Corruption Puts Ukraine EU Accession at Risk

On July 22, 2025, Ukraine enacted a law that places the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president. The change immediately triggered protests across Kyiv and other cities and a wave of warnings from Brussels and EU capitals that Ukraine EU accession is at risk if independent anti‑corruption oversight is weakened.

EU says the move endangers Ukraine EU accession

The European Commission said it was deeply concerned and asked Kyiv for explanations, stressing that NABU and SAPO must remain independent because the rule of law is a core condition for Ukraine EU accession and for disbursing EU support. Members of the European Parliament who visited Kyiv on July 21–22 underlined the same point.

German officials warn of consequences

Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said limiting the agencies’ independence hampers Ukraine’s way toward the EU. From the European Parliament, Daniel Freund called the decision a “serious breach of trust” and flagged that continued EU funding cannot be taken for granted, while budget‑control chair Niclas Herbst said supporters of Ukraine are “deeply worried.” FDP MEP Moritz Körner added that without independent anti‑corruption, there is no place for Ukraine in the EU.

Street protests intensify pressure

Thousands rallied for two consecutive days in Kyiv and in several regional cities, demanding the law be repealed and chanting against political control of investigations. Demonstrations became the largest since the start of the full‑scale war, reflecting fears that backsliding would undercut EU aspirations and reconstruction funding.

Zelenskyy cites security threats, proposes corrective bill

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the measure as a wartime step to remove alleged Russian influence and speed stalled cases after Ukraine’s security service (SBU) said it had found a mole inside NABU who allegedly sent restricted information to Russia’s FSB at least 60 times. Facing domestic and international pushback, Zelenskyy pledged to table a new draft to safeguard independence, but rights groups say the promise does not undo the damage unless legal control is clearly restored.

What the law changes in practice

Analysts say the law gives the prosecutor general sweeping powers over anti‑corruption cases, including directing NABU and SAPO, reassigning cases to other bodies and limiting their ability to pursue senior officials, which critics argue could blunt probes into high‑level graft. Parliament passed the bill rapidly before the summer recess; Zelenskyy signed it the same day.

Ukraine EU accession at risk also puts EU funding at stake

The EU’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024–2027 ties most disbursements to reform milestones on transparency, justice and governance. The Commission and Parliament have repeatedly linked payments to measurable progress; civil‑society watchdogs note that €30.37 billion is contingent on reform benchmarks. Lawmakers warn that if reforms stall, tranches can be delayed.

Transparency data heightens scrutiny

Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index scores Ukraine at 35/100, ranking 105th of 180, an improvement over the past decade but still a weak baseline for EU standards. The organization condemned the new law as a threat to post‑2014 progress and to international trust in Ukraine’s oversight institutions.

Parliament delegation details from Kyiv visit

An EU Budgetary Control Committee delegation led by Niclas Herbst met Ukrainian MPs, officials, NGOs and investigative journalists in Kyiv on July 21–22. After the vote and signature, the delegation emphasized that safeguarding the independence of NABU and SAPO is essential for protecting EU taxpayers’ money and for Ukraine’s accession track.

Civil society and allies urge reversal, monitoring continues

Human Rights Watch labeled the law detrimental to the rule of law and urged Ukraine to restore institutional independence. Media in Brussels reported that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requested formal clarifications. With protests ongoing and parliament in recess, pressure is building for either repeal or a robust amendment that clearly re‑establishes independent anti‑corruption powers.