergency workers were still pulling survivors from the rubble as lawmakers voted on the reform.
The attack was part of a sustained Russian bombardment campaign against Ukrainian cities, despite warnings from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who earlier this week threatened to impose “unprecedented sanctions on Russia within 10 days” if the Kremlin continues its assaults.
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
Trump also warned countries still conducting business with Moscow that they would “face serious consequences.”
The European Union welcomed Ukraine’s swift legislative response. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU’s executive European Commission, and António Costa, president of the European Council, both said in identical posts on social media platform X that the new law signed Thursday was a “welcome step.”
“Ukraine’s rule of law and anti-corruption reforms should continue. They remain essential for Ukraine’s progress on the European path. The EU will continue to support these efforts,” they stressed.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also wrote on social media that “Ukraine’s move to restore powers of anti-corruption bodies demonstrates its resolve to quickly get back on course when European democratic values are at stake,” even in wartime.
The German Foreign Ministry described the parliamentary vote as “a positive and necessary step on the path to restoring lost trust.” However, Berlin emphasized that more work lies ahead for Ukraine to qualify for EU membership.
The law reinstates safeguards for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — both key institutions long supported by Ukraine’s Western allies.
EU officials have made it clear that robust anti-corruption measures are a non-negotiable condition for further EU accession talks with Kyiv. The previous legislation, passed earlier in July, was widely criticized for giving the executive branch excessive control over anti-corruption agencies.
Officials suggested that the new law restores institutional independence and aligns Ukraine’s governance more closely with EU standards.
FACING PRESSURE
While the legislative reversal has eased immediate tensions between Kyiv and Brussels, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of reforms in a country battling both internal political pressures and external aggression.
President Zelenskyy, in remarks communicated via his official media channels, stated:
“This guarantees the normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in our country. It is the right decision.”
He also acknowledged that “it is very important that the state listens to public opinion,” referring to the recent protests.
“Ukraine is a democracy — there is no doubt about that. Government officials will also immediately inform Ukraine’s partners about this law,” he said.
The law takes effect immediately, and officials say Ukraine will formally notify EU leaders within days.
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