Key Facts
• July 27: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ensure the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
• Zelenskyy indicated that a related bill could be adopted within days.
• July 24: Zelenskyy submitted a bill to restore the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
• The bill follows protests against a law that increased the prosecutor general’s control over anti-corruption bodies.
• Von der Leyen emphasized Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership and the importance of maintaining rule of law.
• Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for EU expertise and stressed the urgency of passing the bill.
• Von der Leyen reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
Summary
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to maintain the independence of anti-corruption agencies during a phone call on July 27. Zelenskyy submitted a bill on July 24 to restore the independence of these agencies after protests erupted over a law that increased the prosecutor general’s control. Von der Leyen highlighted Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for EU support and emphasized the need to pass the bill promptly, potentially as early as next week. The European Commission remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.
